Queen of Apostles Catholic Parish

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Confirmation Prep – Spirit Symbols

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Session Overview for Catechists, Monday 10/21/2024
Slides * Catechist Guide * Listing of Participants by Table

Introduction to the Session (15-20 minutes)

Icebreakers (5 minutes)

  • Imagine you have superpowers and a secret identity ​(like the comic book hero of your choice).  ​What would you do with those powers ​
    that you do not ordinarily do?  
  • Introduce yourself to the people you don’t already know at your table
  • If time, share responses on textbook page 17 from the homework

Opening Prayer — “Glory Be” as Embodied Prayer (5 minutes)

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.

Presentation on the Mystery of the Trinity (5-10 minutes)

  • The Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is a Mystery of our faith: impossible to understand totally fully, but we wrestle with the question anyway because it is so vitally important.
  • What various saints have to say about the Trinity and how they try to understand this relationship at the heart of who God is
  • Symbols mean different things in different contexts

Instructions for Breakout (5 minutes)

FINGER: Example given QUICKLY in the large group

  • Photos: finger-puppets, foam finger from pep rally, hand classroom pointer, finger pressing an elevator button, [hands playing a piano]
  • Scripture passage(s) & discussion questions (groups will have 15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss)
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how they relate to the idea that the Holy Spirit is like this symbol 

Breakout (30 minutes) led by each catechist

Note to catechists: if the file of the questions you download has a different table color listed on the page, it might still be the correct set of questions, just from a previous year when a different table color had those questions and this theme.  Check if the same passages are covered as your list in this website post; if so, it should be the same set of questions you will receive on Monday.  [Master packet of all 10 tables of questions with the correct Table colors for 2024]

WIND: Black Table with Mr. Jim Hohner for Ms. Pascale Larre Vargas

  • Photo(s) shown by catechist: tree bent by wind, sand dunes shaped by wind
  • Tangible object(s) shown by catechist: electric fan (5 minutes to show & discuss)
  • Scripture passage(s) & discussion questions (will have 15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss):
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how the Holy Spirit is like the wind
  • Take-home tokens given at end of class!

OIL: Blue Table with Mrs. Stella Peters

  • Photo(s) shown by catechist: using perfume spray, a priest using incense at a Mass 
  • Tangible object(s) shown by catechist: scented oil air-freshener refills, essential oil samples, perfume and cologne ad samples (5 minutes to show & discuss)
  • Scripture passage(s) & discussion questions (15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss):
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how the Holy Spirit is like oil
  • Take-home tokens given at end of class!

SEAL: Brown Table with Mr. John Kyle

  • Photo(s): safety seal on a bottle, wedding rings
  • Tangible object(s) shown by catechist: zip ties, envelopes, tamper-evident bags, embossing seal(s) (5 minutes to show & discuss)
  • Scripture passages & discussion questions (will have 15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss):
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how the Holy Spirit is like a seal
  • Take-home tokens given at end of class!

DOVE: Green Table with Ms. Rachel Hohner and Mr. Alexis Hernández

  • Photo(s) & video shown by catechist: dove in flight * many doves being released & flying away
  • Tangible object(s) shown by catechist: model bird, feathers (5 minutes to show & discuss)
  • Scripture passage(s) & discussion questions (15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss)
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how the Holy Spirit is like a dove
  • Take-home tokens given at end of class!

FIRE: Orange Table with Mr. Joe Rosales

  • Photo(s) & video shown by catechist: lit candle in a dark room; people around a campfire
  • Tangible object(s) shown by catechist: lit candle (5 minutes to show & discuss)
  • Scripture passage(s) & discussion questions (15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss):
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how the Holy Spirit is like fire
  • Take-home tokens given at end of class!

BREATH: Pink Table with Mrs. Jamie Mocarski

  • Photo(s) shown by catechist: checking for breath during CPR; blowing dandelion seeds
  • Tangible object(s) shown by catechist: blowing bubbles (5 minutes to show & discuss)
  • Scripture passage(s) & discussion questions (15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss):
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how the Holy Spirit is like breath
  • Take-home tokens given at end of class!

OIL: Purple Table with Mr. Dan Richlen for Mrs. Melissa Richlen

  • Photo(s) shown by catechist: changing the oil of a car; applying body lotion
  • Tangible object(s) shown by catechist: motor oil, hand lotion (5 minutes to show & discuss)
  • Scripture passage(s) & discussion questions (15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss):
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how the Holy Spirit is like oil
  • Take-home tokens given at end of class!

WATER: Red Table with Ms. Leticia Solache

WATER: White Table with Mr. Jack Recinto

  • Photo(s) shown by catechist: desert landscape; child playing in a lawn sprinkler
  • Tangible object(s) shown by catechist: pitcher of ice water and cups (5 minutes to show & discuss)
  • Scripture passage(s) & discussion questions (15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss):
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how the Holy Spirit is like water
  • Take-home tokens given at end of class!

FIRE: Yellow Table with Ms. Isabel López

  • Photo(s) shown by catechist: muffins baking, meat grilling
  • Tangible object(s) shown by catechist: ashes (5 minutes to show & discuss)
  • Scripture passage(s) & discussion questions (15-20 minutes to read in Bible and discuss):
  • Make posters illustrating this symbol of the Holy Spirit (2-3 students collaborate on a poster, 3-4 posters per table group)
  • Prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how the Holy Spirit is like fire
  • Take-home tokens given at end of class! 

Drawing Conclusions (20-25 minutes)

Group representatives report back (15+ minutes, or 2 minutes for each group)

Homework Assignments

Closing Prayer to the Holy Spirit, textbook page iv

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray:
Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

HOMEWORK & REMINDERS

  • Bring completed and signed Sponsor Form and all other materials (Bible, book, journal, folder) to next classes:
    • Track A (Religious Education / Catecismo): Monday 10/28
    • Track B (Catholic Schools / SMS & Queen of Angels School): Tuesday 10/29 & Wednesday 10/30 in Religion Classes (happening early due to Halloween)
  • NO CLASS the following week, Tuesday daytime retreat instead!
    Rise Up Retreat information:

    • Tuesday, November 5 (Election Day, which is a day off for CPS and most other schools, but a day of class for Catholic Schools)
    • 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Holy Family Hall (basement) and Queen of Angels Church, both at 2330 W. Sunnyside
      • Track A: be dropped off at 8:30 a.m. and picked up at 2:30 p.m.; plan now who will bring you or how you will get there if your parents will be working that day!
      • Track B: arrive to and depart from school as usual, you can walk over and back as a group
    • lunch will be provided (pizza with fresh fruit, carrots & dip, cookies, soft drinks or water)
    • a refillable water bottle labeled with your name is suggested
    • expect witness talks, music, games, prayer, small group activities, Living Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and more!
    • First Year Confirmation classes (7th grade / Level 7 and Level 7+ Sunday RE) are also invited to attend

Note for later on:

  • Service Hours can be done now and documents can be turned in at any Confirmation Prep class
  • Let Ms. Hohner know about conflicts with your attendance at our retreat “Rise Up” which will be on Tuesday, November 5.  See your track’s schedule for details.
  • Plan for you, your Sponsor(s) and Parent(s) to all attend class at Queen of Angels Church on Monday, November 11, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Confirmation Name essay due in early December, details & help coming at our next class, the Saintapalooza lesson
  • Letter to the Pastor due in early January, to be assigned as classwork in December during the Anointed lesson

Confirmation Prep – Word Made Flesh

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Session Overview for Catechists
Slides * Catechist Guide

  • Track A: Monday 10/7/2024, 6:45-8:30 p.m.
  • Track B: Wednesday 10/9 to Thursday 10/10 in Religion class

Warm-up Activity (10 min.)

Look at the new Bibles and make sure everyone has received one (especially those who missed Rite of Enrollment over the weekend or could only watch the streamed version due to travel or illness).  Do not double-issue a Bible to anyone who just forgot theirs at home.

Volunteers may share homework responses to journal questions, especially from page 24

Opening Prayer: Reading, Reflecting, Responding to the Word of God! (10 min)

Reading of Luke 5:1-11 (Bible p. 1347-1348)

(option for short reflection on how this passage spoke to Ms. Hohner, or for a reflective pause before the sung response)

Lord, When You Came to the Seashore verses 1 & 3

  • Track A: a capella bilingual version (English v. 1, Spanish v. 3) using lyrics from slides, led by Ms. Hohner
  • Track B: video version with both verses and the chorus in English (fade out after 2nd chorus):

    Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VrQX3juFHQ

Intro to Scripture & Lector Ministry (10 min)

Option for short witness on impactful Scripture and/or being a lector (Ms. Hohner or Mrs. Medio/Mr. Rosales)

Sacred Scripture is the inspired Word of God, written down by many faithful people and edited together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  The Bible is divided into the Old Testament (before Jesus) and New Testament (Jesus and the early Church).  The Bible is like a library, made up of 73 books (46 OT, 27 NT).  Finding passages is easy once you know how to read a citation with the name of the book, the number of the chapter, and the number(s) of the verse(s).

Scripture is always present when we pray as a Church — in the words of common prayers (like Our Father & Hail Mary) or the source of the text in songs and psalms, or the Scriptures proclaimed aloud at Mass.

Option to use 2 videos that go with our Bible:

Breakout Session on Jesus (35-45 min – Track B split over 2 days)

Trivia Game: What do we know about Jesus?

MATERIALS: toss-and-tell beach ball with trivia questions * answer key in an envelope

Alternate materials: 2 envelopes of Question & Answer cards for “Go Jesus Fish” matching card game

  • Within your group, toss around the beach balls with questions to test our knowledge of Jesus.  The person catching the ball reads the question that their right thumb (or another finger the group chooses) lands on.  The ball goes to the person with the best answer, or perhaps the person who has not had a turn.  Each group has an answer key in an envelope for the catechist/facilitator.
  • This activity should replace the “Go Jesus Fish!” matching card trivia game.  Cards will be available if desired, and the online version on Sporcle.com still works for students doing home-study on their own (Emilia).

2nd half of session begins for Track B

Scripture Exploration: Who Is Jesus?

Each table/group receives a set of 3 passages relating to Jesus’  life and ministry.  Reflection questions accompany the passages. Each table selects a scribe to take notes about their answers on the question sheets.  At the end of the breakout session, each table/group reports on their conclusions in answer to the question “Who Is Jesus?” based on what is revealed about him in the three passages.

MATERIALS:  question sheets specific to each group

Report Back on Final Question Response (5-10 min)

Call to Discipleship and Prayer Ritual (15 min)

Definition of Discipleship

God calls us together as a group, to be his children. Jesus calls each of us to follow him.

To be a disciple means to hear and study the ways of the master, within a community of disciples, and to live out those ways for the good of the world.  We do this by learning, participating and serving in the life of Christ’s holy Church, which we enter at Baptism.

God first called us to faith through Baptism. God continues to work in our lives through other people; in the stories we hear and the way we hear them; when we take time during prayer to listen for God’s voice speaking from the silence of our hearts.

But we also hear God’s call through the Scriptures and in the decisions we make every day.  Look at the sticker placed on the inside front cover of your Bible.  Asking these questions when you read Scripture on your own will help you to figure out how God is calling you and what God is choosing you to do as part of your mission as a disciple.

Our actions are signs that we choose him back.  Jesus once told this story:

Reading: Parable of the Two Sons, Matthew 21:28-32 (Bible p. 1277-1278)

“Open My Eyes, Lord” (Jesse Manibusan)

During the song, candidates bless their own senses (eyes to see, ears to hear, heart to love).

Discipleship Prayer (from prayer card and also in slides):

Be with me, Lord Jesus.  Guide me on my journey and nourish me as I continue to walk in your Light. ​

      Open my eyes, that I may see your presence.​
      Open my ears, that I may hear your Word.​
      Open my heart, that I may reflect your love.​

Empower me and my whole parish to echo the Truth that is found in you alone.  ​
  I ask this through the power of the Blessed Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Look at the image on the front of the prayer card.  Jesus is walking with us toward Confirmation!  Jesus is revealed to us when we read or listen to the Scriptures, when we talk to Jesus in prayer, and when we serve Jesus by sharing his love with others.  If we stay with Jesus on this path and give him our attention, we will be transformed as disciples as we become fully initiated (Confirmed) Catholic Christians.

Turn in Discipleship Commitment forms at prayer space during the song Aquí Estoy (Here I Am) by Fr. Rob Galea and Ivan Diaz

Source: https://youtu.be/3HKIgiNrVDo?t=9s 

Closing & Dismissal

HOMEWORK & REMINDERS

  • NO CLASS next week (holiday for all schools on Monday, October 14)
  • read/do pages 13-18 in your textbook
  • Bring your Bibles and other materials to our next class session, which is for both Tracks A & B on Monday, October 21, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Mission Hall at the Parish Center, 4412 N. Western.  We will be doing a special activity that involves the whole group!

Note for later on:

  • Service Hours can be done now and documents can be turned in at any Confirmation Prep class
  • Let Ms. Hohner know about conflicts with your attendance at our retreat “Rise Up” which will be on Tuesday, November 5.  See your track’s schedule for details.
  • Plan for you, your Sponsor(s) and Parent(s) to all attend class at Queen of Angels Church on Monday, November 11, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Confirmation Name essay due in early December, details & help coming in late October during the Saintapalooza lesson
  • Letter to the Pastor due in early January, to be assigned as classwork in December during the Anointed lesson

Confirmation Prep – In His Presence

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Session Overview for Catechists
Slides * Catechist Summary

  • Track A: Monday 9/30/2024, 6:45-8:30 p.m.
  • Track B: taught Wednesday 10/2 and Thursday 10/3 in Religion class

Warm-up activity (5 min.)

Track A suggested activity: As they find their assigned tables and sit down, students and catechists meet one another in their small groups and begin to build community.

  • Share your name, grade in school, and one thing that most people don’t know about you.  Prompts can be pulled from the cup matching your table’s color.  (sets of prompts to cut apart). 
  • If time allows, volunteers may also share homework responses to journal questions, especially from pages vii and viii (Roman numerals 7 and 8).

Track B suggested activity: Volunteers may share homework responses to journal questions, especially from pages vii and viii (Roman numerals 7 and 8). The icebreaker above would likely be a dull exercise for the Catholic Schools students who must know their classmates pretty well already.

Opening Prayer (5 min.)

Act of Faith – Confirmed in the Spirit textbook p. 108

Belief, Faith and Trust (15 min)

Beliefs are based in evidence, in things that are convincing to us, either by logic or by observation. By learning more about the teachings of the Catholic Church, we come to question them, accept them and believe them.

Trust is a decision made based on belief.  If I believe that someone is my friend, I may decide to trust her.  But I can also choose not to trust. I may believe that elastic and latex are strong materials, but not trust them enough to bungee-jump off a bridge. There are people who believe in God but do not choose to trust either God’s wisdom or God’s goodness. There is a mutual element to trust that is not present in belief: good, healthy relationships require both individuals to trust each other.

However, we can understand faith as a gift from God. Through the grace we receive in the sacrament of Baptism, our parents pass along the gift of their faith to us.  Faith is based on a change of attitude, a change of heart, not on observable facts. While your beliefs may or may not influence your actions, true faith in your soul changes the actions you take and the way you are. It is a different outlook on the world. Our faith is what leads us to trust in God.

Video Conversation-Starter: “Jesus and Laura”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhnRvb-M-P4

Breakout Session: Trust in God (5 min)

Briefly discuss the video in small groups (or as a class, if desired):

    • How do you define “faith”? What does it take in order to have faith?
    • What, besides fear, might get in the way of faith?  How can someone overcome fear or those other obstacles in order to have greater faith?

Eucharistic Adoration (10 min)

One thing that is both a gift of our Catholic tradition and a challenge to our faith, belief, and trust is Eucharistic Adoration.  This is a prayerful experience of contemplating the Divine Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, our spiritual food and the “Body of Christ“​.  But on the surface it can seem a very strange thing to do, because it requires belief, trust, and faith to even understand what it really is. 

​We don’t see Jesus’ face!  We see what looks like bread and ​we know tastes like bread but we believe ​IS the Body of Jesus Christ! ​(As we affirm every time we receive Holy Communion: the minister says “The Body of Christ” and we say “Amen” which is an enthusiastic statement of belief: “Truly!”.)

We trust in the words of Jesus:​

“I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” – John 6:35​

Promotional Video with testimonials by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
(what we can get out of Eucharistic Adoration when we pray in this way)

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txuaN5FXgW8)

(2nd half of session begins for Track B)

Transitional Prayer Activity: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus (5-10 min)

Going deeper on the video with “Jesus and Laura.”  Students will each choose an image of Jesus’ face (found on their smart phones or from printed image options provided):

Then let’s look at Jesus’ face we have chosen, and pray along with the song “Turn Your Eyes” by Lauren Daigle.

Source: https://youtu.be/EQTtkr2zVxg?t=46

Breakout Session: Reading the Church (25-30 min)

  • Jesus speaks to us in the Eucharist​
  • Jesus also speaks to us through the works of art and the symbols we see at church​
  • Something to look at when your mind “drifts” during Mass

“Fix your eyes” on something in the church to help you pray​. Look at one of the church photos given to your group. Photos are from Queen of Angels Church and/or St. Matthias Church.  

What do the things you are looking at say to you about Jesus? Put your ideas together and see how that compares to the Hint Page in the envelope.

MATERIALS: general questions set * 3 photos for each group * hint sheet in envelope (all 10 hint sheets v.2024)

RED
Ms. Solache
Hint page
ORANGE
Mr. Rosales
Hint page
YELLOW
Ms. Lopez
Hint page
GREEN
Ms. Hohner
& Mr. Hernández
Hint page
BLUE
Mrs. Peters
Hint page
PURPLE
Mr. Richlen
for Mrs. Richlen
Hint page
PINK
(extra for
Track B
use only)
Hint page
BLACK
(extra for
Track B
use only)
Hint page
BROWN
(extra for
Track B
use only)
Hint page
WHITE
(extra for
Track B
use only)
Hint page

Rite of Enrollment Practice (5-10 min)

Please come for Rite of Enrollment at any of the weekend parish Masses on Saturday-Sunday, October 5th-6th, 2024 in person at Queen of Angels Church, 2330 W. Sunnyside.  You and your parents will get a blessing, and you will receive your Bible to use for Confirmation Prep classes. Please dress appropriately for church and fairly nicely, as you will be called to come up to the altar.

  • 5 p.m. Saturday Mass in English (arrive by 4:45 p.m. Saturday to check in)
  • 9 a.m. Sunday Mass in English (arrive by 8:45 a.m. Sunday to check in)​
  • 11 a.m. Sunday Mass in English (arrive by 10:45 a.m. Sunday to check in)​
  • Misa dominical de las 12:30 p.m. en español (llegue antes de las 12:15 p.m. el domingo para registrarse su asistencia)​

Priest:         I ask you to please gather in front of the altar.    ​

< Candidates gather at the altar >​

Priest:         Do you ask to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation? ​

Candidates: Yes, I do. / ¡Si, lo pido!

Priest:         Do you promise to be active in the Church community, to be faithful in celebrating the sacraments, to serve God’s people and to seek to grow as a disciple of Jesus? ​

Candidates: Yes, I do. / ¡Si, lo prometo!​

Priest:          In the presence of God and this community of faith, do you promise to enter into serious ​preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation? ​

Candidates: Yes, I do.  / ¡Si, lo prometo!​

​Blessing of Candidates, Bibles & Tree and ​Blessing of Parents ​

< after each prayer, all respond together: > ​

Candidates: Amen. / Amén.​

 < candidates are applauded & may receive Bibles ​immediately if present in church >

Prayer Ritual (10 min)

“The Divine Praises” – Matt Maher and Audrey Assad, World Youth Day 2016

Homework for Candidates:

  • read/do pages 22, 23, 24 and 25 in your journal
  • due at next class: sign and have parent(s) sign the Discipleship Commitment (beige paper)
  • all Confirmation candidates (students preparing to be Confirmed this year) come to Rite of Enrollment at any weekend parish Mass Saturday 10/5 or Sunday 10/6 at Queen of Angels Church; dress appropriately; arrive 15 minutes before Mass; check in & get handout; sit with your family; will receive Bibles and a blessing up in sanctuary after the Homily
  • bring new Bibles, Discipleship Commitment and all other materials (book, journal, folder) to next classes:
    • Track A (Religious Education / Catecismo): Monday 10/7
    • Track B (Catholic Schools / SMS & Queen of Angels School): Wednesday 10/9 & Thursday 10/10 in Religion Classes

Confirmation Prep – Journey

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Session Overview for Catechists, Monday 9/23/2024
Slides * Catechist Summary

“A Journey of Trust” initial class with parents

Welcome and Opening Prayer (5-10 min.)

“Singing is praying twice!” — attributed to St. Augustine of Hippo
The first verse of the hymn “Come, Holy Ghost” serves as our opening prayer. This is an invitation to the Holy Spirit. How would we speak if we were trying to invite someone? How might we sing when we invite the Holy Spirit?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4jqAGF3j2GI

Program Overview (30 min)

What is Confirmation?
What Happens at Confirmation?
Viewing of “What Happens at Confirmation” video from Chosen Confirmation Prep series

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrCUkEmCfi8

Confirmation is one of the seven Sacraments, and it offers an opportunity for growing in discipleship to Jesus, in faith and in grace through a strengthening of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Knowledge, Fortitude, Counsel, Understanding, Piety, and Fear of the Lord).  You already possess these gifts, given to you through the Holy Spirit at your Baptism.

Confirmation means completing your initiation into the Catholic faith (begun at your Baptism and continued with your First Holy Communion).  Confirmation does not make you an “adult” in the Church in the same way that turning 18 makes you an “adult” legally in the U.S..  However, seeking Confirmation as a teen can and should be a sign of your maturing faith.  Completing your initiation also allows you to take on more of an “adult” role in that faith community, now giving back more to the faith community which has helped to bring you up.  After Confirmation you are able to be trained and serve as a liturgical minister (regular Lector, Eucharistic Minister, etc.), junior catechist, and/or join the parish youth group.  Confirmation is not graduation from the Catholic Church, but it is a change in your status as a full member of that Church.

We have a handout packet of information about program components which will help our candidates to be prepared to receive the sacrament: a calendar of classes and other events; making a commitment to grow in discipleship; how to choose a Sponsor to be a spiritual companion during this time; going deeper on a retreat; how to choose a Confirmation Name as part of a sign of your transformation in this sacrament; formally requesting the sacrament through a letter to our Pastor who will present you to the Bishop on Confirmation day; and becoming Jesus’ presence in the world through Christian service.  There are different packets and due dates for students from the Religious Education program and for students from our Catholic schools. 

Track A:
Students in Religious Education (CCD) at Queen of Apostles Parish
who attend CPS, suburban, or non-Catholic private schools during the week
 
Track B:
Students in 8th Grade at Queen of Angels School or St. Matthias School
Calendar of Classes & other events
Track A
(hot pink)		 Track B
(bright yellow)
   
Discipleship Commitment Form (beige)
for signature by student and parent
due the week of October 7
Track A Track B
   
Sponsor Form
for signature by parent
due the week of October 28
Track A Track B
 
Save-the-Date Flyer for the “Rise Up” Retreat (white)
Retreat offered during the day on Tuesday, November 5
Track A Flyer
 Track B Flyer
   
Confirmation Name Reflection (gold)
assigned as homework in late October
due the week of December 9
Track A Track B
   
Letter to the Pastor (Father Jason) (green)
assigned as classwork in mid-December
if finishing at home: due the week of January 13
Track A Track B
   
Christian Service (white paper)
do & document at least 5 hours
due the week of February 3
Track A
 Track B
Printable Form for Tracking Service Hours

Ideas & Opportunities for Service

Icebreaker (10 min)

  • Blind Origami — large group exercise led by Ms. Hohner to recognize each other as unique individuals with different perspectives on the same questions. Each person has a sheet of paper and is asked to close their eyes and follow directions of what to do with that sheet of paper.  The end result teaches us something about ourselves and is an opportunity to talk about confidentiality. (template to print on scrap * sample directions)
    MATERIALS: scrap paper (“DRAFT” watermark on printed side, other side blank)

Video Conversation-Starter (5 min)

“Is Your Faith Still in Kindergarten?” video from BlueFishTV / RightNowMedia.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQCDAfH-N4E

Goal Setting for Confirmation Prep (25 min)

Candidates set goals for their spiritual development in the areas of prayer life, moral choices and service.  Table leaders guide the process and encourage setting S.M.A.R.T. goals, which are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely.  The goals are collected into baskets to bring up during the closing prayer service. (Smart Goals handout – both sides * Labels for goals cards bilingual)

Smart-goals1-1
Image Source

MATERIALS:

  • “SMART” goals instructions handout
  • blank card marked “Prayer / Moral Life / Service” for writing goal

Prayer Ritual (15 min)

Video Reflection – Commitment


https://youtu.be/VPxhwVkm6KE?t=6

Presentation of Goals

Candidates will bring their written goals up to the sanctuary during the song “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin.
MATERIALS: Basket for collecting goals cards

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing & Dismissal (5 min)

HOMEWORK

  • journal “My Journey Begins,” pages vi – xii, by week of 9/30
  • Commitment Form by week of 10/7
  • Sponsor Form by week of 10/28
  • Bring your materials to next class session:
    • Track A (Religious Ed): Monday, September 30, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Track B (SMS & Q of A School): split between Wednesday, October 2 AND Thursday, October 3 during 8th Grade Religion Classes

Reminders for Candidates:

  • Take a look at your textbook and journal if you received them new tonight (Queen of Angels School & Queen of Apostles Religious Education).  You will need to bring them to each Confirmation Prep class session, and they will be useful if  you are ever absent from class.
  • Work on “My Journey Begins” section of JOURNAL, pages vi – xii (Roman numerals 6-12).  All journaling is for your own eyes, to help you reflect and pray your way through Confirmation prep.  You don’t have to write in complete sentences or answer every question, but don’t skip the journaling! You may be asked to volunteer to share something from your journal, or you may surprise yourself with the depth you find through your journaling.
  • TWO forms are due next month! (see above for links to forms according to your Track):
    • Beige Commitment Form due in early October.
      Candidates (youth) sign the top section and parent/guardian(s) should sign the middle section.
      Once you bring it back to class, your table leader catechist(s) will sign the bottom section, as will Ms. Rachel Hohner as the Program Coordinator (and also Mr. Joe Rosales or Ms. Anne Medio for Track B).

      • due for Track A on Monday, October 7
      • due for Track B on Thursday, October 10
    • Your blue Sponsor form will be due at the end of October!  If you have a Sponsor already, make sure your Sponsor(s) know that Sponsor Night will be November 11. If you do not have a Sponsor yet, brainstorm with your family to figure out who could be your Sponsor, and ask that person!
      • due for Track A on Monday, October 28
      • due for Track B on Wednesday, October 30

Note for later on:

  • Service Hours can be done now, due finally in early February
  • Confirmation Name essay due in December; details & help coming in late October during the Saintapalooza lesson
  • Letter to the Pastor due in early January, to be assigned as classwork in December during the Anointed lesson

Open Gym for High School Students

by

Dear Queen of Apostles High Schoolers! What are you doing Saturday September 14, besides visiting Harvest Jam? Why not compete against your high school friends in a 3-on-3 basketball tourney and a 4-on-4 volleyball tourney.

Our parish gym will be open 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. and again 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for some healthy fun and competition! Put a team together and let our new Youth Minister know you are ready to compete! Or just come by and put a pick-up team together on the day-of! In either case, please let Mr. Rosales know you are coming, to enjoy your classmates and some gym time!

Contact: jrosales@queenofangelschicago.org

Requirements
– must be in High School
– must come to have fun

Time
Noon to 4:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where
Queen of Apostles Guild Hall Gym, 4416 N. Western

Cost: Free!

Harvest Jam is also a great opportunity to do service for your parish and earn service hours for your school or for Confirmation Prep! Sign up at this link to volunteer for a shift or two helping out with the games area, set-up or clean up.

Gimnasio Abierto para los Estudiantes de Preparatoria durante Harvest Jam:
Basquetbol de 3 contra 3 y Voleibol de 4 contra 4

¡Queridos estudiantes de preparatoria de Reina de los Apóstoles!  ¿Qué haces el sábado, 14 de septiembre, además de visitar Harvest Jam?  ¿Por qué no competir contra tus amigos de la preparatoria en un torneo de basquetbol de 3 contra 3 y un torneo de voleibol de 4 contra 4?  ¡Nuestro gimnasio parroquial estará abierto desde 12 mediodía hasta las 4:30 p.m. y nuevamente desde las 6 p.m. hasta las 9 p.m. para una sana diversión y competencia!

¡Forma un equipo y hazle saber a nuestro nuevo Ministro Juvenil que estás listo para competir! ¡O simplemente ven y reúne un equipo del mismo día!  En cualquier caso, ¡hágale saber al Sr. Rosales que vendras para disfrutar de tus compañeros de clase y de un poco de tiempo en el gimnasio!
Contacte al: jrosales@queenofangelschicago.org
Requisitos:
 – debes estar en la escuela secundaria
 – debes venir a divertirte
Horas
12:00 a 4:30 p.m.
6:00 p.m. a 9:00 p.m.
Dónde
Gimnasio Guild Hall de Reina de los Apóstoles, 4416 N. Western
Costo: ¡Gratis!
¡Harvest Jam también es una gran oportunidad para dar servicio a su  parroquia y completar horas de servicio para su escuela o para la preparación para la Confirmación!  Regístrese en este enlace para ofrecerse como voluntario durante uno o dos turnos ayudando con el área de juegos, la instalación o la limpieza.
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