Queen of Apostles Catholic Parish

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Confirmation Prep – Connecting Beyond Confirmation

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“Connecting Beyond Confirmation”

Catechist Summary * Slides * Interviews Schedule?

Icebreaker: Spiritual Gifts Inventory (15 min)

Candidates complete the Spiritual Gifts Inventory to help them figure out what gifts they have to offer the church and the world.

Opening Prayer (5 min)

A Prayer for Peace in Israel and Gaza

Christ, Prince of Peace, hear our prayer and lament, for our suffering sisters and brothers. Our hearts are heavy as we witness lives torn apart, as we see the faces of frightened children and hear the pleas of those without water or food. ​

We pray for the dead and the grieving, for the injured and the afraid. We pray for courage and perseverance, for those working for healing and to bring aid. We pray for world leaders, that they may strive for a just and lasting peace. 

​God of new beginnings, in your ways are compassion and hope. Open our hearts to dialogue and understanding. Lead us all to answer your call to become peacemakers today, and all the days of our life. Amen. ​

The Rite of Confirmation (15 min)

We will review the responses and procedures of the Rite of Confirmation using the center pages of last year’s Confirmation Mass program.

  • Practice Presentation of Candidates (calling full names alphabetically; candidates, listen for yours and stand at your place!)
  • Practice interaction with Bishop (each catechist, in the place of the bishop, practices dialogue with each candidate)

[Confirmation Name], be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Peace be with you.  And with your spirit.  

Video: It’s NOT Graduation (5 min)

(from the V-Cat Video Catechism)

If you get Confirmed, then be Confirmed and live Confirmed.

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGCom6oiMXw)

Discerning Parish Involvement (45 min)

At their tables, students complete the Parish Involvement Questionnaire (parish give and take) to see what types of ministries they may wish to serve in and be served by.

Panel Discussion: Ministry Fair

Catechists represent various parish ministries:

  • Liturgical Arts & Environment (Mrs. Tamayo) — keep the church decorations current for the liturgical seasons and enhance our worship through art that appeals to our five senses!
  • Communion Ministers (Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion) (Mrs. Kraszewski) — share the Eucharist with others by inviting them personally to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at Mass
  • Lectors (Ms. Hohner) — proclaimers of the Word and leaders of Prayers of the Faithful
  • Music Ministry (Mrs. Peters) — singers and musicians who lead/enhance worship through song
  • St. Vincent de Paul Youth Group (Mrs. Dryer-Michaels) — joining with other teens for social, spiritual, and service activities for those in need
  • Livestreaming (Mr. Michaels) — filming the live video feed of the Mass, making it possible for those who cannot come to church to participate in prayer and worship

Video: What’s Your Vocation? (5 min)


(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWxnG-O7OvY)

Reminders and Closing Prayer (10 min)

Closing Prayer 

“Go, Make of All Disciples” verses 1, 2, and 3

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrHmgGJrMI8)

 

Homework and Reminders:

  • Journal pages 55. 56, and 57 for next class
  • Next class is split:
    • Track A Monday, February 5 at 6:45 p.m. in Mission Hall
    • Track B Wednesday, February 7 and Friday, February 9 in Religion class
  • Retreat 2 with Reconciliation will be Friday, February 9, 4:30 p.m. at the Parish Center (Mission Hall) to 8:30 p.m. at Queen of Angels Church

 

 

Confirmation Prep – CST

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“We Are One Body”

Session Overview for Catechists, Monday 1/8/2024
catechist summary * slides

Introduction to the Session (25 minutes) by Ms. Hohner

Gathering and Icebreaker (10 minutes)
Name a club, team, or group to which you belong.

Opening Prayer (5 minutes)
use phone flashlight at words dealing with light, hope, shining, during the prayer

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j51HBY8NIGE)

Catholic Central Video (10 minutes)

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SVDhKVfrm8)

Panel Discussion (15 minutes)

  • Ms. Rachel Hohner – Moderator
  • Mrs. Stella Peters – Life and Dignity of the Human Person (Respect Life Committee)
  • Mrs. Roine Dryer-Michaels – Option for the Poor and Vulnerable (Society of St. Vincent de Paul)

Breakouts at Tables (50 minutes)

RED Table (Ms. Leticia Solache): LIFE & DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON, PART 1

  • create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Life & Dignity of the Human Person
  • prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Life & Dignity of the Human Person

GREEN Table (Ms. Rachel Hohner): LIFE & DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON, PART 2

  • create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Life & Dignity of the Human Person
  • prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Life & Dignity of the Human Person

YELLOW Table (Ms. Isabel López): CALL TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY & PARTICIPATION

  • create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to the Call to Family, Community and Participation
  • prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Call to Family, Community and Participation

BLACK Table (Mr. J. Keenan Fix): RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • review details from outline handout (bottom of page 1) and read Scripture passage:
  • create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Rights and Responsibilities
  • prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on Rights and Responsibilities

PURPLE Table (Mrs. Roine Dryer-Michaels): OPTION FOR THE POOR & VULNERABLE

  • create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to the Option for the Poor & Vulnerable
  • prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Option for the Poor & Vulnerable

ORANGE Table (Mr. Scott Michaels): THE DIGNITY OF WORK AND RIGHTS OF WORKERS

  • review details from outline handout (middle of page 2) and read Scripture passage:
  • create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to the Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
  • prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

PINK Table (Mrs. Karina Chan): SOLIDARITY

  • review details from outline handout (middle of page 2) and read Scripture passage:
  • create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Solidarity
  • prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on Solidarity

BLUE Table (Mrs. Stella Peters): CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION

  • review details from outline handout (bottom of page 2) and read Scripture passage:
  • create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to Care for God’s Creation
  • prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on Care for God’s Creation

Drawing Conclusions (20 minutes)

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

Reminders, Homework Assignments & Closing Prayer (5 minutes)

Reminders:

  • NO CLASS the week of January 15 (due to Martin Luther King Holiday).
  • Get your 5+ service hours documented!
  • Next class session when service hours documentation will be due:
    •  Track A (Religious Education/CCD): Monday, January 22, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Track B (Queen of Angels School): Wednesday and Friday, January 24 and 26 in Religion class

Homework due at next class:

  • Textbook, read pages 9 and 101
  • Journal, do pages 14, 35, 36 and 37
  • Get your 5+ service hours documented and bring it in!

Closing Prayer for Hope and Light

Heavenly father, I am your humble servant,​
I come before you today in need of hope.​
I need hope for a calm and joyful future.​
I need hope for love and kindness.​
I pray for peace and safety.​
Some say that the sky is at its darkest just before the light.​
I pray that this is true, for sometimes life seems stormy and dim.​
I need your light, Lord, in every way.​
I pray to be filled with your light.​
Help me to walk in your light, and live my life in faith and service.​
In your name I pray, Amen.​

NOT USED THIS YEAR

BROWN Table (catechist): OPTION FOR THE POOR & VULNERABLE, PART 2

  • review details from outline handout (top of page 2) and read Scripture passage:
    • guided by discussion questions
    • read and discuss James 2:1-4
  • create slogan(s) and posters (2-3 students work together on 1 poster so all participate) relating to the Option for the Poor & Vulnerable
  • prepare to report back: Decide who from group has best poster to show, and who will explain how it relates to the teaching on the Option for the Poor & Vulnerable

Confirmation Prep – Anointed

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“Anointed”

Session Overview for Catechists
Catechist Summary * Slides

  • Track A: Monday 12/18/2023, 6:45-8 p.m.
  • Track B: Tuesday 12/19/2023 and Wednesday 12/20/2023 in Religion class

Timed Icebreaker (2 min.)

List ways you can help people using your hands.

Opening Prayer (5 min.) for Advent

Responsory for Late Advent and Lighting of Wreath

Drop down dew, ​O heavens: ​Let the clouds rain down the Just One.​
Let the earth be opened: that a Savior ​may bud forth.
On that day the mountains will stream with sweetness: ​And the hills will flow with milk and honey.​
​Come, Lord Jesus! ​ Come soon!

Intro to the Confirming Bishop (15 min)

See slides presented by Ms. Hohner (or Mr. Fix in Religion during the week).

Writing Letters (65 min)

Each candidate will write their own Letter to the Pastor.

Letter instructions

Prayer Ritual (10 min)

As we prepare to give and receive gifts this Christmas, ​let us take a moment now to give thanks for our greatest gift​ which came to us from God in a most unexpected package.​

He Came Video

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u65m__-LLfs)

Christmas Prayer

Lord, in this holy season of prayer and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us: ​for a shining star and the angels’ song, for an infant’s cry in a lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child, and we thank you for the Son you sent to us to be our Savior and King. We behold His glory, and we are bathed in His radiant light. Be with us through the contradictions of Christmas – the incomprehensible comprehended, the poetry made hard fact, the helpless Babe who cracks the world apart. We kneel before you as humble shepherds, reluctant innkeepers, world-weary Magi. Help us to rise bigger than we are, with more hope and faith to help heal our world.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Closing & Dismissal (5 min)

HOMEWORK

  • If not done already, catch up on Journal pages vi-xii, 17, 22-25, 32-34, ​44-47, 64, 67, 75-76
    • 17, 67 probably from Peace & Justice session we have not done for years (no longer Monday class Thanksgiving Week)
    • 75-76 from Fruits of the Spirit session we will do later this year
  • Next class session for ALL:
    • Tracks A & B: Monday, January 8 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Letters being taken home to finish are due!

Note for later on:

  • Letter to the Pastor assigned as classwork in mid-December, due when come back in January
  • Service Hours due, in mid-January
  • Retreat II on Friday, February 9 for all students
    • 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., beginning at Parish Center and ending at Church

Confirmation – Fruits main page

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“Fruits of the Spirit”

Session Overview for Catechists
Catechist Summary * Slides

  • Track A: Monday 12/11/2023, 6:45-8 p.m.
  • Track B: Wednesday 12/13/2023 and Friday 12/15/2023 in Religion class

Gathering (5 min.)

Describe what you like about a kind of fruit.

Vote on Readings for Confirmation Mass (20 min.)

Read aloud at your table the Readings A, B, C (First Reading) and D, E, F (Second Reading) and use the ballot to vote.  Valid votes must include a reason for choosing the Reading which is not related to its length.   

Opening Prayer (5 min.) for Advent

Blessing of the Advent Wreath

Lord our God, we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ: he is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples,​ he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us, he is the Savior of every nation.​ Lord God, let your blessing come upon us as we light the candles of this wreath.​ May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ’s promise to bring us salvation.  May he come quickly ​and not delay.  We ask this through ​Christ our Lord.  Amen.


(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ley1aOPDHCE&t=19s)

Intro to the Fruits of the Spirit (15 min)

See slides presented by Ms. Hohner (or Mr. Fix in Religion during the week).

LOVE (CHARITY)
in selfless service to others

JOY
which lasts through any trials

PEACE
serenity due to deep trust in God​

PATIENCE
love which endures all setbacks

KINDNESS
Selfless acts of compassion

GOODNESS
loving all people without exception

FAITHFULNESS
loyalty in your commitments to God & to others

GENTLENESS
strength that is kept in check by love for others

SELF-CONTROL
ability to stay in charge of your own emotions, desires, words and actions

MODESTY
moderation in the ways that you talk & act

CHASTITY
being faithful to your physical sexuality and your spiritual dignity

GENEROSITY
willingness to give, even at a cost to your own​ needs or wants

Breakout Session: Fruits Exploration (45 min)

At your table, choose and discuss ~4 Fruits of the Spirit using saint stories, real-life examples, & discussion question from the Fruits handout.

Write prayer together using the “prayer parts” worksheet available to each group.

Prayer Ritual (10 min)

Each breakout group shares & prays their prayers they wrote.

Closing & Dismissal (5 min)

HOMEWORK

  • Do textbook pages 76-80 and journal pages 75-76
  • Next class session
    • Track A: Monday, December 18 from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Track B: Tuesday, December 19 and Wednesday, December 20 in Religion Class
  • Turn in late Confirmation Name reflection – can be done digitally!

Note for later on:

  • Letter to the Pastor to be assigned as classwork in mid-December (next class) at Anointed lesson, due when come back in January
  • Service Hours due, in mid-January
  • Retreat II on Friday, February 9 for all students
    • 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., beginning at Parish Center and ending at Church

Confirmation Prep – Parent Night

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Class with Parents

Session Overview for Catechists
Slides * Catechist Guide

  • Track A & B: Monday 12/4/2023, 6:45-8:30 p.m. at Queen of Angels Church

Gathering Icebreaker (10 min.)

Candidates and their Parent(s) will do an icebreaker evaluating their faith-based experiences using:

Opening Prayer (10 min)

Responsory for Early Advent

The night passes on; ​it will be morning soon.​
The hour has come, Lord:  ​wake us from our sleep.
Allow us to ​ walk with children of light ​toward your coming dawn.​
​Come, ​Lord Jesus! ​ Come soon!​

La noche está pasando;​ pronto será​ de día.   ​
La hora ha llegado, Señor: despiértanos​del sueño.
Permitenoscaminarcomo​hijos de la luz ​hacia la llegada​de la Aurora.​
​¡Ven, ​Señor Jesús! ​¡Ven, ya no tardes!​​​

Holy Family slideshow

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn6Snr2sppk)

​Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph… ​ pray for us! ​

Sagrada Familia de Jesús, María y José… ​ oran por nosotros.

Introductory Comments from Father Jason Malave (10 min)

Catholic Identity and the Sacraments of Initiation (15 min)

Are you carrying anything with you right now that identifies you as a Catholic?  Look in your pocket, bag, purse, or wallet – what’s there that shows you belong to Christ & his Church? 

Baptism is the sacrament that identifies us as members of Christ’s Church.  ​It is one of the 3 Sacraments of Initiation, along with Eucharist and Confirmation.  The steps and signs of Baptism mark us as Catholic Christians: 

  • Sign of the Cross
  • Baptism with Water
  • Anointing with Oil
  • Lighting a Candle (“the light of Christ”)

As you plan to celebrate Confirmation, look back on your child’s Baptism and reflect on how Baptism/initiation is “completed” by Confirmation.

  • Parents and Guardians, ​what have you done for your child to grow in discipleship since his/her Baptism?
  • Candidates, ​what will you do for yourself​ to grow in discipleship once you are Confirmed?

Split into two groups (5 min):
English group stays upstairs, Spanish group moves downstairs to Holy Family Hall

Parent Panel Discussion (15 min)

  • Describe your older child’s experience of Confirmation.  How did you celebrate the day as a family?
    Describe la experiencia de la Confirmación de su hijo mayor. ¿Cómo celebraron el día en familia?
  • What difference does it make in your family by being disciples of Jesus?
    ¿Qué diferencia hace en tu familia ser discípulos de Jesús?
  • What challenges do you face in encouraging your older children to live their faith after Confirmation, and how have you tried to address those challenges?
    ¿Qué desafíos enfrenta al animar a sus hijos mayores a vivir su fe después de la Confirmación, y cómo ha tratado de abordarlos?

 

Videos on Participation in the Mass (10 min)

English:


(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBgqcVQVZ8g&)


(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEGd0QYjrKI)

Spanish:


(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZlTnM7Gd6k)


(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q70BwaU1cew)

Partner Work: Questions on Mass Verbs Cards (25 min)

A verb is a word that shows actions, states of being or relationships.  There are many verbs that describe the actions and relationships of the community celebrating Mass together.

Each pair (student and his/her parent/guardian) should choose one of the verbs and together complete the question sheet (English | español).

Candidates will work with their Parent(s),  When choosing a card, try to pick something where the word means something to you, or the picture captures your attention, or both. The complete list of verbs is in the table below:

“One Word At A Time” Mass Verbs
Reflections from the Archdiocese of Chicago, Strategic Pastoral Plan
Photos by John Zich, James Hohner and the Catholic New World
acclaim adore believe bless
bow
(inclinarse)		 break call deepen
die direct drink eat
feed forgive gather give
go hear hope invoke
join keep
(conservar)		 kiss
(besar)		 know
lift link love open
point praise pray prepare
quiet recognize remember rise
(levantarse)
see send serve share
sign sing sit stand
support
(apoyar)		 take thank think
unite wait walk witness

Homework and Reminders (5 min)

HOMEWORK FROM LAST CLASS (due second week of December)

  • Textbook pp. 53-56
  • Journal pp. 36
  • Gifts of the Spirit crossword puzzle

REMINDERS

  • Father Jim Kaczorowski Loving Service Award application due in the spring for eligible 8th Graders in Confirmation Prep
  • Next class session is next week – this is when your book/journal homework will be due!
    • Track A Monday 12/11, 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Track B Wednesday 12/13 and Friday 12/15 in 8th Grade Religion class

Closing Prayer

Renewal of Baptism Promises (slides, in your preferred language)

Do you reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises? I do. ​
Do you believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth? I do. ​
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father? I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who came up on the apostles at Pentecost and will be given to you sacramentally in Confirmation? I do. ​
Do you believe in the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? I do.​
This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. ​

¿Renuncian ustedes ​a Satanás?  Sí, renuncio.​
¿Creen ustedes en Dios, Padre todopoderoso, creador del cielo y de la tierra?  Sí, creo.​
¿Creen en Jesucristo, su Hijo único y Señor nuestro, que nació de la Virgen Maria, padeció y murió por nosotros, resucito y está sentado a la derecha del Padre?  Sí, creo.
¿Creen en el Espíritu Santo, Señor y dador de vida, que les va a ser comunicado de un modo singular por el sacramento de la​
Confirmación, como fue dado a los Apóstoles el día de Pentecostés?  Sí, creo.​
¿Creen en la santa Iglesia católica, en la comunión de los santos, en el perdón de los pecados, en la resurrección de los muertos y en la vida eterna?  Sí, creo.​
Esta es nuestra fe. Esta es la fe de la Iglesia, que nos gloriamos de profesar, en Jesucristo, nuestro Señor.  Amén.​

Note for later on:

  • Service Hours can be done and turned in now; due finally in mid-January. 
  • Letter to the Pastor due in early January, to be assigned as classwork in December during the Anointed lesson.
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