CONFIRMATION HANDBOOK 2021-2022 - Holy Apostles Catholic ...

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CONFIRMATION HANDBOOK 2021-2022 - Holy Apostles Catholic ...
Holy                                             Youth
Apostles                                          CONFIRMATION

     CONFIRMATION
       HANDBOOK
       2021-2022
  Sacramental Registration Deadline: August 5th, 2021
    Parent/Candidate Orientation: August 8th, 2021
             Class Begins: August 22nd, 2021.

         4925 North Carefree Circle Colorado Springs, CO 80917
                www.holyapostlescc.org | 719-597-8727
      Youth Coordinator: Karla Burdick kburdick@holyaposltescc.org
CONFIRMATION HANDBOOK 2021-2022 - Holy Apostles Catholic ...
Youth Confirmation
The sacrament of Confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more
firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the
faith. It imprints a character, enriches by the gifts of the Holy Spirit the baptized
continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to
the Church. (CCL #879)
Confirmation is not an optional sacrament. This sacrament is necessary for the
completion of baptismal grace. Every effort should be made in order for every
child of appropriate age to receive this sacrament and complete initiation. It is an
important step in a Christian’s faith journey that stresses commitment,
knowledge, freedom, and active participation. Through Baptism a person is
incorporated into Christ and the Church. The baptized is configured to Christ and
given an indelible spiritual character of his or her belonging to Christ. This
character, or mark, can never be erased. Baptism makes a person a member of
the Church and enables and commits them to serve God by participating in the
Church, especially in the liturgy.
Confirmation is a sacrament that gives a new and special outpouring of the Holy
Spirit on the baptized, in the same way that the Spirit once came to the apostles
at Pentecost. Confirmation “completes” Baptism in that it, too, imprints an
indelible mark on the soul. Confirmation brings about an increase and deepening
of baptismal grace.
Youth Confirmation preparation during the academic school year of 2021-2022
will be transitioning to a two-year program. Teens who are currently in 8th grade
or above was enrolled and participated last year in Family Faith Formation will be
considered Year 2 students and will be utilizing Decision Point curriculum from
Dynamic Catholic. Year 1 students will begin in 7th grade and the student receives
the Sacrament of Confirmation at the end of 8th grade by utilizing the Chosen
curriculum from Ascension Press.

                                    Requirements
Classes and Retreats
Teens are required to attend classes. 75% attendance is required for completion
of sacramental years. Once the candidate falls below the threshold, s/he will meet
with Karla to assess how the student can make up class work missed.
Retreats are mandatory and candidates are expected to be present for the entire
duration of the retreat.
Holy                                       Youth
             Apostles                                     CONFIRMATION
                             2021 - 2022 Lesson Plan
              Classes are held in                                       YEAR 2
        Mary’s House from 10:20-11:45.
                                                                   Curriculum:
                                                        Decision Point by Dynamic Catholic
  For more information, please contact Karla at
 kburdick@holyapostlescc.com or 719-484-8727           Download the Decision Point- Catholic App by
                                                     Dynamic Catholic to view videos for each session
                                                     or visit https://dynamiccatholic.com/confirmation
                    YEAR 1
                                                     August 8: Orientation
           Curriculum for Year 1 and 2:
     Chosen: Your Journey Toward Confirmation        August 22: S1- Life Is Choices
                by Ascension Press                   September 12: S2 - What’s Holding You Back?
August 8: Orientation
                                                     September 25: Saturday
August 22: L1 “Why am I here?”                       Full Day Retreat: S3 - The Jesus Question
September 12: L2 “What makes me happy?”              October 10: S4 - The Prayer Process
September 26: L3 “What’s your story, God?
                                                     October 24: S5 - The Bible
October 10: L4 “How do you know God is real?”
                                                     November 14: S6 – Relationships
October 24: L5 “Who is Jesus”
                                                     December 12: S7 - The Eucharist
November 14: L6 “Why be Catholic.”
                                                     January 9: S8 - The Holy Spirit
December 4: Saturday: Full Day Retreat
“TO THE HEART RETREAT”                               January 23: S9 - The Church

December 12: L7 “Where am I going?”                  February 5: Saturday
                                                     Candidate Sponsor Retreat
January 9: L8 “How do I get there?”
                                                     February 13: S10 – Confirmation
January 23: L9 “When did my journey begin?”
February 5: Saturday                                 February 27: 11 - Made For Mission
Candidate/Sponsor Retreat                            March 13: S12 – Holiness Is Possible
February 13: L10 “Why tell my sins to the priest?”   April 9: Saturday
February 27: L11 “How does God help when it          Day of Reflection and Rehearsal
hurts?                                               Easter Season:
                                                     Confirmation Mass with the Bishop
March 13: Reflection Day
Mass Attendance
Living out once faith also means attending Mass every Sunday and Holy Days of
Obligation.

Youth Group
As part of their preparation for the Sacrament, Middle and High School students
will participate in Middle and High School Youth Groups in Mary’s House.
• Middle School Youth Group meet most Monday nights from 6:24-7:30 pm
• High School Youth Group meet most Wednesday nights from 6:24-7:30pm
Baptismal and Birth Certificate
For sacramental record we need a copy of the candidate’s Baptismal and birth
certificates. The certificates are due in the Winter of Year 2. This academic year
2021-2022 please returned no later than December 12th, 2021.

Sponsors
Candidates must choose a suitable sponsor who will accompany them and meet
the following:
   1. The sponsor must personally and have a significant relationship with the
       candidate.
   2. Have received all 3 sacraments of initiation.
   3. Be practicing Catholics who participate in Mass on Sundays and Holy Days
       of Obligation and receive the Sacraments of the Eucharist and
       Reconciliation regularly.
   4. Be living their Christian vocations as either a single person or one who is
       validly married in the Church.
   5. Believe all the Catholic Church teaches and believes and strive to live an
       upright life.
   6. NOT be the parent (or adoptive parent) of the one to be confirmed.
   7. Be at least 16 years of age.
   8. Understand and accept their great responsibility before God and the
       Church in becoming sponsors.
   9. It is fitting (but not required) that the sponsors (godparent) of Baptism be
       also the sponsor of Confirmation.
Sponsor selection form must be signed and sealed with their Parish seal that they
currently attend and returned no later than December 12th, 2021.
Confirmation Saint Name
The custom of taking on an additional name was common years ago when the
Confirmation ceremony was celebrated differently than it is today.
In those days the person receiving Confirmation was seen as starting a new life as
a "soldier" of Christ. As part of the ritual, the bishop actually struck the person
lightly on the cheek to symbolize the attacks he or she could expect as a Christian.
As part of the preparation, the candidate often took on a new name in addition to
the first and middle names they already had. The new name was that of a special
patron saint or biblical figure who possessed qualities the candidate intended to
emulate.
The practice is accepted today, if the candidate wishes to add a new name to the
ones she or he was already given at Baptism. Since we recall the intimate
connection between Baptism and Confirmation and the fact that the candidate
expresses a desire to continue living the Catholic faith in the fullness of
participation in the Faith Community, their Christian given name is considered
sufficient if not preferable to taking on an additional name. If the candidate has
no Christian given name, it is particularly appropriate that a Christian name and
patron saint be chosen at the time of Confirmation. Should the candidate wish,
however, to add a new Christian name, he or she can certainly do so. The name is
not recorded anywhere in their Baptismal or Confirmation records. It is merely
used at the time Confirmation is conferred.

Choosing a Confirmation Saint Name is due in the Spring of Year 2. This academic
year 2021-2022 please returned no later than March 13th, 2021.
Letter to the Bishop
Year 2 students will a letter to the Bishop detailing why they are asking to be
confirmed. Letters are due March 13th, 2021.

Interview with Karla or Fr. Baron
Each candidate must be interviewed either by Karla or by appointment with Fr.
Baron for their readiness to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is not a
test but rather a conversation as to where they are in their spiritual life, what are
their plans to continue growing in their faith, and whether they want to get
Confirmed.
Interviews will take place spring of Year 2. This academic year 2021-2022
interviews will take throughout March 2022.

               Additional Requirements for Confirmation
During this transitional year, Year 2 students will pick two additional pieces of
work. Worksheets are available at holyapostlescc.org

                                            YEAR 2
                                  Pick 2 Additional Items:
                                  DUE: MARCH 13TH, 2022
        A) 7 Scripture/Homily Reflections (orange sheet)
        B) 7 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration (blue sheet)
        C) 4 More Saint Reports (bright green sheet)
           • Research 4 additional Saints
           • Write a report.
        D) 8 Hours of Christian Service (purple sheet)
           • 4 hours in Parish
           • 4 hours in Community
        E) Book Report (yellow sheet)
           • Read one of the following books.
               (book rental available)
               1. Unleashing the Power of Scripture: By Mark Hart
               2. Zealous: Following Jesus with Guidance from St. Paul: By Mark Hart
               3. Made for More: By Curtis Martin
               4. Gifted; By Allison Griswald

Year 1 students will split the additional items into two during the 2-year program.

        Year 1: Pick 2 Additional Items
           DUE: MARCH 13TH, 2022
• 7 Scripture/Homily Reflections (orange sheet)                Year 2 Additional Items
• 8 Hours of Christian Service (purple sheet)               DUE: Year 2 in the Spring of 2023
       o 4 hours in Parish
       o 4 hours in Community                             • 7 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration
                                                             (blue sheet)
• Book Report (yellow sheet)
                                                          • 4 More Saint Reports (bright green sheet)
   o Read one of the following books.
                                                                  o Research 4 additional Saints
     (book rental available)
                                                                  o Write a report.
     5. Unleashing the Power of Scripture:
        By Mark Hart
     6. Zealous: Following Jesus with
        Guidance from St. Paul: By Mark Hart
     7. Made for More: By Curtis Martin
     8. Gifted; By Allison Griswald
Confirmation Mass
The Sacrament of Confirmation is officiated by the Bishop during a Mass
celebrated at Holy Apostles. The date and time of the Mass is determined by the
office of the Bishop, and it will be after Easter.

Dress Code
While the church greatly respects the uniqueness and individuality in each of its
members, it holds that modesty is a fruit of the Holy Spirit and that “Teaching
modesty to children and adolescents means awakening in them respect for the
human person.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 25234)
It is in this spirit of fostering respect for each other and for sanctity of the
Sacrament of Confirmation that we set forth a code of dress consistent with the
Church’s view of modesty for the solemn beauty of this occasion.
Ladies
Dress in good taste is requested and should be appropriate for important life
occasions (Church, banquets, and special occasions but not formal or semi-
formal). Shoulders must be covered. No plunging or revealing necklines. No bare
midriffs. Skirts and dresses should fall in length below the knee and not be tight or
suggestive. Pant suits or full-length pants with an appropriate top are acceptable.
Please no shorts or capris. Shoes should be appropriate for outfit and church (no
flip flops or tennis shoes).

Gentlemen

Dress in good taste is requested and should be appropriate for important life
occasions (Church, banquets, and special occasions). Dress shirt with collar and tie
(sports coat or suit jacket optional). Shirts should be tucked in and pants fitted at
waist with belt. Shoes should be appropriate for outfit and church (no flip flops or
tennis shoes).

Manner of dress shows self-respect, respect for one another and respect for the
occasion.
Confirmation Preparation Commitment
Candidates as a baptized Catholics, you are preparing to receive the Sacrament of
Confirmation, when you will be more perfectly bound to the Catholic Church and
enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the Faith
as witnesses of Christ. As a candidate for Confirmation, do you promise the
following?
• Will you approach my Confirmation journey with an open mind and an open
heart.
• Will you attend and will fully participate in all Confirmation sessions and
activities.
• Will you be respectful of the leaders and facilitators of the program and show
appreciation for their time and effort.
• Will you show respect to those in my class who are on the journey with me.
• Will you attend Mass every Sunday and on all holy days of obligation.
• Will you receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the day of
Confirmation.
• Will you accept more responsibility in my family, parish, and community by
putting my talents and gifts at the service of others.
• Will you commit to daily prayer, praying especially for growth in faith, hope, and
love.
I understand that these requirements help me to accept the role of “disciple and
witness to Christ” I understand the Sacrament of Confirmation is a GIFT from God,
rather than a requirement to get done. Therefore, I take this step freely and
without reservation.
X_________________________________                  _______________________
 Candidate                                          Date

As the primary educator of my child, I pledge to make my best effort to
prayerfully support my child in this endeavor, and I will work with my child to
successfully meet these requirements in preparation for his/her confirmation.
X_________________________________                 _______________________
 Parent/Guardian                                    Date
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