CONFIRMATION ~ is one of the Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church.
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Apostles and the Bishops, who are their successors, hand on to the baptized the special gift of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ the Lord and poured out upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Thus the initiation in the Christian life is completed so that believers are strengthened by power from Heaven, made true witnesses of Christ in word and deed, and bound more closely to the Church.” Decree of Pope Paul VI, 8/22/71 The rites, Rite of Confirmation p. 289
Confirmation preparation is separate from ongoing catechesis, which needs to continue throughout our lives. At St. John’s, Confirmation is usually received at the eighth grade level, as diocesan norms indicate the sacrament should occur between the ages of thirteen to sixteen.
715-659-4480 x 202
However, any adult Catholic or one being received in the Church may also receive the sacrament. A class for an adult wishing to be confirmed is combined with our RCIA program.
PERTINENT INFORMATION:
Confirmation preparation is separate from ongoing catechesis, which needs to continue throughout our lives. The sacramental preparation consists of 6 large group sessions which actively involve the candidate with their sponsor and parents. Of these sessions, three are designed for the candidate and sponsor; three are for candidate and parents. In the event a sponsor cannot attend, parents are welcome to fill-in. It is expected that all candidates attend every session with a parent or sponsor. In the event of illness or other emergency, please call regarding your absence. If a session is missed, you will need to obtain make up materials.
The 8th grade students will continue participating in CCD or Catholic School just as they have previously and as needs to happen after they celebrate Confirmation. Questions regarding CCD should be directed to Deb Mlsna, DRE.
INFORMATION PHONE NUMBERS:
CK 659-4480 SJ 384-4989
Deb Mlsna, CRE, 715-659-4480 x 202
Dan Kitzhaber, Youth Minister, CK ext #4, SJ ext. #3
What happens at Confirmation? In the Sacrament of confirmation, the Apostles and the Bishops, who are their successors, hand on to the baptized the special gift of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ the Lord and poured out upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Thus the initiation in the Christian life is completed so that believers are strengthened by power from Heaven, made true witnesses of Christ in word and deed, and bound more closely to the Church.”
Decree of Pope Paul VI, 8/22/71 The rites, Rite of Confirmation p. 289
The Role of PARENTS: “The initiation of children (youth) into the Sacramental life is for the most part the responsibility and concern of Christian parents. They are to form and gradually increase a spirit of faith in their children, and, with the help of catechetical institutions, prepare them for the fruitful reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. The role of the parents is also expressed by their active participation in the celebration of the Sacraments.”
The Rites, p. 298
Parents will be expected to aid their son/daughter in preparing for the Sacraments of Confirmation.
The role of CANDIDATES: This can be one of the most exciting times along your faith journey! For this to happen, be open to the Holy Spirit by actively participating in all the sessions. You will also be participating in a retreat which immerses you into Christ and His Church, a service project which allows you to live out the Works of Mercy, and growing in your knowledge and hopefully love of/for Christ.
The role of the SPONSORS: A sponsor has the privilege of guiding the candidate to a closer relationship with Christ and the Church he founded—the Roman Catholic Church. He or she must belong to the Catholic Church and have been initiated in the three Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, be 16 years of age and may not be a parent.
If you wish, one of your Baptismal sponsors may be chosen to be your Confirmation sponsor, provided a Christian relationship exists. This situation is most appropriate, and would stress the Sacraments of Initiation, and the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation.
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1311; Code of Canon Law, , # 893
Please make a commitment to PRAY DAILY for your candidate!
COMPONENTS:
Catechism Reviews: Each month candidates will receive a worksheet which helps them become familiar with key Catholic teachings using the Catechism and Bible. Sponsors are asked to help their candidate with this.
Works of Mercy & Virtue: At the start of the school year each candidate receives two tables which list the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy on one and moral virtues on the other. During the course of the school year, candidates will need to complete the table showing how they have become more like Christ by practicing the works of mercy and growing in virtue.
Homily Notes: Each month the candidates will be asked to take notes on a given homily. This is to help the candidate to focus on the message of the homily given at Mass. It is encouraged to ask clarifying questions of the priest following Mass if needed.
Holy Hour: It is so important for us to spend time with Christ and realize the gift of Himself He has given to us. A devotion dating back to the earliest of time is Adoring Christ in the Blessed Sacrament for an extended period of time. During the Holy Hour of Adoration, you have the opportunity to simply be still and LISTEN to God. It is “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” and NOT “Listen Lord, your servant is speaking.”
Retreats: Throughout history, retreats have proven to be a very effective means of helping people draw closer to Christ, thus there are two retreats for all candidates during the year immediately prior to Confirmation.
Service Projects: In addition to monthly tracking growth in prayer, virtue and participation in works of mercy, candidates are asked to sign up for and participate in at least 2 group service projects during the year. Sign up will be in October. Most events occur in Nov.—Feb.
Confirmation Preparation Agreement: All Candidates, Sponsors and Parents will sign an agreement which lists the expectations for all candidates wishing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Candidates will be held accountable to this list at the time of their interview.
Confirmation Name Report: Candidates will choose a name for Confirmation (which may be the same as Baptism) as a new identity in Christ. They will write a one page report due in Dec. on the name they choose including information about the saint and why the name was chosen.
Confirmation preparation is separate from ongoing catechesis, which needs to continue throughout our lives. At St. John’s, Confirmation is usually received at the eighth grade level, as diocesan norms indicate the sacrament should occur between the ages of thirteen to sixteen.
715-659-4480 x 202
However, any adult Catholic or one being received in the Church may also receive the sacrament. A class for an adult wishing to be confirmed is combined with our RCIA program.
PERTINENT INFORMATION:
Confirmation preparation is separate from ongoing catechesis, which needs to continue throughout our lives. The sacramental preparation consists of 6 large group sessions which actively involve the candidate with their sponsor and parents. Of these sessions, three are designed for the candidate and sponsor; three are for candidate and parents. In the event a sponsor cannot attend, parents are welcome to fill-in. It is expected that all candidates attend every session with a parent or sponsor. In the event of illness or other emergency, please call regarding your absence. If a session is missed, you will need to obtain make up materials.
The 8th grade students will continue participating in CCD or Catholic School just as they have previously and as needs to happen after they celebrate Confirmation. Questions regarding CCD should be directed to Deb Mlsna, DRE.
INFORMATION PHONE NUMBERS:
CK 659-4480 SJ 384-4989
Deb Mlsna, CRE, 715-659-4480 x 202
Dan Kitzhaber, Youth Minister, CK ext #4, SJ ext. #3
What happens at Confirmation? In the Sacrament of confirmation, the Apostles and the Bishops, who are their successors, hand on to the baptized the special gift of the Holy Spirit, promised by Christ the Lord and poured out upon the Apostles at Pentecost. Thus the initiation in the Christian life is completed so that believers are strengthened by power from Heaven, made true witnesses of Christ in word and deed, and bound more closely to the Church.”
Decree of Pope Paul VI, 8/22/71 The rites, Rite of Confirmation p. 289
The Role of PARENTS: “The initiation of children (youth) into the Sacramental life is for the most part the responsibility and concern of Christian parents. They are to form and gradually increase a spirit of faith in their children, and, with the help of catechetical institutions, prepare them for the fruitful reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. The role of the parents is also expressed by their active participation in the celebration of the Sacraments.”
The Rites, p. 298
Parents will be expected to aid their son/daughter in preparing for the Sacraments of Confirmation.
- Please pray with/for you son or daughter and all of the other candidates.
- Discuss with your son or daughter the Sacrament of Confirmation, their willingness to devote themselves to preparation for the Sacrament.
- Make your life as a Catholic an example for your son or daughter, and be available to assist in his/her preparation by offering your full support, (forms, providing aid in service projects, serving as an advisor or chaperone, etc.).
- Be aware of the Confirmation program guidelines and feel free to contact us with your comments, questions, etc. We hope you will become acquainted with his/her teachers and mentors.
- Help you daughter/son choose a Confirmation name and sponsor.
The role of CANDIDATES: This can be one of the most exciting times along your faith journey! For this to happen, be open to the Holy Spirit by actively participating in all the sessions. You will also be participating in a retreat which immerses you into Christ and His Church, a service project which allows you to live out the Works of Mercy, and growing in your knowledge and hopefully love of/for Christ.
The role of the SPONSORS: A sponsor has the privilege of guiding the candidate to a closer relationship with Christ and the Church he founded—the Roman Catholic Church. He or she must belong to the Catholic Church and have been initiated in the three Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, be 16 years of age and may not be a parent.
If you wish, one of your Baptismal sponsors may be chosen to be your Confirmation sponsor, provided a Christian relationship exists. This situation is most appropriate, and would stress the Sacraments of Initiation, and the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation.
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1311; Code of Canon Law, , # 893
Please make a commitment to PRAY DAILY for your candidate!
COMPONENTS:
Catechism Reviews: Each month candidates will receive a worksheet which helps them become familiar with key Catholic teachings using the Catechism and Bible. Sponsors are asked to help their candidate with this.
Works of Mercy & Virtue: At the start of the school year each candidate receives two tables which list the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy on one and moral virtues on the other. During the course of the school year, candidates will need to complete the table showing how they have become more like Christ by practicing the works of mercy and growing in virtue.
Homily Notes: Each month the candidates will be asked to take notes on a given homily. This is to help the candidate to focus on the message of the homily given at Mass. It is encouraged to ask clarifying questions of the priest following Mass if needed.
Holy Hour: It is so important for us to spend time with Christ and realize the gift of Himself He has given to us. A devotion dating back to the earliest of time is Adoring Christ in the Blessed Sacrament for an extended period of time. During the Holy Hour of Adoration, you have the opportunity to simply be still and LISTEN to God. It is “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” and NOT “Listen Lord, your servant is speaking.”
Retreats: Throughout history, retreats have proven to be a very effective means of helping people draw closer to Christ, thus there are two retreats for all candidates during the year immediately prior to Confirmation.
Service Projects: In addition to monthly tracking growth in prayer, virtue and participation in works of mercy, candidates are asked to sign up for and participate in at least 2 group service projects during the year. Sign up will be in October. Most events occur in Nov.—Feb.
Confirmation Preparation Agreement: All Candidates, Sponsors and Parents will sign an agreement which lists the expectations for all candidates wishing to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Candidates will be held accountable to this list at the time of their interview.
Confirmation Name Report: Candidates will choose a name for Confirmation (which may be the same as Baptism) as a new identity in Christ. They will write a one page report due in Dec. on the name they choose including information about the saint and why the name was chosen.
