1

“I have called you by name;

You are mine” - Isaiah 43:1

Confirmation Handbook

2013-2014 Sacramental Preparation for the Rite of Confirmation

St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church

2

St. Philip’s CONFIRMATION CLASS 2013-2014

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace in many ways: • It unites us more firmly to Christ and increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us • It renders our bond with the Church more perfect (whole) • It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the Faith by works and actions as true wit-nesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross

How do I prepare myself? • Be open to how God will strengthen you and continue to be present in your life. • Participate in every opportunity given to you by making your responses come alive and keeping your eyes

and ears ready to see what God is doing in your life. • Be aware: parish community, parents, sponsors, and catechists are all here to help you prepare. What is required of me in this journey to Confirmation?

You are asked to…

1. Select a Sponsor: who will walk with you and help you in your journey to prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Each candidate is asked to choose an adult member of St. Philip’s or the greater Catholic community to act as a sponsor during the Confirmation journey. Your Sponsor will represent you and the Catholic community and should be seen as a life-long role model and moral guide. Sponsors selection guidelines: Sponsors must be Confirmed, practicing Catholics at least 18 yrs. of age. Sponsor should be active in their faith and Christian life. Active participation means that the sponsor regularly attends Mass and are involved in the life of their parish and – most importantly –their own faith formation. A Sponsor is preferably the Baptism Godparent or someone outside the immediate family. Parents may not be sponsors. 2. Attend weekly Mass and all sacramental prep. sessions, retreats and days of reflection as designated in the CCE calendar – Parents must attend all parent meetings. 3. Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 4. Write a Reflection on the Saint you have chosen. (year 1) 5. Write a Reflection on the type of service work you participated in during this process. (year 2) 6. Participate in at least 3 service projects each year. Service projects sponsored by St. Philip’s Youth Group. (see youth flyer) 7. Attend scheduled Confirmation retreat each year with your class. Retreats are Mandatory 8. Actively participate in chosen parish ministry. See Catechists for Volunteer options. Volunteer options include: Lector, Music Ministry, Nursery Volunteer, CCE Aide/Office Help, Ushers/Greeters, Altar Servers 9. Attend the Confirmation rehearsal prior to the celebration of the Sacrament -- Sponsors are encouraged to attend all parent meetings and the rehearsal if available to do so. If not available, parents or other family member must plan to attend. 10. Attend Confirmation Mass in spring of year two.

3

CATECHETICAL GUIDELINES FOR THE

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROGRAM

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Lynette Zaunbrecher, Confirmation Coordinator 281-386-9783 Candidates are expected to: • Present Proof of Baptism • Have consistent attendance at all scheduled CCE classes. • Consistent attendance at Sunday Mass each week. ‘Remember to keep holy the

Sabbath day’ (The two basic exceptions to this commandment are illness, emergency.) • Attend all special meetings, sacramental preparation sessions and retreats as

scheduled in the CCE Calendar (2yr program) • Submit saint reflection and service report and documented service projects to

the CCE office as specified. • Participate in parish community life by volunteering for chosen parish ministry. • Participate in at least 3 service projects, sponsored by St. Philip’s Youth Group,

each year.

St. Philip’s Sacramental & Catechetical guidelines require that:

All high school Age children who are catechetically out of sync with the Confirmation prep. classes, (i.e..; unbaptized or uncatechized) must contact the Confirmation Catechist for an appointment time to discuss these special circumstances…...

These high school students will participate in specially designed classes along with their regular prep. classes. This gives each student the opportunity to gain further knowledge of the Catholic Faith in a developmentally appropriate and compelling manner.

4

The Confirmation Name: Holding to our Customs God calls each person to a particular saint whom he may emulate in life, and from whom he may learn that our Catholic mission is to sanctify the world—starting with a Confirmands own life! The devotion to a patron saint, if given proper importance, will remain with students for the rest of their lives. All students profit spiritually from devotion to a patron saint. Many aspects of this Holy person’s life can become experiential for the Confirmation candidate. Saints are canonized because of an heroic life lived in Christ, a life that stressed holiness above all. A saint brings many people to Christ, and through the superb example of a holy life, can trans-form whole families, communities and nations. Therefore, students identify with the saints human strengths and weaknesses as they study their prayers & writings. They can call upon their saint’s intercession in times of great need, as well as celebrating the saint’s special feast day in the church calendar. This saint will also be of critical spiritual help to them at various times in life as devotions such as these remain our last defense of faith.

The Saint Reflection Whatever name you decide on, your own name or that a favorite saint, we ask that you explore how this holy person, this saint, offers you witness to walk more closely with Christ during the Confirmation preparation process. If you intend to take another name for Confirmation, state it explicitly in your reflection: 1. For Confirmation, I am taking the name of … because OR 2. For Confirmation, I am affirming my Baptismal name of … because Guidelines for writing your Saint Reflection Reflections are Due April 10th, 2013 Saint Reflection must be 1-2 pages in length. Good grammar and writing style are appreciated. • Begin with: For Confirmation I am taking/affirming the name... • Provide a brief summary of the saints life. • Why did you select this Catholic saint? • How can the life of this saint be a model of faith and commitment to you throughout the Confirmation process? • Please – do your best to write a genuine, reflective, original work. When Completed 1) Turn in to your Confirmation teachers. 2) Drop off in the CCE office.

5

SERVICE TO OTHERS

Service Reflection Guidelines

To serve, is a true gift for both the recipient and the giver. It is important not only to listen and understand the Word of God, but also to apply the lessons learned. This is essential to living as a Christian and following Jesus’ footsteps.

The connection between Confirmation and service is this: That each Confirmed Christian has a calling and a responsibility to serve as a living example of Jesus’ teachings – God calls us to serve and we respond. This is also an opportunity for the candidates to explore different ways in which they can be of service to their parish community.

Requirements • Completion of 6 total service projects (3 per year) sponsored by St. Philip’s Youth Group and Service

Reflection due in April, 2014. • All approved and appropriately documented Youth Group service projects will be honored. • It is the Candidate’s responsibility to fulfill the requirements of this project. • Service should not have any financial compensation. • Service should be done with a willing heart and carried out in a generous spirit.

DUE: APRIL 2014

An awareness of the service dimension of the Gospel and the Church is critical for adequate preparation of the candidate for Confirmation. It is precisely this missionary aspect of Christianity that is our focus in Confirmation, the ‘Living out of one’s Faith.’ Therefore, in-parish service work is required in an effort to avoid the notion that once Confirmation is complete, Christian service responsibilities and obligations are also complete. Thought-filled Christian service is the primary goal. In order for the Service hours to be registered, students will need to complete a reflection essay of 1-2 pages in length. Candidates should use the following questions to guide their essay. When completed, the essay, should be turned in to the Confirmation Catechist in the CCE office.

Answer the following questions in your ‘Service Reflection’ essay: • Why do you need to serve others? • What were your service projects • Why did you choose to do these projects

• Describe your experience(s). • What parish ministry did you volunteer

for? • What were your responsibilities and what

did you actually do?

• Was it a new experience?

• Was it difficult/easy?

• How did your actions make you feel? • Do you think your help made a difference?

How? • What did you learn about yourself in doing

these projects? • Which Corporal and/or Spiritual Works of

Mercy were reflected in this project?

• When/where did you see the face of Christ?

• Would you select this project(s) again?

• How did service enhance your experience of Confirmation?

6

CONFIRMATION RETREAT PARTICIPANT BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

The Confirmation retreat is designed to be a special weekend for the Candidates. It’s a time to be with one another and reflect on their journey. In order to keep the weekend flowing smoothly we ask that you remain considerate of one another in observing the following guidelines: • No Personal Entertainment Electronics • No Cell Phones: If we see or hear it, we will take it away. • No Headphones, I-PODS or any similar device. • No device that may be used as a weapon. (lighters, matches, knives, etc. these

items will be taken and your parents will be called immediately to pick you up.) • No running in the building. • No smoking; your parents will be immediately called to pick you up. • No wandering beyond the outside boundaries set forth by the team leaders. • Respect all team members and facilities staff and one another. • Respect quiet time; keep noise to a minimum. • Maintain the facilities and rooms neatly. All furnishings must stay in the rooms in

which they were found. Clean-up of all facilities will be expected on final day of retreat.

ALSO: Ask any team leader for help if you need anything – especially if you feel ill or uncomfortable. Be open to having a good time. Be yourself and work as part of the team.

Student Signature:__________________________________________________________________ Parent Signature: ___________________________________________________________________

7

IMPORTANT! YEAR TWO

Confirmation Interview

Candidates will be interviewed toward the end of Year Two. The point of the interview is to allow the students to express, in a more personal way, their desire to be confirmed as Roman Catholics and to clearly un-derstand their own motivation for wanting to do so. Also, the students should be ready to demonstrate that they under-stand the meaning of the sacrament as well as the basic prayers and ele-ments of Faith and Christian living. The interview will also help to ensure candidates have met all re-quirements and are ready to be confirmed. Each student will be inter-viewed by either the Confirmation Catechist, a member of the catechet-ical staff, or the Parish Priest. Each candidate should have the following Confirmation paperwork ready to leave with interviewer: Year two Confirmation Service Report. REMINDER: THE SACRAMENT of Confirmation is not conferred on demand. A student must prepare well and ask for the sacrament in humility. But someone other must grant the request. The Confirmation ministry team has authority in the name of Christ to recommend any student to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Keep in mind that each student’s personal commitment—attendance and participation each Wednesday evening—will be the deciding factor. With your help and support, we will accomplish great things in Christ.

8

St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church

Confirmation Sponsor Form

Please have your sponsor complete the following information. Return this signed form no later than December, 2013. Confirmation Sponsor Requirements: Specific criteria contained in Canon Law define who may be a sponsor. The following rules apply. • Sponsor must be 18 and over. • Sponsor must be Confirmed in the Catholic Church. • If married, sponsor MUST be in a valid Catholic marriage. • Sponsor must live a life of harmony with the Catholic Faith. • Sponsor cannot be a parent of the candidate. Additional requirements/information: • Sponsors must take an active role in deepening the formation of the candidate's faith life. • The Sponsor serves as companion, guide, model and faith witness for the candidate. • Attendance at Confirmation Mass, which will be held in the spring of 2014; date to be determined. Sponsor Information: Candidates Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Sponsor's Full Name: ________________________________________________________________ Relationship to Candidate: ____________________________________________________________ Sponsor's Complete Address: __________________________________________Age: __________ Are you Confirmed? _____ At which Parish? __________________________________________ Current Parish: _____________________________________________________________________ Parish Address: ____________________________________________________________________ I attest that the information provided on this form is true. I am a practicing Catholic; I believe and accept the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. I understand that an inquiry to confirm my good standing in the Catholic Church may be made for individuals named as sponsors who are unknown to the Pastor of St. Philip's. I also understand and accept the responsibility which I undertake as a sponsor to support this candidate. Signature of Sponsor: ___________________________________________ Date: ________________ Attested By: _____________________________________________________ Date: _______________ (Signature of Sponsor's Pastor) Please return this signed form no later than December, 2013.

9

Letter to Confirmation Sponsors

Welcome to Confirmation Sponsorship Welcome and thank you for taking the time to be present to a teenager on their journey of faith towards the Sacrament of Confirma-tion and their full initiation in the Catholic Church. Your commitment to your teenager (candidate) as a role model and sponsor will play an integral role in helping them to understand what being a Catholic Christian is all about. As we begin this journey please do not underestimate the importance of your role. While being a Confirmation Sponsor has always been an honor, it is not an honorary position. When the students were asked to select a sponsor, they were asked to find someone who fulfilled the following requirements: • A baptized and confirmed Roman Catholic over the age of 18. • Who is in good standing in the Church. • Who is not the parent or guardian of the student preparing for Confirmation. • Who can serve as a role model and be present during this journey of faith. • Most importantly, someone they see trying to live faithfully as a Catholic Christian. You should be honored that your life has spoken to them in this way. Two Year's Journey In preparation for Confirmation, the students in this course will explore the following areas of our Catholic Faith: • Deep and profound knowledge of the Creed • Understanding the identity of the Holy Spirit, as well as the Gifts of the Holy Spirit • Knowledge of who Jesus Christ was, and what Salvation is • What the mission of Holy Catholic Church is • The meaning of a sacrament, and how God is present in all seven Sacraments of the Church • What it means to live a Catholic Christian Life and why it matters As you can see, this two year course is in many respects, a complete study of the Catholic tradition and our faith as a whole. Your Role Suffice it to say, your role is that of both mentor and Christian witness. It is our firmest hope that in you, candidates will find not only inspiration, but true role models of faithful, moral Catholic living. Along the way I would ask you to be open to your candidate and "their" story of faith. Do not be afraid or put off by the questions that they may ask of you. Occasionally these questions are meant to challenge, but most often they are sincere attempts to understand the faith and how it relates to their lives. You Will Need To Attend: All scheduled sponsor and candidate meetings Confirmation rehearsal Confirmation Ceremony Our Thanks! On behalf of Father Barker, and all of the St. Philip's parish community I want to thank you for mentoring your confirmandi through their discovery of their Catholic faith. I know that it will be one of richness and growth for all of us as we journey towards Confirmation. In Christ, Lynette Zaunbrecher, Confirmation Coordinator Candidates Name:______________________________________________________________________ Signature of Sponsor: _________________________________________________________________________

10

Parent / Candidate Covenant To the Confirmation Preparation Process

The Confirmation process is a two year journey in which the Candidate will explore different aspects of the Catholic Faith; including church ministry and service. This process necessitates a full commitment from the Candidate, parents/guardians and sponsor as this is a sacrament that, by definition, call for a time of reflection on personal Faith and a more active participation in the life of the Church. The requirements of the Confirmation preparation process are:

Selection of an appropriate Confirmation Sponsor. Attendance and participation of all sacramental preparation sessions (CCE classes), including all parent

meetings, das of reflection, and retreats. Weekly Mass attendance ~ MANDATORY Minimum of 3 youth group sponsored service projects per year and a written reflection of the service ex-

perience to the Confirmation coordinator. (2 years-6 service projects total) Parish ministry participation is mandatory during the two year confirmation class. Selection of a Confirmation Saint and a written reflection on the life of that Catholic Saint.

___________________________________________________________________ CANDIDATE COVENANT: I understand that it is my choice to enter into the process of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. I am ready to enter into this journey leading me into the Sacrament of Confirmation with my fellow candi-dates, parents, sponsor, and faith community. I will complete the requirements set forth above and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me to Confirmation. Candidate Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PARENT COVENANT: I have read and understand the program requirements of the confirmation preparation process. I will support my child in their journey and encourage them in their commitment to the process. I realize that this includes their attendance at CCE class every week and Holy Mass every weekend. Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________________________________

11

Catholic Update: Confirmation Sponsors What is Expected of Them Today? By William F. Wegher Have you ever wondered why some people have very involved godparents and Confirmation sponsors, while others don’t even know theirs? Perhaps part of the problem is that many godparents and sponsors were chosen for the wrong reasons, or because those same people don’t really know what they’re supposed to do! Do you? This Update will help us to better understand these roles. What is expected of a sponsor today? Sponsors for Confirmation SPONSORS Be at your best If you have been chosen to be a Confirmation sponsor, congratulations! This person sees in you a profound faith com-mitment, finds trust and knows you are someone who will care about them and their faith. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? It’s not all that complicated, but it does take time, a caring heart and a listening ear. If you’re a practicing, mature Catholic, don’t get too worried. Here are a few suggestions on how to the be best possible sponsor for your candidate: ∗ Be a living model of faith. At least a part of what this young person admires in you is your faith!. If the way you

practice your faith is not what it should be, “get it together,” so to speak! If you honestly can’t this is understand-able, but maybe you should decline the invitation to be a sponsor. Your life doesn’t have to become artificially saintly, but your faith should be authentic and sincere.

∗ Pray for your candidate and yourself. As candidates decide to be confirmed, they need spiritual strength. Your

prayers for them are important, but don’t forget to pray for yourself also, that you can share why you value and practice your Catholicism. Attend Mass together, or even have the courage to come to Reconciliation together.

∗ Give of your time and share your gifts. You’ll be asked to spend time together on various activities. This may

mean preparing lessons or even working on a Christian service project. You could also share your own experi-ences or write a letter of encouragement. Let your unique God-given talents and gifts shine! Offer a gift of spiritual significance—a new Bible, rosary or book about our faith or about the saint the candidate has chosen for a Confir-mation name—but be creative and relevant!

∗ Don’t miss the ceremony. Participating in the ceremony is the easiest part of being a sponsor. Your basic job

will be to place your hand on your candidate’s shoulder, and tell the bishop your candidate’s Confirmation name. You’re there to be a support, but your role on Confirmation day is only beginning.

∗ Don’t forget this newly confirmed Catholic. After Confirmation day, remember birthdays and this anniversary.

Send a card or make a phone call. Continue to worship together, or from time to time do some Christian service. Put those “Gifts of the Spirit” into practice.

William F. Wegher is a priest of the Diocese of Lansing, Michigan. He holds an S.T. L. degree from the Catholic Univer-sity of Louvain, Belgium, and is currently associate pastor at St. Mary Student Parish and Newman Center at the Univer-sity of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

12

The Role of Sponsors A sponsor can make an enormous difference in the preparation of a candidate for the sacrament of Confirma-tion. It is important, therefore, that the candidates are encouraged to choose sponsors who are well suited to the role and who will be integral to the preparation process. The Church’s tradition of involving a sponsor in the preparation of candidates for the sacraments of Christian Initiation is one of our most ancient approaches to faith formation. In the early centuries, when the catechu-menate was the entry point for anyone seeking to become a Christian, the sponsor played an extremely vital role. The sponsor was a living witness and mentor who represented the Christian community (its values, beliefs, be-haviors, and so on) to the catechumen. The Sponsor would, in turn, witness to the community on behalf of the catechumen’s readiness for the initiatory sacraments. The role of a sponsor was not over with the celebration of the sacraments, however. It is seen as a lifetime commitment, a relationship that would last throughout the individual’s journey of faith. In the early Church the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation were always celebrated at one time; therefore, there was never a different sponsor at Baptism and Confirmation. In subsequent centuries, however, with the separation of Confirmation from baptism, it became more common to have different persons act as sponsor for those two sacraments. Both the Code of Canon Law (Canon 893.2) and the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation (5) suggest that in view of contemporary pastoral circumstances, it is desirable to have one’s baptismal sponsor act as sponsor at Confirmation. While this remains the ideal, it seems much more important that the sponsor chosen be available and involved with the candidate in a significant way, and be able to offer an authentic example of lived Christian faith. As a bare minimum, the Code of Canon Law specifies that the requirements for acting as a sponsor at Confirma-tion (Canon 893) are the same as those for godparents at Baptism (Canon 874). Briefly, that canon directs that the person must have completed their sixteenth year, be fully initiated, live a life of faith, not be the parent, and not be bound by any other canonical restrictions. One of the challenges that might exist occurs when sponsors live at a distance and cannot interact in person with their candidate. However, in this day of instantaneous Internet and cell phone communication, only a little extra effort is required to maintain regular contact between sponsor and candidate. It is important that interac-tion occurs on a consistent basis and that sponsors are informed about meetings or information they may have missed because of their distance. RCL’s Confirmation preparation program agrees strongly with the important observation made in the General Directory for Catechesis that growth in faith results from one’s involvement in an entire network of relationships within the believing community. (See GDC 141, 158, 254, 257.) Given this perspective, it is clear why the role of sponsor in the formation process is so important. A copy of RCL’s Sponsor Handbook should be offered to each sponsor, and candidates should be given direc-tion and encouragement regarding how to interact with their sponsors throughout the process. (The Sponsor Handbook may also be used by parents who wish to understand and reflect on what is being presented in each

13

Role of a Sponsor/Mentor Your role as a Confirmation sponsor is multifaceted. As you accompany your candidate throughout the preparation process, your role includes affirming the strengths of your candidate and pointing out ways he or she can grow and become better in the practice of faith. It may involve guidance, teaching, and expla-nation of points brought up in the candidate’ CCE sessions. Your candidate may look to you for examples of how to live a life of faith. The role of a sponsor is one of companionship. Good sponsorship does not demand sainthood or perfec-tion. It flows from walking with the candidate, sharing your own faith story and experience, and listening to his or her story. You do not need to be an expert in adolescent psychology or the doctrines of the faith. Good sponsorship is based on your willingness to share your own experiences of being Catholic and growing in your relationship with God. Practical Suggestions: Attend some of the catechetical sessions with your candidate Participate in service projects together Attend Sunday Mass with candidate Spend time with your candidate doing the journey together Participate in activities and dialogue regarding the Catholic Faith Candidates Say: The most important thing my sponsor did was: “She listened to me and respected my opinions.” (Tara) “Acted interested in my life.” (Jaime) “Took me on his Communion calls to the nursing home.” (Lee) “Showed me easy ways to pray.” (Maria) “Explained why going to Mass was important to her.” (Nina)