Helping adolescents prepare for Confirmation is an important task. That’s why it’s a good thing the task is shared! Parents, sponsors, catechists, Confirmation directors, pastors, parish members, and bishops all play a part in the catechetical team for Confirmation. All Saints is emphasizing several components in the Confirmation process to bring a full bodied catechetical experience that will propel students into living Christ centered lives. Components help walk students through the questions of: "How do we Receive Christ's gifts?", "What does Christ ask of us in Return?", and "How do we help Reveal Christ's love?". The program itself includes the following: In class catechesis - Ydisciple (accessed via FORMED.org), family events , a student retreat, small group sessions, and Works of Mercy. Students will learn to reflect more deeply on their relationship with Christ, identify their individual gifts, and develop interpersonal skills enabling them to more fully engage as part of a faith community.
In Class Catechesis/YDISCIPLE
The eight sessions are only the beginning of a life long conversation about our faith and how God is calling us to be disciples of Christ. Please take the time to sign up on FORMED to have digital access to the videos and parent sheets as a way to connect with your child about Confirmation. Students will be following two video series from Ydisciple: "The Invitation" and "Never Alone - Life with the Holy Spirit". Supplementary content is also available at FORMED.org through the seriese titles "Symbolon for Teens" both series offer access to the videos and coordinating parent and participation.
Family Events
Enrollment Diner:
A rite of “passage night” This is designed to be a special night for candidates and their parents. Dress Slacks, skirts, nice tops, etc. Students will sign the “Enrollment” sheet and We will have a Guest Speaker presentation.
Sponsor Retreat/Breakfast
Students will have an opportunity to discuss their faith journey with sponsors.
Spirit Sunday
An opportunity for to reconvene after the summer months. It is designed for students and parents to come together one last time before Confirmation to share their experiences and witness their faith to each other.
Student Retreat
This is an opportunity for students to intentionally set time aside to reflect on their identity as a child of God and the gifts that he has given them. Retreat will include large group talks, small group discussion, fun activities/down time, opportunities for Adoration, and Confession, and individual prayer. This will be held at the end of April and will include a Friday evening and full day on Saturday.
**Note: Prior to receiving Confirmation, each candidate must affirm that they do indeed want to go through with Confirmation. In the past, these have been done as “Confirmation Interviews” a week or two before Confirmation. We will be incorporating reflection time on this into our retreat.
Small Groups
Small groups are a follow up to the retreat experience. It allows students to continue forming relationships with each other in a personal setting with only a small number of peers over the summer months. The purpose is to provide students opportunity to form relationships and experience faith based relationships among peers. Small groups will be parent led and will meet over the summer in our youth room. Parent volunteers will work in teams of two and will be provided with materials, support, and guidance necessary to lead a small group.
Works of Mercy
Students will need to complete 3 Spiritual Works of Mercy and 3 Corporal Works of Mercy prior to receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. Students are asked to complete a short scriptual study before choosing Works of Mercy to complete.
Confirmation
Your daughter or son will be receiving the sacrament of Confirmation on TBD date.