confirmation orientation level 2 2018-19 2.0.pdfthrough evangelization, sharing christ with others,...
TRANSCRIPT
CONFIRMATION
Level 2Parent Orientation
Email Address:
Confirmation Website:
www.sktym.org
Confirmation Office Phone Number:
661-296-3180 Ext 7908
The Goal for Confirmation Preparation is Discipleship
Discipleship means to make a conscious
decision to follow Jesus in the midst of His
church and to direct one’s life with this
always in mind. In other words, our goal
is to help the teens served by High
School Confirmation develop a personal
relationship with Jesus that affects how
they live their life on a daily basis.
The Confirmation Sacrament is a
celebration of our faith in the Holy Spirit. It
completes the baptismal graces. The graces
received through this Sacrament are
intended for individuals wanting to serve
through Evangelization, sharing Christ with
others, and Martyrdom, dying to self for
others and Christ.
High School Confirmation Prep is intended
to bring about conversion in the hearts of
teens so they see Jesus as the Way, the Truth
and the Life and therefore come to the
Sacrament with hearts properly disposed to receive it.
CatechesisThe Goal of Catechesis is to bring about a personal relationship
with Jesus Christ.
• Saint Kateri High School Confirmation will continue to use the
CHOSEN curriculum with this goal in mind
• We will combine the Chosen ciriculum with Focus Ministries
Seek conferences and Mathew Kelly’s Decision Point
• Leader Guide available to check out or view in the
Confirmation office & DVD’s available to view in Confirmation
office
• Lessons #’s covered in L2 are: 13 Holy Spirit, 14 Confirmation, 15
Mass, 16 Marriage, 17 Holy Orders, 19 Saints, 22 Chastity
• Students to bring CHOSEN guide (use the same one for all 2
years) & bibles to regular Sunday 4pm Sessions-replacement of
CHOSEN guide is $20 Bibles are $5
• Parent & Sponsor Guides from CHOSEN are excellent resources
and provide “Conversation Starters” Parent Guide $10 ---
Sponsor Guides $9
Scripture
Same version of Scripture that is read at
mass
Facilitators will guide the candidates
during small group time on how to find
the readings they will hear at mass in
their bible
Format of Regular Sunday Sessions
Approximately 2 Sunday sessions per month
Teens report to small group space by 4pm promptly
May be dropped off as early as 3:45pm
Small groups will view videos together & discuss
Mass 5:30pm-teens go to Mass with their small group
Families invited to sit with teen’s small group for Mass to help create & build community within small groups
Parent must email facilitator or send a note with teen if their teen is not attending Mass that day and pick their
teen up before Mass begins at 5:30pm
Small Group Structure Remains the Same as
Last YearAdult Facilitator
Confirmed Teen Peer
Leader
8-9 Teen Candidates
Additional Elements Saint Report due Tuesday Aug. 21rst. They can be dropped off or
e-mailed to [email protected]
Weekly Mass Attendance
Retreat Experience at The Oaks Camp in Lake Elizabeth March 1-
3rd
Christian Living aka “Parish Life”
Reconciliation (at Penance Services or weekly offered)
Rite of Enrollment Sunday, Jan. 28th (tentative)during 5:30pm
Mass
Life Teen always open on Saturday evenings to teens
Discernments scheduled in March (tentative)
3 Parent & Sponsor Formation Sessions
1-2 Small group service projects led by facilitator for just their
small group
Rite of Confirmation Rehearsal & Mass possible dates: April 13,
20th or May 4th
Retreat March 2-4th Located at The Oaks in Lake Elizabeth
www.theoakscamp.org
Confidential Retreat Documents due Feb. 11th (If you do not
know what these are, PLEASE call or email Confirmation
office!)
Luggage Drop-Off Thursday, March 1 6-7:30PM in Hall 3
Retreat Drop-Off on Friday at 5pm in the Hall 123
Teens will be provided with pizza dinner before leaving
Buses will load at 6pm
Luggage pick up available at the Labyrinth at 1:30pm
Buses will return with the teens at St Kateri about 2pm
Wrap-Up Session for Teens & Families & Sponsors immediately
after in the Church-about 45 minutes
Main Goals for Level 2
Retreat
Teens recognize that Heaven is their home and the
Church is always their “home away from home”
Teens recognize Who Jesus is and the effect of His
sacrifice
Teens recognize through the crucifixion the depth
of love that Jesus has for them
Teens provided multiple ways to respond to Jesus’
through Confession, Intercessory Prayer, Personal
Prayer in Adoration and/or written letter to Jesus
The goal of “Parish Life” (aka Christian
Living) is to help our teens find a place in
the parish where they are valued, can
share their gifts and/or grow their faith
Reflections for 5 Christian Livings due Aug 1, 2015
Teens are asked to join a St. Kateri ministry for L2
Complete list of ministries available on Parish Life page of
website by August 15
Teens pick a ministry that fits their interest, gifts & schedule
Teens must commit to a ministry directly to the person in
charge of that ministry by Sept 6 AND inform their facilitator
at Sept 6 session
May be a ministry they serve in or a ministry that serves them
Teens to visit Spiritual Growth Fair w/a parent after any Mass
on August 23 to help find a ministry
One Example of Christian Living:
Jr. High Edge Peer Leader:
Commitment: Either 1st Session (Oct through Dec)
or 2nd Session Jan through March)
Attend a Training Session: Sept or Jan
Description of duties: Peer leaders will be assigned
to a group of students with an adult facilitator. They
will be participating in group activities such as
icebreakers games, skits and promoting discussion
within the group by sharing, encouraging jr high
students to participate. Peer leaders are to lead by
example with enthusiasm and their love for Christ.
May also use their gifts by sharing their faith in
large group catechetical talks or music if they feel
called to do so
# of available spots: 15 per session (30 total spots)
Other Possible Examples:(we are working on making them happen!)
Music Ministry
Life Teen Bible Study
Respect Life Ministry
Family Ministry
Religious Ed Classroom Assistant
Little Church Classroom Assistant
Children’s Ministry of the Word during 10:30 mass
Altar Serving
Ushering
Special Liturgy Preparation
Hospitality
Reconciliation
Teens will be encouraged to attend often
throughout Level 2
Participation in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation at least once during L2 is
necessary to be prepared to receive
Sacrament of Confirmation
Assists the heart to be properly disposed to
receive the Sacrament
Teens may attend Reconciliation during an
Advent Penance Service, Lenten Penance
Service or any of the Confession times
offered weekly at local parishes (SK: Sat
3:45-5pm, OLPH Sat 8:45-10am & 3:30-
4:15pm, St. Clare Sat 9:30am & 4:30pm)
Rite of Enrollment
Rite of Enrollment during Sunday 5:30pm Mass on Jan
28th (tentative)
Sponsor presence requested as they are part of the rite
A parent may stand-in for a sponsor for rites only, not
the Rite of Confirmation Mass
Opportunity for candidates to make a public
commitment of their desire to receive the Confirmation
Sacrament
Opportunity to connect candidates to the wider parish
community and for the parish community to show their
loving support
Parents and Sponsors invited to session with Fr. Albert
in the Hall at 4:15pm on March 6
Sponsors retrieve their teen candidate from small
group at 5pm and then find seat together in the
Church
Discernments
Designed to help Confirmandi in their
preparation process to discern God’s
plan for them, where they are in their
relationship with Jesus and their desire to
receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
Scheduled in 20 minute intervals on
March 20, 21 & 22 (tentative)
Occurs earlier this year than last
Confirmation Saint Teens encouraged to find a saint that inspires
them personally
Teens are to complete a saint report about their
saint over the summer between Level 1 and Level
2 Check website for requirements
Teens received instructions for the report at their
L1 Discernment
Bishop will use their saint name during conferral
of the Confirmation Sacrament
Saint Name goes on their certificate
A special handout will be given at the
Confirmation Mass with a sentence by each teen
sharing how their patron saint inspires them
Choosing a Sponsor The best sponsor is someone that is truly excited about
their Catholic faith and wants to share it with your teen
Must be 16 years old and a Confirmed, practicing Catholic
May be male or female
May not be a parent
Must be eligible to receive the Sacraments and expected to receive Holy Communion at the Mass of Confirmation
Sponsors are asked to commit to being in regular contact (weekly ideal) with their candidate so they can share their faith, answer questions and discuss the Confirmation journey. Text, skype, email, snail mail, social media, phone calls, etc are all valid avenues for regular contact
Sponsors are asked to commit to attending 3 Parent & Sponsor Formation Sessions
Sponsor guides from CHOSEN are available for purchase through the Confirmation office
Must have Sponsor name and contact info to register for Level 2
Life Teen
The most prolific youth ministry in the Catholic Church
Life Teen is separate from Confirmation but open to all Confirmandi
Teens can bring their friends, all high school students are welcome-Catholic or not
Participation in Life Teen is highly encouraged!
Leads teens closer to Christ by participating in lively youth masses and offering a fun, teen-centered community in which to grow in faith
Saint Kateri Youth Mass is every Saturday at 5:30pm
Following the Youth Mass, Life Teen ministers and CORE members lead “Life Nights” that start with a yummy dinner
Life Nights Themes are either faith-building, social or deal with current teen issues
Is a drop in program, after registering for the first night of attendance teens are welcome to come as often or as little as works for them
2 Inspiring retreats offered each year, one in the summer & one in the winter July 24-26 & January 8-10
Current 8th graders are eligible to attend Life Teen Retreat this July
Check out their website for more info: www.sktym.org or the Life Teen International site www.lifeteen.com
Confirmation Preparation is a Family Journey
Parents asked to commit to attending 3 Parent & Sponsor
formations and weekly Mass with their teen, including
Sunday 5:30 on regular Confirmation session days
Parent and family members’ attitudes greatly affect their
teen’s experience
Confirmation Prep L2 provides the time and space for teens
to explore and understand how life as a disciple is lived so
they can respond to Jesus’ call personally.
This invitation and opportunity to make faith in Jesus and His
Church their own will only be effective if your teen is
supported by you prayerfully, vocally and physically
Momentum/frequent participation, is crucial to growth in
faith and understanding therefore regular attendance needs
to be a family priority
Regular attendance is also necessary for small group
community
Rite of Confirmation Mass &
Rehearsal
We are assigned a date for the Confirmation Mass by
the Bishop’s office, usually by October
Can occur any day of the week between Ash
Wednesday & Pentecost
Most likely dates are: April 13, April 20 or April 27-
however there is no guarantee we will actually get
one of those dates. Could be on a random week night
Rehearsal will be scheduled for about 1 week before
the Mass (usually a Friday)
Candidate & Sponsor attend Rehearsal & Mass—
another adult may stand in for sponsor at the
Rehearsal only
The Confirmation Program Needs Volunteers
How can you help?
Become a facilitator-this ministry will not happen without facilitators
Office Help (days, weekends or evenings)
Set Up before sessions
Audio Visual help during sessions
We provide training. All we need are willing hearts to commit their time!
Please email us [email protected] if you are interested.
Registration
Online Registration Opens May 6 and closes May 30
Cost is $320.00 – all materials and level 2 retreat costs
are included in registration fee
Payable by check to “St. Kateri Church”
Payment plan available but must turn in payment
agreement plan with registration paperwork—
payment agreement plan is available by email
request [email protected]
Registration is not complete until all signed paperwork
and payment have been received
You will receive an email confirming receipt of your
payment when the registration has been processed
Registration cont’d
Items needed to gather BEFORE starting the online
registration process:
Sponsor’s name and email
Emergency Contact information
Health Insurance Information
How to register You will receive an email inviting you to register for L2 on
May 6 by the end of the day if your L1 account is paid
Click on the link to register for Level 2
Enter registration access code SKCL2 (code is case sensitive,
be sure to use all capital letters)
Enter information for any blank fields & make ANY changes
you may have—example: change of address, phone, email,
health/medical, grade in school, etc.
Click the box to “save” information before submitting to
avoid re-entry of info if a required field was missed
You will receive an email confirming your online registration.
Follow instructions in that email to complete your registration.
Registration is not complete until we have received the
signed paperwork along with full payment or 1st payment &
signed payment plan agreement. You will know we have
received it when you receive an email receipt of the
payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are teens expected to attend Sunday 5:30pm Mass? Yes, on the day of a regular Sunday Confirmation session, attendance at the 5:30 Mass with their small group is expected as part of the session. We also encourage our Confirmation families to sit with their teen’s small group to help build community with the other families in your teen’s small group, with their Peer Leader and with their Facilitator. Weekly Mass attendance is expected for preparation of the Confirmation Sacrament. Teens are welcome to attend any Mass on the weekend they do not have a Confirmation session. We encourage all high schools teens to try the Saturday 5:30 Mass whenever they can. Regular Mass attendance is considered when discerning a candidate’s readiness for receipt of the Sacrament. We strongly encourage families to attend Mass with their teen candidate every week.
What if my teen needs to leave early? When there is an occasional conflict, a parent may retrieve their teen early from the session. However, a parent must email the facilitator or send a note with their teen letting them know when their teen will be picked up. If a parent is retrieving their teen from a Confirmation session early, they must do so before Mass begins at 5:30 so our volunteers do not miss Mass waiting for you/providing supervision.
FAQ’s cont’d
What if I am unable to afford the $3 registration fee right now? We do have payment plans available. Please email the office at [email protected] to request a payment plan or partial sponsorship application.
What if my teen misses a session? Can they make it up? Yes. If a teen misses 2 or less sessions, they have 2 options. #1 We ask the teen & parent read through the missed lesson together in their CHOSEN book & discuss it. Teens then need to write the answers from the “Watch It” section, write a reflection based on 1 item from the “Challenge of the Week” & then turn these into their facilitator or #2 A teen & their parent or sponsor set up a time to come in and watch the missed video & go over the lesson. If a teen misses more than 2 sessions, please schedule a time for parents and teen to meet with the Youth Director.
What if we discontinue during the year, do we get a refund? If the Confirmation office is notified at least 3 weeks before the retreat, we can refund $200. 2/3rds of the registration fee goes directly to retreat costs. The rest goes to material costs that are expended or budgeted for based on the number of enrollees at the close of registration
FAQ’s cont’d How many sessions can my teen miss and still remain in
the program? This question would need to be answered
on a case by case basis. Humans get sick, grandmas turn
100 and teams earn their way to national championships.
In other words, there are certain events in life that are
unavoidable or so special that one must not miss them.
When important events like these conflict with a meeting
time, we ask that you just let your teen’s facilitator know
and make sure your teen does the make-up. If a teen
misses a session or two, your facilitator will follow up and try
to help your family discern if the Confirmation preparation
we are offering is going to be able to meet the needs of
your family. If your teen will be committing to something
during the 2017-18 year that will frequently conflict with the
scheduled meetings, we ask you to consider completing
the Confirmation Prep at a parish whose schedule better
fits your family needs. If you have a unique situation that
cannot be solved by attending another program, please
feel free to speak with us in person so we can find a
solution together.
FAQ’s cont’d
What if my teen has to miss part or all of the retreat? Teens need to attend the whole retreat. Arriving late, leaving early or missing a portion diminishes the experience for your teen and the other members of their small group. If you already know your teen will not be able to attend the retreat or might need to leave early, please let us know right away. We may have to ask you to reconsider registering for Level 2 this year. Sometimes we are able to find a place for your teen at another parishes’ retreat, but this is not guaranteed. Also, we do adapt and change the content of our Level 2 retreat based on the specific needs of the teens that are attending L2 so attendance at a different retreat would definitely diminish their experience. Additionally, there is no way to replicate their small group.
What if my teen has special needs? If your teen has special needs, please be sure to indicate it on the registration form. Additionally, please call, email or speak to us in person to bring your teen’s needs to our attention. We do adapt to the needs of the individual teen and the more communication that can happen between the Confirmation team and parents, the better we can serve them.
FAQ’S cont’d
What sort of formation or experience do you require of the facilitators and peer leaders? All of our
facilitators and peer leaders are volunteers. All adult
volunteers are fingerprinted and Virtus trained. We
provide training on how to run a CHOSEN small
group lesson to both Facilitators and Peer Leaders.
Additionally, we ask all facilitators to participate in
their own small group experiences to remain growing & active in their faith. We also provide
retreat specific training for our Peer Leaders. Our
Peer Leaders are high school or college students
that have completed their own Confirmation prep
in the last year or two.
Thank you for attending!
Have a blessed evening