Queen of Apostles Catholic Parish

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Confirmation Prep – Gifts

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Gifts of the Spirit

Session Overview for Catechists
Slides * Catechist Summary

  • Track A: Monday 11/17/2025, 6:45-8:30 p.m.
  • Track B St. Matthias School: Wednesday 11/19 in Religion class and possibly another day? (no school Thurs 11/20 for parent conferences)
  • Track B Queen of Angels School: Wednesday 11/19 and Thursday 11/20 in Religion class

Gathering Icebreaker (5 min.)

Icebreaker: The Best Gifts Ever
Discuss a thoughtful gift you have given, and a gift you have received that might not be worth much in dollars, but is worth a lot to you.  Then share something from the journaling homework.

Opening Prayer (5 min)

Students will be invited to create sacred art (draw symbols and embellishments to decorate a crown) in honor of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.  This Sunday’s feast at the end of our church year recalls how Jesus is the king of our hearts, taking precedence over allegiance to any earthly leader or nation, and recalling his promise to return in glory.  To inspire and assist this creative and prayerful work, students will listen to a song with many meaningful images of Jesus’ power and and love relating to his role as “the King of Glory, the King above all kings.”

Drawing sheet with song lyrics & many emojis (drawing reference for those who like Ms. Hohner need to look at something in order to draw it)

“This Is Amazing Grace” by Phil Wickham with lyrics

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPQKj2Zptr0) 

Presentation on the Gifts of the Holy Spirit (10 min)

Overview of the Gifts of the Spirit (printable leader notes)
The Gifts of the Spirit help to perfect our Virtues. Four Gifts help us to know God’s will: 

  • Wisdom helps us to see as God sees, to recognize the value of others and the importance of keeping God central in our lives.
  • Understanding is the ability to comprehend the meaning of God’s message, to read the Scriptures not just as literature but as the story of God’s continual outreach to his people over time and as evidence of God’s love and mercy.
  • Knowledge is the ability to think about and explore God’s revelation through the person of Jesus, and also to recognize there are mysteries of faith and miracles beyond our human reason.
  • Counsel (Right Judgment) is the ability to see the best way to follow God’s plan when we have moral choices to make, and to be able to speak with the words of God to others when they ask for our advice.

Three Gifts help us to do God’s will

  • Fortitude (Courage) is the ability to do actively what is right in the face of challenges to our faith, and it is the perfection of the Cardinal Virtue of Fortitude (the strength to resist excessive desires).
  • Piety (Reverence) helps us pray to God in true devotion, and to make everything we do into a prayer by showing respect for God and for others in all that we say and do.
  • Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe) is the feeling of amazement and smallness before God, who is all-present and has expressed love for us through all of creation.

See also pp.53-56 in the textbook.

Reflection: Sentence Starters (10 min)

Do Sentence Starters for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit — work on individually.

Breakout on Gifts of the Spirit (40-45 min)

Exploring the Gifts: Scripture Search and Song-writing
Each table is assigned one of the Gifts of the Spirit to explore.  Read the scripture passages and answer the questions on the question page for your table.  Then write a song using the tune “Happy Birthday” that explains what the gift is about.  You may want to brainstorm ideas a bit first by looking back at the questions you have answered about the readings.  Be ready to sing the song together when you present it to the rest of the class (this may involve hand-copying a few lyrics sheets to share).
All question sheets (18 pages)

Sharing of Songs and Saints (15-20 min)

Share the song you have written as a group, as well as briefly explaining the story of the saint from your Confirmation Name Papers who best exemplifies that Gift or another Gift of the Holy Spirit.

Homework and Reminders (5 min)

HOMEWORK (due at next class)

REMINDERS

  • Next class is after Thanksgiving – this is when we will prepare for going to Confession during Advent
    • Track A Monday 12/1, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Track B Wednesday 12/3 and Thursday 12/4 in 8th Grade Religion class
  • Happy Thanksgiving! Safe travels to all who are traveling, and enjoy some time with family and friends.
  • special classes to note in early December!
    • Week of 12/1: Advent Confessions
      • Track A: Monday evening 12/1
        • arrive and depart from Mission Hall as usual
        • during class time, we will first prepare for confessions and then we will go over to Queen of Angels Church for confessions, about 7:30 to 8:15
      • Track B in Religion class:
        • Wed 12/3 prepare for confessions
        • Thurs 12/4 Advent saints activity or Religion Teacher’s Choice
        • actual confessions scheduled through your school
    • Week of 12/8: Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation (HDO), on Monday 12/8
      • HDO = like Sundays, you go to Mass!
      • Track A Class with Families Monday evening 12/8:
        • arrive earlier than usual to Queen of Angels Church for 6:30 p.m. Bilingual Mass
        • families stay to 8:30 p.m. for reflection activities on the Mass, down in Holy Family Hall (church basement)
      • Track B:
        • all-school Masses in the morning on Monday 12/8
        • shorter Confirmation Prep session in Religion class on either Wed 12/10 or Thurs 12/11 but not both (Religion Teacher’s Choice)

Closing Prayer (5 min)

Prayer of the Faithful (Petitions) for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

  • For the gift of wisdom: that God may help us see the real value of everything around us in our complicated lives. We pray to the Lord… Lord, hear our prayer. 
  • For the gift of understanding: that our minds may be open to the mystery of God and that we may see into the heart of things with God’s help. We pray to the Lord… Lord, hear our prayer.
  • For the gift of counsel or right judgment: that we may make good choices in our lives so that we may never turn away from the sure paths God has set for us. We pray to the Lord… Lord, hear our prayer.
  • For the gift of knowledge: that we may be able to separate truth from lies and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus through our daily actions. We pray to the Lord… Lord, hear our prayer.
  • For the gift of fortitude or courage: that we may defend the vulnerable and stand for what is right even when we are afraid of what might happen. We pray to the Lord… Lord, hear our prayer.
  • For the gift of piety or reverence: that we may lead lives of devotion to the Lord and give our time and talent in service to God’s people. We pray to the Lord… Lord, hear our prayer.
  • For the gift of fear of the Lord or wonder and awe: that we may experience the power and mercy of our Lord through prayer and through the works of God’s creation. We pray to the Lord….   Lord, hear our prayer.

Note for later on:

  • Service Hours can be done now; due finally in early February. 
  • Letter to the Pastor due in early January, to be assigned as classwork in December at the next class during the Anointed lesson.

Confirmation Prep – Sponsor Night

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Class with Sponsors and Parents

Session Overview for Catechists
Slides * Catechist Summary

  • Track A & B: Monday 11/10/2025, 6:45-8:30 p.m. at St. Matthias Church

Gathering Icebreaker (10 min.)

Candidates and their Sponsor(s) (or parents) are invited to do an icebreaker evaluating their gifts and talents using:

Opening Prayer (5 min)

Opening Prayer
“Pan de Vida” (v. 1 in English, v. 2 en español)

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ-j-DrNMOo 

Video on the Corporal Works of Mercy (15-20 min)

Bilingual Photo Handout on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

English video with option for good subtitles in Spanish:


(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfWEUw0iwAQ)

Spanish video from the same producers on the same topic, which will not be shown in class; but may be helpful for those making up the session at home with Spanish-speaking Sponsors or parents.


(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=486MoqSEpWM)

Partner Work: Questions on the Works of Mercy and Saints of Mercy worksheet (35 min)

Candidates will work with the Sponsor(s) and/or parents on the worksheets:

Christian Service & Sponsor Responsibilities (15 min)

Opportunities to serve at Thanksgiving Food Drive (Fri. 11/21 & Sat. 11/22), Winter Market (Sat. 12/6), Community Meal (Sun. 12/14). Youth sign-ups are welcome (without the requirement of a parent in attendance) at direct service events as long as there is a ratio of at least 1 adult for every 3-4 youth. For example, youth can attend with a parent or Sponsor, or youth can attend with a few friends as long as there is a parent, Sponsor, or chaperone coming with these few youth specifically to shepherd and support them during the event.

Handouts for Sponsors:

Watching a single segment of a longer video (begin @ 5:27, end @ 10:51)


Source: https://players.brightcove.net/6415869056001/eUy0Am5Rp_default/index.html?videoId=6363081532112&t=327s or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8qIz9jrQsU&t=238s 

Gifts of the Spirit Demonstration (10 min)

Braydan R. (11/10), Brandon L. (11/11), and/or Veda K. (11/6) will be invited to come forward and open a “birthday present” for the class, gift cards listing the Gifts of the Spirit.  The cards come in 10 different designs, all with the same text on the back:

Homework, Reminders and Prayer (5 min)

HOMEWORK

  • finish choosing your Confirmation Name and writing your reflection which is due next week!
    • Track A details, due finally Monday, December 17
    • Track B details, due finally
      • St. Matthias School: Wednesday, December 19
      • Queen of Angels School: Thursday, December 20
  • Textbook read/do pp. 41-43
  • Journal read/do pp. 52-54

REMINDERS

  • Next class session is next week – this is when your Confirmation Name reflection is due!
    • Track A Monday 11/17, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Mission Hall at the Parish Center, 4412 N. Western
    • Track B Wednesday 11/19 and Thursday 11/20 in 8th Grade Religion class

PRAYER: St. Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity (slides, in your preferred language)

Teach me, Lord,
To serve you as you deserve.​
To give without counting the cost,​
To fight heedless of wounds,​
To labor without seeking rest,​
To sacrifice myself without thought of any reward ​
Save the knowledge that I have done your will.  Amen.​

Enséñanos, Señor,
A servirte como mereces: ​
A dar sin contar el costo, ​
A luchar sin contar las heridas, ​
A trabajar y a no buscar descanso, ​
A laborar sin pedir recompensa ​
Excepto que saber qué hacemos tu voluntad.  Amén.​

Comments from Father Jason Malave, Pastor (15 min)

Note for later on:

  • Confirmation Name reflection due next week (Track A on Mon. 11/17, Track B on Wed. 11/19 at SMS or Thurs. 11/20 at Q of A).  
  • Service Hours can be done now, due finally in early February
  • Letter to the Pastor due in early January, to be assigned as classwork in December during the Anointed lesson.

Confirmation Prep – Rules and Tools

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Rules and Tools for Christian Life

Session Overview for Catechists
Slides * Catechist Summary

  • Track A: Monday 11/3/2025, 6:45-8:30 p.m.
  • Track B: Wednesday 11/5 and Thursday 11/6 in Religion class

Gathering Icebreaker (5 min.)

Check in about Confirmation Names research. With your group (or with a partner), share names of 2 saints and what you find interesting about each of them.

Reflection essay due in 2 weeks! (assignment guidelines: Track A | Track B)

Opening Prayer (10 min)

Opening Prayer
Guided meditation (updated leader script) with “Hold My Hand” (Adam Bitter) playing in the background

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU9Mu972W8Q)

The Ten Commandments (10-15 min)

with handout

The Ten Commandments are a covenant between God and us, God’s people. They give us boundaries so we can be free. That probably sounds strange.  Consider how, when God first gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, it was at the end of a long time of enslavement and suffering in Egypt.  The Israelites had learned all kinds of things from the Egyptians that hurt their relationships with God and with each other.  They were easily falling into the worship of other gods, such as the gods of the Egyptians or the gods of the Canaanites, instead of God with whom their ancestors (Noah, Abraham & Sarah, Jacob/Israel) had been in relationship.   They had learned only cruelty and domination during their years of enslavement, and did not know how to have healthy relationships with one another.  They had been terribly abused and treated as less than human, and so they devalued life and lacked gratitude for the things they did have.  God needed to redraw their boundaries and give them some guidelines by which to live, for their protection and instruction.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zq89Z3Zr_WU)

Icebreaker: Morally Good or Morally Suspect? (15-20 min)

Using the handout Morally Good or Morally Suspect?, groups will explore 6 scenarios for if they are intrinsically good actions (which promote their relationships with God or others) and whether the intention of the action or not having a free choice (due to conflicting obligations or some other circumstance) contribute to making the action wrong.

Theological and Cardinal Virtues (10 min)

Have you ever had to put together furniture you bought disassembled (IKEA, online, or Facebook Marketplace)?  It can be a problem if you don’t have the right tools, which is why many companies now provide a little Allen wrench along with the instructions (or a QR code to download them), flat-packed furniture pieces and hardware.  You get the “rules” (instructions) and the “tools” (Allen wrench) for putting together the furniture.  God does the same thing!

If the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes are the “rules” for leading the moral life in Christ, then the Virtues are the “tools” that help us to know and follow the rules.

The theological virtues (Faith, Hope and Charity) come to us from God.  The cardinal virtues (Fortitude, Prudence, Temperance and Justice) are the result of human effort.  “Cardinal” means “hinge”.  One way to understand the difference is to think about how you might develop a talent for playing the piano.  Maybe God gave you long fingers and you have always enjoyed piano music.  These are like the Theological Virtues, they come from God.  But in order to actually be good at playing the instrument, you still have to practice!  That’s like the Cardinal Virtues, which are developed through your own efforts.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTVNK4g9npo) 

Breakout: Virtues and Deadly Sins
Use the folktale question sheet to explore the Deadly Sins and their corresponding Theological or Cardinal Virtue. Groups can decide to break into partners or work together as a table.  (Storybooks from the library and) printed story cards will be available for anyone needing to familiarize themselves with the folktales illustrating the Deadly Sins. Story cards (or their sources) are linked in the table below.

7 Deadly Sins
“the Poison”		 7 Pecados Capitales
“el Veneno”		 7 Virtues
“the Antidote”		 7 Virtudes
“el Antídoto”
Pride
excessive focus on self; excessive trust in your own abilities
– – –
Folktale:
“The Hare and the Tortoise”
– – –
From the Book of Proverbs in the Bible:
Proverbs 28:26
Proverbs 16:18		 Soberbia
excesivamente enfocado en si mismo; confianza excesiva en sus propias capacidades
– – –
Fábula:
“La liebre y la tortuga”
– – –
Del libro de Proverbios en la Bíblia:
Proverbios 28:26
Proverbios 16:18		 Faith
focus on God and trust in divine providence
– – –
Bible Story:
Elijah and the Widow,
1 Kings 17:8-24		 T
H
E
O
L
O
G
I
C
A
LV
I
R
T
U
E
S		 Fe
enfocado en Dios; confianza en la providencia divina
– – –
Historia bíblica:
Elías y la Viuda,
1 Reyes 17:8-24		 V
I
R
T
U
D
E
ST
E
O
L
O
G
A
L
E
S
Sloth
lack of hope in God’s goodness
– – –
Folktale:
“The Little Red Hen”
or “The Grasshopper and the Ants”
– – –
From the Book of Proverbs in the Bible:
Proverbs 10:4-7
Proverbs 13:4		 Pereza
la falta de esperanza en la bondad de Dios
– – –
Fábulas:
“La gallinita roja0 “o “El saltamontes y la hormiga”
– – –
Del libro de Proverbios en la Bíblia:
Proverbios 10:4-7
Proverbios 13:4		 Hope
confidence in God’s goodness
– – –
Bible Story:
The Parable of the Talents,
Matthew 25:14-28		 Esperanza
la confianza en la bondad de Dios
– – –
Historia bíblica:
La Parábola de los Talentos,
Mateo 25:14-28
Envy
resentment of others and their gifts
– – –
Folktales:
“Snow White” or “The Woman Who Outshone the Sun”
– – –
From the Book of Proverbs in the Bible:
Proverbs 23:17-18
Proverbs 24:1-2		 Envidia
el resentimiento de otros y sus regalos
– – –
Fábulas:
“Blancanieves” o
“La mujer que brillaba aún más que el sol”
– – –
Del libro de Proverbios en la Bíblia:
Proverbios 23:17-18
Proverbios 24:1-2		 Charity
love of God and others shown through sharing gifts
– – –
Bible Story:
The Good Samaritan,
Luke 10:29-36		 Caridad
el amor de Dios y de otros demostrado de compartir regalos
– – –
Historia bíblica:
El Buen Samaritano,
Lucas 10:29-36
Wrath / Anger
uncontrolled hatred; acting without thinking
– – –
Folktale:
“Rapunzel”
– – –
From the Book of Proverbs in the Bible:
Proverbs 17:14
Proverbs 29:22
Proverbs 30:33		 Ira
el odio incontrolable; actuando sin pensamiento
– – –
Fábula:
“Rapunzel”
– – –
Del libro de Proverbios en la Bíblia:
Proverbios 17:14
Proverbios 29:22
Proverbios 30:33		 Prudence
the ability to think before acting
– – –
Bible Story:
The Parable of the Ten Virgins,
Matthew 25:1-13		 C
A
R
D
I
N
A
LV
I
R
T
U
E
S		 Prudencia
la capacidad de pensar antes de actuar
– – –
Historia bíblica:
La Parabola de las Diez Vírgines,
Mateo 25:1-13		 V
I
R
T
U
D
E
SC
A
R
D
I
N
A
L
E
S
Avarice / Greed
excessive desire for material wealth and abundance
– – –
Folktale:
“King Midas”
– – –
From the Book of Proverbs in the Bible:
Proverbs 15:27		 Avaricia
el deseo excesivo para las riquezas materiales y la abundancia
– – –
Fábula:
“El rey Midas”
– – –
Del libro de Proverbios en la Bíblia:
Proverbios 15:27		 Justice
a desire to make sure that all can share in God’s abundance
– – –
Bible Story:
Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard,
Matthew 20:1-16		 Justicia
el deseo de asegurarse que todos puedan compartir la abundancia de Dios
– – –
Historia bíblica:
Parábola de los Trabajadores de la Viña,
Mateo 20:1-16
Lust
desires that disrespect the dignity of others
– – –
Folktale:
“The Fisherman and His Wife”
– – –
From the Book of Proverbs in the Bible:
Proverbs 12:8-11		 Lujuria
los deseos que faltan al respeto y dignidad de otros
– – –
Fábula:
“El Pescador y Su Esposa”
– – –
Del libro de Proverbios en la Bíblia:
Proverbios 12:8-11		 Fortitude
the strength to resist excessive desires
– – –
Bible Story:
The Temptation of Jesus,
Luke 4:5-8		 Fortaleza
la fuerza para resistir deseos excesivos
– – –
Historia bíblica:
La Tentación de Jesús,
Lucas 4:5-8
Gluttony
excessive desire for food and drink
– – –
Folktale:
“Hansel and Gretel”
– – –
From the Book of Proverbs in the Bible:
Proverbs 23:20-21		 Gula
el deseo excesivo para alimento y bebida
– – –
Fábula:
“Hansel y Gretel”
– – –
Del libro de Proverbios en la Bíblia:
Proverbios 23:20-21		 Temperance
balancing what you want with what you need
– – –
Bible Story:
Parable of the Birds and the Wildflowers,
Matthew 6:25-34		 Templanza
equilibrar lo que usted desea con lo que usted necesita
– – –
Historia bíblica:
La Parábola de los Aves y los Lirios,
Mateo 6:25-34

Homework and Reminders (5 min)

HOMEWORK due at next class (with Sponsors & Parents)

  • Textbook pp. 37-40 and 51-52
  • Journal pp. 32-34
  • Work on your Confirmation Name Reflection due in mid-November (in 2 weeks)!  Try to choose a Confirmation name, finish researching your saint, and begin writing your reflection (Track A * Track B)!

REMINDERS

  • Next class session for all is next week – this is when your book/journal homework is due
    • with Sponsors and Parents – make sure you have at least 1 adult (16+) coming with you!  Tell your table leader catechist or Religion Teacher if you will need to partner up because no adult from your family can accompany you.  It is best to have Sponsor(s) and Parent(s) there with you.
    • Monday, November 10, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • at St. Matthias Church,  2310 W. Ainslie
      • 4 blocks north of the Queen of Angels site
      • near the McDonalds in Lincoln Square
  • Remember that our first Retreat will be Saturday, November 15 from 12 noon. to 6 p.m. in Holy Family Hall (basement) at Queen of Angels Church, 2330 W. Sunnyside.
    • The retreat theme is “Never Alone” and will be presented by a team of missionaries from NET Ministries.
    • Plan to be dropped off and picked up at the appropriate times.
      • We will begin in the church basement (Holy Family Hall) and conclude in the main worship space upstairs.
      • Families are invited and encouraged to join in the Saturday 5 p.m. Mass in English for the last hour of the retreat.
    • Lunch will be provided (pizza with fresh fruit, carrots & dip, cookies, soft drinks or water). You may bring your own food if you wish.
    • It is suggested to bring a refillable water bottle labeled with your name.
    • You will NOT need your usual materials for the retreat (Bible, book, journal, folder).
    • Expect witness talks, music, games, prayer, small group activities, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and more!
  • Confirmation Name reflections are due at the next class after that
    • Track A Monday 11/17, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Mission Hall
    • Track B Wednesday 11/19 and Thursday 11/20 in 8th Grade Religion class (reflection due Thursday)

Closing Prayer (5 min)

Act of Faith, Hope and Love (prayer card, in your preferred language)

My God, I believe in you, I trust in you,
I love you above all things, with all my heart and mind and strength.
I love you because you are supremely good and worth loving; and because I love you,
I am sorry with all my heart for offending you.
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.

Dios mío, creo en ti, confío en ti
y te amo sobre todas las cosas con todo mi corazón, con toda mi mente y con todo mi ser.
Te amo porque eres absolutamente bueno y digno de ser amado; y porque te amo,
te pido perdón de todo corazón por haberte ofendido.
Señor, ten misericordia de mi, pecador. Amén.

Note for later on:

  • Service Hours can be done now, due finally in early February  
  • Confirmation Name essay due in mid-November (Track A on Mon 11/17, Track B on Thurs 11/20).  
  • Letter to the Pastor due in early January, to be assigned as classwork in December during the Anointed lesson.

Confirmation Prep – Spirit Symbols

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Session Overview for Catechists, Monday 10/20/2025
Slides * Catechist Guide * DRAFT 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.

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

Watching a single segment of a longer video (begin @ 3:58, end @ 5:27)

Source: https://players.brightcove.net/6415869056001/eUy0Am5Rp_default/index.html?videoId=6363081532112&t=238s or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8qIz9jrQsU&t=238s 

Instructions for Breakout (5 minutes)

FINGER: Example given QUICKLY in the large group

  • Photos/tangible objects: 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 meaning)
  • 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 2025]

WIND: Black Table with 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. Josephine Gorgis subbing for 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. Jack Recinto

  • 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 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. Isabel López

WATER: White Table with Mrs. Karyn McGovern

  • 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. Justine Kessler

  • 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 10/27
    • Track B (Catholic Schools / SMS & Queen of Angels School): Wednesday 10/29 & Thursday 10/30 in Religion Classes
  • Next month
    • you, your Sponsor(s) and Parent(s) should all attend class at St. Matthias Church on Monday, November 10, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Retreat I coming on Saturday, November 15
      • 12 noon to 6 p.m. in Holy Family Hall (basement) and Queen of Angels Church, both at 2330 W. Sunnyside
      • be dropped off at 12 noon
      • lunch will be provided upon arrival (pizza with fresh fruit, carrots & dip, cookies, soft drinks or water)
      • a refillable water bottle labeled with your name is suggested
      • your family can join us for the 5 p.m. Mass in English, or you can be picked up at 6 p.m.
      • expect witness talks, music, games, prayer, small group activities, Eucharistic Adoration, Mass, and more!
      • this retreat is only for Second Year Confirmation classes (Track A Religious Education & Track B Catholic Schools)
        • there will be a separate retreat in February for First Year Confirmation classes (Sunday Level 7 and 7+, 7th Graders in Catholic schools)
        • the group of missionaries presenting the retreats this year asked to spilt the Confirmation students into 2 smaller retreats

Note for later on:

  • Service Hours can be done now and documents can be turned in at any Confirmation Prep class
  • Plan for you, your Sponsor(s) and Parent(s) to all attend class at St. Matthias Church on Monday, November 10, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Let Ms. Hohner know about conflicts with your attendance at our retreat “Never Alone” which will be on Saturday, November 15.  See your track’s schedule for details.
  • Confirmation Name essay due in mid-November, 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 Summary (page 2 has “Who Is Jesus?” breakout detail)

  • Track A: Monday 10/6/2025, 6:45-8:30 p.m.
  • Track B: Wednesday 10/8 to Thursday 10/9 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).  Please 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 (Catholic Youth Bible p. 1347-1348)

Dramatization of this passage from The Chosen series to deepen our understanding and let us reflect on the feelings of those involved

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3afsG_QAmKk

Track A: Option for mini-witness on how this passage spoke to Ms. Hohner in 2019 and deepened her trust in Jesus during a challenging time and all the challenges afterward. 

Track B: Class discussion on question(s)

n the return of hope in the face of discouragement, the results of trust in Jesus, and our mission to help spread the message of Jesus.  

Intro to Scripture & Lector Ministry (10 min)

Option for short witness on impactful Scripture and/or being a lector (Ms. Hohner or Mr. Howell/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).  Maybe you’ve heard previously how the Bible is like an Oreo cookie.

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). We will practice this skill a lot in the weeks to come using our new Bibles!

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 could replace the “Go Jesus Fish!” matching card trivia game.  Card sets with questions and answers will be available, and the online version on Sporcle.com still works for students doing home-study or make-ups on their own (you do not need to sign up for a Sporcle account).

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 13)
  • 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 20, 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!
  • Enjoy a small treat in honor of Ms. Hohner’s birthday

BONUS VIDEO: “Jesus And I Know It” (song parody with a purpose)

[Concordance: What each scene in the video means and why the video was made this way]

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 NET retreat which will be from 12 noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 15 at Queen of Angels Church & Holy Family Hall.  See your track’s schedule for details.
  • Plan for you, your Sponsor(s) and Parent(s) to all attend class at St. Matthias Church on Monday, November 10, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Confirmation Name essay due in mid-November, 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
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