Confirmation Booklet 2012-2013 - ascension-sd.org · 2 INTRODUCTION WHY CONFIRMATION?WHY...
Transcript of Confirmation Booklet 2012-2013 - ascension-sd.org · 2 INTRODUCTION WHY CONFIRMATION?WHY...
CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION CONFIRMATION
PREPARATIONPREPARATIONPREPARATIONPREPARATION
ASCENSION CATHOLIC ASCENSION CATHOLIC ASCENSION CATHOLIC ASCENSION CATHOLIC CHURCHCHURCHCHURCHCHURCH
2012201220122012----2013201320132013
“YOU SHALL RECEIVE POWER
WHEN THE HOLY SPIRIT
COMES UPON YOU,
AND YOU SHALL BE
MY WITNESSES.”
~ACTS 1:8
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INTRODUCTION
WHY CONFIRMATION?WHY CONFIRMATION?WHY CONFIRMATION?WHY CONFIRMATION?
Confirmation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist, is a Sacrament of
Initiation in the Catholic Church. It is an outpouring of the gifts of the
Holy Spirit and completes the grace received in Baptism. The first Confir-
mation was at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apos-
tles and they were given the grace and strength to spread the Gospel
throughout the world. When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation,
we receive that same outpouring of the Holy Spirit so we, too, may be
able to share the Gospel and bring others to the love of Christ.
You shall receive power
when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,
and you shall be My witnesses.”
~Acts 1:8
PRETARATION PROCESSPRETARATION PROCESSPRETARATION PROCESSPRETARATION PROCESS
The Confirmation preparation process at Ascension is designed to help
teens come to a greater understanding of their Catholic faith, grow in
their relationship with Christ, and practice living the Christian life. With
this foundation, they will be able to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit
received at Confirmation to the fullest.
It is a two year process, usually
during a teen’s freshman and
sophomore years in high school.
Each year there are two
semesters, with eight sessions per
semester. Confirmation sessions
include prayer, catechesis, and
small group faith sharing. In addition to Confirmation sessions, students
participate in our Youth Mass, high school youth nights, and other youth
events.
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COMPONENTS
CONFIRMATION SESSIONSCONFIRMATION SESSIONSCONFIRMATION SESSIONSCONFIRMATION SESSIONS
SYLLABUS YEAR I
• Semester I: Disciples. This semester will focus on God’s unique plan for
every person, his invitation to follow him, and how we can respond.
• Semester 2: Scripture. Students will explore God’s loving plan of salvation
found in Sacred Scripture.
SYLLABUS YEAR II
• Semester I: Morality. Students will learn that following God’s plan brings
the freedom to live the fullness of life He has for each of us.
• Semester II: Creed and Sacraments. We will delve more deeply into what
we profess as Catholics, and understand how God gives us grace through
the Sacraments.
SCHEDULE
Confirmation sessions will take place on Sunday afternoons twice per month
from 4-5:15pm. Please see the calendar in the back of this booklet.
YOUTH MASSYOUTH MASSYOUTH MASSYOUTH MASS
The Mass is our highest form of worship, and receiving Christ in the Eucharist
is central to our Christian lives. Pope Benedict says, “Sunday is the day when
Christians rediscover the Eucharistic form which their lives are meant to
have” (SC, 72).
After classes, Confirmation candidates will attend the 5:30pm Youth Mass
together (unless they usually attend a different Mass with their families). Teens
will be given a “Confirmation Journal” which they will keep to record their
thoughts on the homily or readings for each Sunday. They will need to turn
this in at the end of each semester. Weekly Sunday Mass attendance is
required for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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COMPONENTS
YOUTH NIGHTSYOUTH NIGHTSYOUTH NIGHTSYOUTH NIGHTS
Youth Nights begin with our 5:30pm Youth Mass, followed by an
engaging, relevant, and formative youth gathering.
Youth Nights take place on the first Sunday of every month. Candidates
are required to attend 6 Youth Nights or other youth events each year, in
addition to Confirmation sessions.
PARENT NIGHTSPARENT NIGHTSPARENT NIGHTSPARENT NIGHTS
Every other month we will have a parent/teen night with either a guest
speaker or other event. These need to be attended by either a parent or
sponsor.
BIBLE STUDYBIBLE STUDYBIBLE STUDYBIBLE STUDY
We will be having a weekly Bible study headed by one of our young adult
core team members. *Day and time TBA
RETREATSRETREATSRETREATSRETREATS
Retreats are wonderful opportunities to encounter God free from the
distractions of everyday life. They are an important part of a candidate’s
spiritual journey towards Confirmation. *Dates TBA
OTHER YOUTH EVENTSOTHER YOUTH EVENTSOTHER YOUTH EVENTSOTHER YOUTH EVENTS
In addition to regular meetings, we also social and service events
throughout the year to help strengthen our youth community and
friendships with one another.
SERVICE HOURSSERVICE HOURSSERVICE HOURSSERVICE HOURS
Year I and II Candidates must complete 30 service hours each year, 20 of
which must be done at/or with Ascension. Please document service hours
completed on the service form found in your Confirmation Journal.
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POLICIES
CONFIRMATION JOURNALSCONFIRMATION JOURNALSCONFIRMATION JOURNALSCONFIRMATION JOURNALS
This year, students will be given a Confirmation Journal that they will be able
to keep track of and document their attendance, service hours, and other
requirements. Students will need to bring this Journal to Sunday Mass,
Confirmation sessions, and Youth Nights. It is the student’s responsibility to
ensure that they meet all of the requirements each year for Confirmation.
Journals need to be turned in to Marie at the end of every semester to
check progress.
ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATIONATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATIONATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATIONATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION
Confirmation Sessions: Candidates are allowed one absence from
Confirmation sessions per semester (please let Marie know ahead of time if
you will be absent). Other absences will require meeting with Marie and
completing a makeup assignment to continue the semester. Catholic High
School students are only required to attend the first semester of their first
year, and the second semester of their second year. Please arrive on time. If
you are late, you may be marked absent.
Youth Nights: All candidates (including Catholic school candidates) need to
attend 6 Youth Nights or other approved youth events per year.
Parent/Teen Nights: A parent and/or sponsor needs to attend these
evenings with their teen.
CONFIRMATION READINESS INTERVIEW & TESTCONFIRMATION READINESS INTERVIEW & TESTCONFIRMATION READINESS INTERVIEW & TESTCONFIRMATION READINESS INTERVIEW & TEST
Towards the end of the second year of Confirmation preparation, each
candidate will participate in an informal interview with Fr. Bob to
demonstrate readiness to receive the sacrament. Readiness is determined
by the candidate’s desire to receive the sacrament and satisfactory comple-
tion of the requirements for Confirmation. Before the interview, candidates
will need to successfully complete a test, demonstrating understanding of
what they have learned during their two years of preparation.
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POLICIES
RULES /EXPECTATIONS FOR CONFIRMATION & YOUTH EVENTSRULES /EXPECTATIONS FOR CONFIRMATION & YOUTH EVENTSRULES /EXPECTATIONS FOR CONFIRMATION & YOUTH EVENTSRULES /EXPECTATIONS FOR CONFIRMATION & YOUTH EVENTS
Out of respect for oneself and others, candidates are expected to:
• Behave appropriately and respectfully at all youth events and
Confirmation sessions.
• Anything dangerous or illegal is of course prohibited.
• Use upbuilding and kind speech, and no swearing/profanities.
• Arrive on time.
• Participate in Confirmation sessions, and complete and
assignments/ readings.
• No cell phone or ipod use during Confirmation, Youth events,
and of course Mass.
• Dress modestly and appropriately: All undergarments must be
covered, no skin-tight clothing, exposed midriffs, no low-cut tops,
spaghetti strap tops, strapless or backless tops. No sagging, skin-
tight pants, short shorts or short skirts.
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REGISTRATION
PARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGPARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGPARENT ORIENTATION MEETINGPARENT ORIENTATION MEETING
Parents of new candidates need to attend the Orientation Meeting on
September 9th, at 6:30PM.
ONEONEONEONE----ONONONON----ONE MEETINGONE MEETINGONE MEETINGONE MEETING
Year I Candidates are asked to meet with Marie sometime in September.
Sign-ups will be available at the Parent/Candidate Meeting on September
9th, or contact Marie to make an appointment.
REGISTRATION PACKETREGISTRATION PACKETREGISTRATION PACKETREGISTRATION PACKET
Please complete and return the Registration Form, Medical Release Form,
Parent/Candidate Agreement Form, and Parent Volunteer Form by
September 17th.
Fees:
Year I Public School: $150 per candidate
Year I Catholic School: $100 per candidate
Year II Public School: $150 per candidate
Year II Catholic School: $100 per candidate
BAPTISM AND FIRST COMMUNION CERTIFICATESBAPTISM AND FIRST COMMUNION CERTIFICATESBAPTISM AND FIRST COMMUNION CERTIFICATESBAPTISM AND FIRST COMMUNION CERTIFICATES
If Candidate was not Baptized or received First Communion at Ascension,
please turn in copies of certificates with registration, if you have not done so
in the past.
CONFIRMATION SPONSORSCONFIRMATION SPONSORSCONFIRMATION SPONSORSCONFIRMATION SPONSORS
Please see the sponsor packet for information about the role of sponsors,
forms, resources, and important dates.
Registration is due September 17th.Registration is due September 17th.Registration is due September 17th.Registration is due September 17th.
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2012-2013 CALENDAR
September September September September
9th: Confirmation Parent Meeting, 6:30pm
16th: Youth Night Fall Kick-Off, 6:30pm
23rd: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
30th: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
October October October October
7th: All High School Youth Night, 6:30pm
14th: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
21st: Parent/Teen Night, 6:30pm
28th: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
November November November November
4th: Youth Night, 6:30pm
11th: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
18th: Thanksgiving Break
25th: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember
2nd: Youth Night, 6:30pm
9th: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
16th: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
Teen & Family Christmas Party, 6:30pm
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January January January January
6th: Youth Night, 6:30pm
13th: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
27th: Confirmation Classes, 4pm
FebruaryFebruaryFebruaryFebruary:
3rd: Youth Night, 6:30pm
10th: Confirmation, 4pm
17th: Parent/Teen Night, 6:30pm
24th: Confirmation, 4pm
March March March March
3rd: Youth Night, 6:30pm
10th: Confirmation, 4pm
24th: Confirmation, 4pm
AprilAprilAprilApril
7th: Youth Night, 6:30pm
14th: Confirmation, 4pm
21st: Parent/Teen Night, 6:30pm
28th: Confirmation, 4pm
2012-2013 CALENDAR