St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

Confirmation 2018

Luc TranConfirmation Coordinator

We are happy to assist during this time of preparation as we are able. Luc Tran can be reached at the parish office at 512-255-1389 Email is the best way of communication: luc@svdpparish.org

 

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Sacrament of Confirmation TBD 

“Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiations, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.”

-Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1316

Diocesan Pastoral Manual Policies on Confirmation

I. Those who have been baptized continue the path of Christian initiation through the sacrament of confirmation.

A. In this sacrament, they receive the Holy Spirit who was sent upon the Apostles by the Lord on the day of Pentecost.

II. This gift of the Holy Spirit conforms believers more perfectly to Christ and strengthens them so that they may bear witness to Christ for the building up of His body in faith and love. They are so marked with the character or seal of the Lord that the sacrament of Confirmation cannot be repeated (Rite of Confirmation 11, 2).

Diocesan Guidelines for the Preparation for the Diocese of Austin, Pastoral Manual

Sacrament of Confirmation of Adolescents Confirmation, 1/17/14 | Version 5.0 A. Religious education and faith formation is a life-long process.

1. The sacramental preparation process is supplemental to regular participation in the parish or school religious education programs.

B. A minimum of two (2) years of formal religious education in a parish or Catholic school program precedes preparation for the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation. Many struggles with the attitude of confirmation being the “graduation” sacrament. Confirmation is part of a four-year high school catechetical program and the celebration of the sacrament can take place anytime within that period for those adequately prepared.

C. Confirmation preparation does not have to culminate in May. 1. Confirmations may take place from August to May.

D. Because the primary faith community is the local parish, preparation for the sacrament of confirmation is to take place in the local parish.

E. Sacramental preparation for confirmation has a distinct catechesis with its own focus and elements.1. This study and preparation should take place within a period not to exceed nine (9) to twelve (12)

weeks and include the following: a. The elements of the rite of confirmation b. The meaning of the baptismal promises c. The Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah and Galatians) d. The meaning of “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” e. The action of the laying on of hands and anointing with the Sacred Chrism f. The Lord’s Prayer: “because it is the Spirit who prays in us and in the Spirit the Christian

says, ‘Abba Father.’”

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g. The rights, responsibilities, duties, and obligations of full initiation in the Catholic community: Word, worship, community, and service

Parish Confirmation Catechesis Sunday Liturgy

At the center of the Catholic Christian faith is the celebration of the Eucharist, the real presence of Christ in the bread, wine and the people who consume His body and blood. It is only fitting for the people of our parish community to celebrate and walk with you on your journey toward being a fully initiated member. Candidates are expected to attend Mass EVERY SUNDAY. Regularly participating at mass is the heart of the Catholic life. It is encouraged that Confirmation Candidates volunteer to be trained as a hospitality minister, lector, or volunteer to bring up the gifts during mass. Taking on one of these roles can assist in growing in a spiritual connection to the Mass.

Confirmation Class Sessions

SVDP will be using St. Mary’s Press Called To Mercy Confirmation program for 2018 confirmation. The program is a hybrid composed of 10 online modules and 5 in class modules. SVDP offers three class times for each of the in class modules; Tuesday nights, Wednesday nights, and Saturday morning. Students must pick one day to attend. Though there are some flexibility, we would like for students to attend the same class time. If students must change class for special circumstances please inform the catechists beforehand. All in-person meeting are at SVDP. The specific room will be listed next to the date. Parents, please note that not all class lengths are the same.

Godparents are encouraged to attend separate online modules only.

Class 1:

Class 2: (Need to have Online Modules 1-3 completed before attending class)

Class 3: (Need to have Online Modules 4-6 completed before attending class)

Class 4: (need to have Online Modules 7-8 completed before attending class)*** Only one option for this class***

Online Modules 9 and 10 must be completed after Class 4 and before the Rite of Confirmation.

Class 5: May 19, 9-10 am.

AttendanceCandidates are expected to attend all Confirmation Class Sessions, the Retreat, Rehearsal, and the Confirmation Liturgy. 100% attendance for the Sacramental Preparation Class is expected. 80% of Sunday Youth Night attendance is expected. Students can attend other Youth Ministry functions to replace the Sunday attendance only.

*** In the case of extreme circumstances, please notify Luc well in advance for a possible modified curriculum. ***

Confirmation RetreatThe Confirmation Retreat will be held Feb 17th – 18th at Eagle’s Wing.Please make plans now to attend. If you are unable to attend, you are asked to attend another Confirmation retreat as a make-up. Talk to Luc immediately if this is the case. The cost of the retreat is separate from the materials fee and will be published closer to the retreat date.

Time leaving SVDP on Saturday: 7:30 AM.Time returning to SVDP 2:30 AM.

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ParticipationCandidates are expected to arrive on time and to be fully prepared to actively participate in large and small group sessions. Teens are expected to be respectful of catechists and other candidates.

Behavior Policy We believe that Catechists have the privilege to teach lessons and conduct workshops and students (with their families) have the responsibility to learn and incorporate these lessons into their daily lives in order to grow in their Catholic faith. 

Therefore, we expect that our students (and their families) shall:1. Be on time and ready to participate.2. Behave in a way that does not disrupt teaching and learning.3. Respect the safety, property, and rights of themselves and others.4. Be cooperative and courteous to everyone.5. Refrain from the use of cell phones (i.e., phoning, text messaging, videotaping) during class time.

Class MaterialsThere will be a $50 fee for Confirmation classes to cover the cost of materials and supplies. This Fee is due with the sacrament registration. Each student will receive an access code on the first class session.

InterviewEach candidate is required to have a short interview with a priest, deacon or the Confirmation coordinator. To schedule your interview please go to http://svdpparish.org/confirmation-preparation and look for the sign up link.  

Parish Confirmation Catechesis (Continued.) Faith in Action

As Christians, we are called to service (Matthew 25:31-46). Candidates for Confirmation are asked to accept their share of this responsibility and participate in three projects to allow them to grow in their Discipleship.

**Service projects may be submitted if the date of service falls between; January 2017 through May 2018. 

Students will be required to complete service projects that correspond with two of the Corporal works of Mercy, and one service project of their choice, (does not have to correlate with a work of mercy.) 

The Corporal Works of Mercy are: feed the hungry shelter the homeless clothe the naked visit the sick and imprisoned bury the dead give alms to the poor

 

**Please see Appendix B for a service form due with the Reflection Essay. 

Saint Name

Saints are our brothers and sisters in Christ. They intercede for us before God. We cannot refer to the saints without acknowledging the Communion of Saints and our connection in Christ to each other. Candidates will be asked to pick a Saint name for Confirmation and write an essay explaining their choice. As this is a very personal

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Reflection Essay – Due April 8th, 2017

Candidates must write a one- two page essay, typed, about his/her experience in participating in the service projects and how he/she feels the service has formed

them in his/her Catholic faith.

decision, take the time to discern this name in prayer. This is a great activity to share with your sponsor. Candidates are can use their Baptismal saint name and not required to pick a new saint name.

Saint Essay requirements: Name of the Saint chosen A brief synopsis of the life of the Saint “Why” they choose this saint. Essay must be typed, a minimum 2 paragraphs and a maximum of 1 page. Please use an appropriate heading.

The Essay should reflect an understanding of the Saint. The student may also be asked why they chose this Saint in their Confirmation interview.

Here are some websites to help in your research: www.lifeteen.com (Type “saints” in the search bar)www.catholic-forum.com/saints www.americancatholic.org/

http://www.silk.net/RelEd/saints.htm http://www.catholic.org/saints/ http://www2.webmagic.com/saints.com/

Parent Confirmation Involvement Parents are the primary catechists (teachers) of their children’s faith. They should absolutely be involved in the

Confirmation Program. This program relies completely on volunteers to make it possible. With that in mind, we ask that you consider where your talents and time can be utilized to make our Confirmation Program the best! All parent volunteers must be EIM compliant.

Godparents - We are always looking for parents to help with the Confirmation Retreat. Our retreat this year is Feb. 17nd-18th.

Arch Angels - There are a variety of forms and data that need to be entered and reviewed, copies made, papers sorted, etc. These tasks will ask to be completed during parish office hours or class time.   

Guardian Angels- Guardian Angels are our Prayer Warriors and we are all called to be a part of this team. The purpose of this group is simply to pray for the teens of our parish. Whether for 10 minutes or an hour, please pray!

 

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Sponsor Confirmation Involvement Confirmation Sponsors

From the earliest days of the Church, specific people were chosen from the community to support those seeking communion with the Church. At your Baptism, it was your parents and godparents who promised that you would be raised in the faith. Your parents accepted the responsibility of training you in the practice of the faith. Your godparents promised and committed to helping your parents lead and support you in your Christian life. Your sponsor for Confirmation is a person who will support you throughout your preparation and will help you confront the challenge of being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. They will stand with you and present you to the Bishop on Confirmation Day.

Choosing a SponsorThe Church requires a Confirmation sponsor to:

· Be fully initiated in the church, meaning they are baptized and have received Eucharist and Confirmation.· Be a practicing Catholic, meaning they regularly receive communion and other sacraments.· Be at least 16 years of age.· Not be the candidate’s father or mother.

 

Here are a few questions that may help you choose your Confirmation sponsor:· If your Godparents are available, is one of them a good choice for your sponsor?· Is the person a good role model for the Catholic way of life?· Does this person have time to spend with you as you prepare for Confirmation?· Is he/she available to come to the rehearsal and Rite of Confirmation?· Does this person live near enough to be able to truly guide and support me?

If not, will they be committed to communicating regularly with me despite the distance?· Would you be comfortable talking about your faith with this person? 

ExpectationsA Confirmation Sponsor is expected to:

· Pray for and with the candidate.· Spend time getting to know the candidate personally.· Help the candidate choose a Saint name. Support the candidate in living as a disciple of Christ and model a faithful Christian life. Complete the online modules prior to their candidates receiving the sacrament of confirmation. · Be present for the Confirmation Rehearsal (TBD) in the Church.· Present the candidate during the Rite of Confirmation (TBD).

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Appendix A2017-18 Confirmation Schedule

All Class Sessions are at St. Vincent de Paul in the Parish Activity Center  

Day of the Week

Month Date Time Class Title

Monday Dec 11 6:30-7:30pm Class 1: Introduction (Parents/ Guardian must come)

Tuesday Dec 12 6:30-7:30pm Class 1: Introduction (Parents/ Guardian must come)

Saturday Dec 16 9:00-10:00am Class 1: Introduction (Parents/ Guardian must come)

Monday Jan 22 6:30-8:00pm Class 2: Called to serve

Tuesday Jan 23 6:30-8:00pm Class 2: Called to serve

Saturday Jan 27 9:00-10:30am Class 2: Called to serve

Saturday-Sunday

Feb 17th-18th Leaving @: 7:30 amReturning @: 2:30 pm

Confirmation Retreat @ Eagle’s Wings

Monday Feb 26 6:30-8:00pm Class 3: Putting into Practice

Tuesday Feb 27 6:30-8:00pm Class 3: Putting into Practice

Saturday Mar 3 9:00-10:30am Class 3: Putting into Practice

Saturday Mar 24 9:00-12:00pm Class 4: Service Project

Saturday May 19 9:00-10:00am Class 5: Mystagogia

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Appendix B

Faith in Action Service Projects

Candidate Name:

Project 1 Location:

Date Time In/OutCheck the Corporal

Work(s) of Mercy which is/are associated with

the project

Service Project Coordinator’s Signature

    feed the hungry shelter the homeless clothe the naked visit the sick and

imprisoned bury the dead give alms to the poor

 

Project 2 Location:

Date Time In/OutCheck the Corporal

Work(s) of Mercy which is/are associated with

the project

Service Project Coordinator’s Signature

    feed the hungry shelter the homeless clothe the naked visit the sick and

imprisoned bury the dead give alms to the poor

 

Project 3 Location:

Date Time In/Out Service Project Coordinator’s Signature

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Appendix CSt. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church

9500 Neenah DriveAustin, TX 78717(512) 255-1389

 

Parent Confirmation Covenant

Student Name: ________________________________________________________

 

It is my/our desire to have my/our child attend Confirmation preparation this year at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. I/We desire to be faithful to the promise I/We made at his/her baptism.

 

In order to support him/her in their journey, I/We promise to:

Regularly attend Mass with my son/daughter Pray for their journey and discuss with them often about their preparation Hold them accountable in participating in all required online modules and retreats. Continue to be a positive role model in my own Christian walk.

 

It is my/our intention to remain faithful to this promise. I/We am/are accountable to our community of faith and to my/our child.

 

 

Signed: __________________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

 

Signed: __________________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

 

 

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Appendix D

Sponsor Information FormAll of the below information should be filled in completely and returned by Class 3.

Contact Information:

Sponsor First Name: Last:

Candidate First Name: Last:

Sponsor Phone Number: Sponsor Email:

Sponsor Address:

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SVDP Sacrament Registration Form 2017-201811 | P a g e

All information must be filled out completely and turned in 60 days prior to date of sacrament

By registering, parents grant the Parish and the Diocese permission:1) to photograph and videotape Participant during gathering; and2) to use the photography and videotapes in publications and promotion of the Parish and Diocese,

including but not limited to publications such as website, newsletters, advertisement, scrapbooks and yearbooks.

Parish ID #

Student’s Full Name (Print: First Middle Last) DOB: Grade Level:

Father’s Full Name (Print: First Middle Last) Email:

Phone #: Mother’s Full Name (Print: First Middle Maiden) Email:

Phone #:Mailing Address:

Austin Diocesan guidelines require a minimum of two years of religious education in a parish or Catholic school preceding the reception of these sacraments. Please give the name and address of the parish or Catholic school attended last year. Parish or School attended in 2016-2017: (circle one)

St. Vincent de Paul Parish Holy Family Catholic School

Other (please list)

Parish or School attending in 2017-2018: (circle one)

St. Vincent de Paul Parish Holy Family Catholic School

Other (please list)

Baptism Information: If not at SVDP, a copy of the certificate MUST be attached to this form along the Church’s Full Mailing Address.Name of Church of Baptism: Date of Baptism:

______/______/_______

Church of Baptism Mailing Address: City: State Zip:

For Confirmation Candidates only:Saint Name: Sponsor Name:

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Office Use Only _____ Paid online E-giving $_____ Cash #_____CheckRegistration Fee: $50 – Confirmation

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Diocese of AustinCONFIRMATION SPONSOR COVENANT

As a Confirmation sponsor, your role is to encourage the faith of your candidate and be an “example” to your Confirmation candidate and to reflect with the candidate on the meaning of a life of Catholic discipleship.

The Code of Canon Law (Church Law) specifies the requirements for serving as a sponsor at Confirmation (Canon 893) are the same as those for godparents at Baptism (Canon 874): You may not be the parent of the person being confirmed; you must be at least 16 years old; you must be fully initiated (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist); if married, be in valid Catholic marriage; and live a life of active faith in the Catholic Church.

I understand the requirements of being a Confirmation sponsor and I state that

I received the Sacrament of Baptism 

at ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Church in

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (City and State)

 

I received the Sacrament of Confirmation at ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Catholic Church in 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (City and State)

 

(And if married) celebrated the Sacrament of Marriage at ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________in 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (City and State)

 

My candidate’s name is:____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of parish and city where the Sacrament of Confirmation is to take place:

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Austin, Texas .

I am active in the Catholic Church, regularly attend Mass on Sunday and strive to live my faith.  

Printed Name________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Signature____________________________________________________________________________________________ Date_________________

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2017-2018 Confirmation Checklist

Name: ______________________

I have a sponsor.

I have a Confirmation Saint Name.

Interview with Luc Completed.

Sacrament Registration form completed and submitted. Due by Class

1.

Confirmation Fee $50 submitted. Due by Class 1.

Parent Covenant form completed and submitted. Due by Class 1.

Saint Essay completed and submitted. Due by Class 2.

Baptismal Certificated submitted. Due by Class 2.

Sponsor Info form completed and submitted. Due by Class 3.

Sponsor Covenant form completed and submitted. Due by Class 3.

Retreat attended.

If retreat was not with SVDP, I have proof of attendance and have

submitted.

Service Acts completed and proof submitted. Due before April 8th.

Service Acts essay submitted. Due April 8th.

Completed all online Modules 1-10.

Attend Rehearsal Wednesday (TBD)

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