Confirmation Preparing for The Sacrament of - Saint Elizabeth Catholic Community Ludlow, Massachusetts - St. Elizabeth Catholic Community

Preparing for
        The Sacrament of
         Confirmation

Saint Elizabeth Catholic Community
      Ludlow, Massachusetts

The Rite of Confirmation
One of the changes that came out of Vatican II was in the sacramental rites of the Church. As a
result the Sacrament of Confirmation is received within the context of the Mass as a reminder that
it, along with Baptism, initiates us into the community called to worship God in the Eucharist.

     “In Baptism, the newly baptized receives forgiveness of sins, adoption as sons (and
     daughters) of God, and the character of Christ, by which they are made members of the
     church, and sharers in the priesthood of Christ Jesus. Through the sacrament of Con-
     firmation, those who have been born anew in Baptism now receive the inexpressible
     Gift, the Holy Spirit himself . . . Moreover . . . they are bound more intimately to the
     Church and they are more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith both by word
     and by deed as true witnesses of Christ.” (Ad Gentes No. 11:AAS, 58-959-960). Final-
     ly Confirmation is so linked with the Holy Eucharist that the faithful, after being signed
     by Holy Baptism and Confirmation are incorporated fully into the body of Christ by
     participation in the Eucharist.

By the time you have reached Confirmation Day, you will have already decided to share in a spe-
cial relationship with God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. You will have made an adult deci-
sion to live your life as Christ taught. You will have accepted the challenge to change your ways,
to believe in Jesus and to live out his Paschal mystery in your daily life. Confirmation day will be
a celebration of your accepting Jesus life of love and service in a community of believers who have
followed Him throughout the centuries

In the ceremony of Confirmation, the Bishop, while making the sign of the cross on your forehead
with the oil of chrism, will say “Be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit." You will already have
stated that you believe that Jesus died and rose and ascended to the Father and that he sent the Spir-
it to help those who believe in him. The Bishop will say “Peace be with you." This is a warm
word of welcome that replaces the slap on the cheek. With this greeting the Bishop may extend his
hand for a handshake -- you reply “and also with you Bishop."

In preparing for the reception of the sacrament candidates are required to write a letter to their Pas-
tor giving reason for wanting to be Confirmed. This helps to highlight the importance of a free
personal decision on the part of the candidate.

Confirmation is a call to service. The Church is concerned that we all see, more clearly, the reality
of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. As a result, w should want to serve those in need more
readily.

It is very important that you, the candidate, realize the commitment YOU make to God, faith, a
community of people and to yourself. This is why YOU make the choice. YOU must make this
commitment freely and with love. God has chosen you to be a member of His “chosen people."
Are you ready to accept the challenges of your faith? A challenge that involves a lifetime of prac-
ticing your faith and living your life according to the Ten Commandments?

WHO MAY BE CONFIRMED?
Confirmation candidates:
• are normally the age of sixteen
• have received the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Eucharist
• are practicing their faith by weekly participation in Mass
• are in a state of grace
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of a mem-
  ber of the Catholic Church
• are aware of the initiation aspect of the Sacrament of Confirmation and com-
  mitted to continuing the faithful practice and study of their religion
• have a sincere desire to receive the sacrament as well as an appreciation of
  a sacramental lifestyle

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATE EXPECTATIONS – at a glance

•   Participate in weekly Mass
•   Participate in all classes
•   Choose a qualified sponsor and meet regularly with him/her
•   Participate in the Confirmation Retreat on February 8, 2020
•   Write a Letter of Intent to Monsignor Gosselin
•   Attend the Lenten Penance Service on April 1, 2020
•   Attend the Chrism Mass on April 6, 2020 at St. Michael’s Cathedral
•   Attend the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, April 9, 2020
•   Choose a saint’s name as your Confirmation name and write a biography
    about that saint
•   Participate in at least two Faith Enrichment opportunities
•   Participate in 10 hours of Christian Service work plus the Small Group
    Service Project

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EXPECTATIONS IN DETAIL
The following explains each of the Confirmation expectations in detail and in
some cases, the reasons the requirements are important to the formation of the
Candidate. Please remember that while in many cases we list a minimum require-
ment for Confirmation, the candidates should be encouraged to make many of
these activities a regular part of their religious practices.

Participate in weekly Mass:
The Confirmation candidate and his or her parents (along with the rest of the
family) must have a sincere intention of participating in Mass every week. Partic-
ipating in the Eucharistic life of the community is both a privilege and an obliga-
tion of Confirmed Catholics. This is also an important way that parents demon-
strate to their children the importance they place on the faith they are handing on
to their children. Worshipping as a community we build up the Body of Christ. If
your family has not been attending Mass regularly in the past, we are confident
that by doing so you will notice many benefits by the time Confirmation ap-
proaches.

Participate in Confirmation classes:
Attendance at the Confirmation classes is extremely important in preparing the
Candidates for reception of the sacrament. When a class is missed, the Candidate
loses time for fellowship and prayer as well as the material covered that day. We
expect that you will make these gatherings a priority. Excessive absenteeism can
affect the candidate’s ability to enter fully into this important period of prepara-
tion.

Choose a qualified sponsor and meet regularly with your sponsor:
The confirmation sponsor should be a person who has been a strong role-model
as a faith-filled Catholic. This person will be a companion in your faith journey
and will vouch for your readiness to receive the sacrament.

The sponsor should therefore be able to meet regularly with the candidate, spend
time building a bond with the teen, help him/her prepare for the sacrament
through prayer, study, service and discussion and be in physical attendance at the
rehearsal and the confirmation.

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The Sponsor:
•   Must be a practicing Roman Catholic who attends Mass regularly (Sundays
    and Holy Days of Obligation) and is living according to the teachings of the
    Catholic Church
•   Supports the person to be confirmed in their commitment to a Christian life
•   Must know the candidate and be willing to serve as a strong and life long
    Christian influence on the candidate
•   Must have received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and
    the Eucharist)
•   Must submit a Confirmation Sponsor Certificate of Eligibility from the parish
    where the sponsor is practicing their faith
•   Must be at least 17 years of age
•   Must not be the parents of the candidate
•   Only one person may be the sponsor

Participate in the Confirmation Retreat - February 8, 2020:

Why are retreats important?
There are many reasons: they allow you to pull back, get inspired, become spa-
cious, detox, and find your people. Retreat comes from the Latin verb “to pull
back.” So, retreat, or a retreat, is a place where you pull back from the world. If
you are unable to attend the Confirmation Retreat sponsored by the Parish, your
small group leader can assist you in finding another retreat within the Diocese.

Write a Letter of Intent:
Each candidate must write a letter of intent, addressed to Monsignor Gosselin.
The purpose of this letter is for the candidate to demonstrate in writing his/her de-
sire to be Confirmed, and willingness to make this commitment. The letter should
include: a little bit about yourself, why you desire the Sacrament of Confirmation,
and your plans following the reception of the Sacrament.

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Chose a Confirmation name and write a biography about that saint:
In both the Old and New Testament, when God had a new mission for someone,
He often gave them a new name (see Gen 17:3-8 Abram to Abraham; Mt 16:17-18
Simon to Peter). Even without a new name, your name has always told others
who you are. God calls on each of us to fulfill a special mission. It may be con-
verting non-believers, helping the poor, being a peacemaker or one of many other
callings.

Choosing a Saint
• What are your interests; is there a patron saint for this interest
• What do you want to do as a career; does it have a patron saint
• Patron saints of countries
• Saints you find interesting; martyrs, young, old, ancient, modern, American,
  etc.

There are many helpful websites available to assist you in gathering information
about the saints. Just a few are:

www.catholic.org/saints
www.catholic-pages.com/dir/saints.asp
www.theworkofgod.org/saints

Once the candidate has chosen his/her Confirmation name, they must complete a
biography of that saint and turn it into their Small Group Leaders by May 3, 2020 .

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Participate in at least two additional Faith Enrichment opportunities
that are new to you:
Confirmation candidates are invited to participate in activities and events that call
them to celebrate, explore, or put into practice an important facet of our Catholic
Christian Faith. Below is a list of spiritual activities here at St. Elizabeth’s Catho-
lic Community (see the bulletin for details):

•   Eucharistic Adoration/Monthly Family Holy Hour
•   Scripture Reflections
•   Annual Lenten Parish Mission
•   Stations of the Cross
•   Good Friday Services
•   Attend The Easter Vigil
•   Participate in Advent or Lenten Preparation Programs

Attend Confirmation Rehearsal:
All candidates and their sponsors must attend the Confirmation rehearsal.

Participate in the Liturgy and Rite of Confirmation:
Confirmation will be Sunday, May 31, 2020 at 2:00PM

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS
      “As the primary educators of their children: parents are to be intimately
       involved in the catechesis for Confirmation. This will help them renew
      and strengthen their own faith, besides enabling them to set a better ex-
      ample for their children.”                                (NCD, no. 119)

Because parents:
• Are the primary educators of their children
• Are responsible for initiating their children into the sacramental life
• Serve as a role models for their child by being committed Christians

Parents have the opportunity to:
• Attend weekly Mass with your families
• Be actively involved in the Confirmation preparation of the candidate
• Engage in discussions about the material being studied including sharing your
  understanding and perspective
• Encourage your child to reflect and thoughtfully consider the decision to re-
  ceive the sacrament of Confirmation
• Pray for your child’s spiritual growth every day
• Support and encourage completion of assignments, activities and expectations
• Assist in retreats, service work, service projects, meetings, classes, spiritual
  events and social events

     “All– Powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy
      Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life.
     Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their Helper and Guide. Give them the
      spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgement (Council)
      and courage (Fortitude), the spirit of knowledge and reverence (Piety). Fill
                them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.”
                                                    -Rite of Confirmation 25

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Confirmation Time Table to assist you
      in organizing your year.
    Expectation                   Due Date                    Completed Date
                                                               And Details

  Choose a sponsor       Sponsor questionnaire & paper-
                          work due December 8, 2019

 Confirmation Retreat     Saturday, February 8, 2020
                              8:30 AM to 6 PM

   Letter of Intent             March 8, 2020
To Monsignor Gosselin

 Choose a Saint Name

   Saint Biography             Due May 3, 2020

   Faith Enrichment           Must be completed
    Opportunity (1)            by May 1, 2020

   Faith Enrichment           Must be completed
    Opportunity (2)            by May 1, 2020

Confirmation Rehearsal    Wednesday, May 27, 2020
                                 6:30 PM

    Confirmation            Sunday, May 31, 2020          Must arrive in the Pastoral
                                  2:00 PM                   Center by 1:15 PM

 10 hours of Christian    Must be completed before           See page 9 to record
    Service Work               Confirmation

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Christian Service Activities Record
  Please record your 10 hours of independent Christian service below. Please
                have the form signed by the organization leader.
             All service hours must be completed by May 1, 2020

Below are some suggestions and individuals to contact:
• Pasta Supper—just show up on Monday night for setup or Tuesday evening to
   work at the dinner—see Mike Crowther
• Box of Joy Program - Catherine Reed - 668-5618
• Parish Council Youth Member - DuAnne Pasquini - 610-0509
• Santa’s Corner - 1st Sunday in December - Lisa Saloio - 459-7435
• Breakfast with St. Nick - 1st Sunday in December - contact John Dryowicz, 547-
   8971
• Angel Tree Gift Project - Lisa Saloio - 459-7435
• Decorating the Church for Christmas - Lisa Saloio - 459-7435
• Take & Eat Program - Help package and deliver meals to shut-ins; 3rd and 4th Sun-
   days of the Month - contact Mrs. Baillargeon -
• Youth Ministry Activities - Lisa Saloio - 459-7435

   # of hours             Service Work Completed             Volunteer Supervisor
                                                                  Signature

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