Confirmation classes are held every year beginning in September and ending in April. This program is open to any high school student who has not yet been confirmed. Most students participate in this program during the 9th or 10th grade. Classes are held on Wednesday nights from 7:30-9:00 pm throughout the school year with the Confirmation Liturgy TBA. An independent service project, an outline of a book and vocabulary, resume of your saint, and interview is required and expected to be completed by the end of April. Students must be registered YM members to participate in the Confirmation Preparation Liturgy Program.
2011-2012 Confirmation Overview Information Sheet
Course Materials & Homework Completion Postings
· New Testament w/ Psalms & Catholic Quick View (Blue and Green)
· The Catholic Bible Story Workbook (Green, large)
· Exploring the Catholic Church by Marcellino D’Ambrosio (Green, small)
Required Assignments and their Due Date
· Attend SUNDAY NIGHTS in the Fall of 2011 at 6:40pm in Shamrock Hall
o If you miss more than three you will need to talk to Paul
· Sunday, October 2 by Noon Exploring the Catholic Church Worksheet (Chapters 1-4)
· Sunday, November 6 by Noon: Exploring the Catholic Church Worksheet (Chapters 5-8)
· Sunday, December 4 by Noon: Confirmation Vocabulary (1 page, please use back of the bible)
Catholic Bible Story Workbook (Chapters 1-10, & 12)
· Sunday, January 1 by noon: Catholic Bible Story Workbook (Chapters 12,13,16-20, 21, 24, 27, 29-31)
· Sunday, February 5 at noon Service Project
· Sunday, February 5 at noon Saint Resume
· Feb 8-May 9: Eleven Classes & One Day Retreat
· March-April: 10 min interview with Fr. Jerry, Fr. Luke, Sr. Rita, or Paul Scheduled in March-April
· September- April: Receive the sacrament of reconciliation at least once.
· September-April: Attend Sunday Mass
· Attend Practice Liturgy, April Date TBA
Class Topic, Time, and Location 2012:
· If you miss more than two you are dropped
· Wednesday, January 4: Christianity: Boring, Untrue, or Irrelevant @ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, January 11 How Can I Be Sure of My Faith? (Baptism) @ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, January 18 Who is Jesus? (Baptism) @ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, January 25 Why did Jesus Die? (Eucharist) @ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, February 8 How & Why Should I Read the Bible? @ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, February 15 How Does God Guide Us? Church/Tradition@ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, February 29 How & Why Should I Pray? @ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, March 7 How Can I Resist Evil? (Morality) @ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, March 14 How Can I Tell Others about My Faith? (Evangelization & Vocations) @ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, March 21 Does God Heal? (Reconciliation, Anointing) @ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Wednesday, April 4 Life in the Church@ Shamrock Hall 7:30pm
· Saturday, April 14 Who is the Holy Spirit? (Retreat) OFFSITE TBA
· Confirmation Liturgy: Sunday, April 29 at 2pm
If there is a SNOW DAYS on a Wednesday they will be made up the following SUNDAYS at 7pm
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have completed all my assignments?
· Publically posted outside of the youth ministry office there will be a chart that will indicate with the student’s name which assignments have been completed and ones that are outstanding. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure he or she has all the assignments complete. Assignments must be complete in order to participate in the Confirmation Liturgy.
What will count for service hours?
· St. Mary’s Food Pantry, Midwest Food Bank, Clare House, St. Vincent de Paul clothing drives, Clare House, Safe Harbor, Habitat, Home Sweet Home, Nursing Homes, Bromenn/OSF, Catholic Charities, SPEC, Special Olympics, CCD, Bible Camp Nursing Homes, Living Alternatives, Birthright
· Log onto: http://www.volunteermatch.org/
What are the interviews?
· Each student will be required to complete an individual interview with Fr. Jerry, Fr. Luke, Sr. Rita, or Paul between March and April. The interview will focus on their service project, saint resume, knowledge of class materials, vocabulary, and some presentations from class. If the student is unable to attend the scheduled interview please call Paul and let him know. Sign-up sheets will be made available during the class nights come February.
What paperwork do I need to turn in?
· Baptismal certificate and candidate confirmation sheet (contains information about your baptismal info, parents name, saint and sponsors name), all homework assignments, and a school picture.
When will the practice/confirmation be?
· Practice Date April TBA
· Liturgy: Sunday, April 29 at 2pm
What should I wear to the Confirmation Liturgy?
· Dress like you are going to be interviewed guys: shirt, tie, pants, dress shoes; Girls: dresses, knee length skirt, Blouse/tops.
What is the schedule for the day of the Liturgy?
1:15pm Candidates must arrive at the church and be ready for class picture
1:30pm: Class picture in Shamrock Hall
1:45pm Line up in the parish hall, find chair
2pm Enter Church for Liturgy
Will there be a class photo?
Yes, cost is $20 and you must fill out a form.
What about involvement in the liturgy?
Student will be asked to act as Altar servers, lectors and gift bearers.
Where do I find good information about the lives of the saints?
· Catholic Information Service
Catholic Encyclopedia
Doctors of the Church
SQPN
American Catholic
Christian Classic Ethereal Library
Where do I put my homework assignments?
· Before you to go Mass, there will be a tray at the welcome center for you to drop off your homework
What happens if I am really sick?
· Stay HOME!, Contact Paul at 309.662.7361 ext. 23 or paul@stpatrickmerna.org to tell him you are sick