Confirmation 2021 |
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Welcome 2nd year Confirmation Candidates and families. On this page you will find information about the Confirmation program for Confirmation Candidates scheduled to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the Fall of 2021. Parents: Please watch the PARENT ORIENTATION VIDEO. You'll hear a message from Fr. Tom, and Co-Coordinator Rosie Driscoll summarizes the Confirmation preparation program and requirements outlined below. |
Confirmation Preparation Program
Confirmation Candidates will complete the following elements in preparation for the sacrament:
Confirmation Candidates will complete the following elements in preparation for the sacrament:
JANUARY - JUNE
Called to Mercy
Called to Mercy (St. Mary's Press) is an engaging online curriculum that provides the fundamental catechesis about the sacrament of Confirmation. Through 10 interactive modules, teens will be guided by Bishop Frank Caggiano and three young adult witnesses on a journey to understand their full initiation in the Catholic Church, and what it means to give witness to Jesus’ call and the Church’s mission of mercy.
Small Groups
Candidates gather virtually with a small group of peers and two adult mentors. In the small group gatherings, the adult mentors will guide teens to reflect upon the content and questions offered in the Called to Mercy modules, and guide them to develop a small Christian community of trust, faith-sharing, and fellowship.
Called to Mercy (St. Mary's Press) is an engaging online curriculum that provides the fundamental catechesis about the sacrament of Confirmation. Through 10 interactive modules, teens will be guided by Bishop Frank Caggiano and three young adult witnesses on a journey to understand their full initiation in the Catholic Church, and what it means to give witness to Jesus’ call and the Church’s mission of mercy.
- Parents: You received instructions via email on enrolling your teen in this online curriculum with their particular small group's section code.
- The Called to Mercy modules are completed every two weeks. See the Small Group Calendar Page.
Small Groups
Candidates gather virtually with a small group of peers and two adult mentors. In the small group gatherings, the adult mentors will guide teens to reflect upon the content and questions offered in the Called to Mercy modules, and guide them to develop a small Christian community of trust, faith-sharing, and fellowship.
- The small group leaders complete the Called to Mercy modules along with the teens, monitor each teens’ progress in completing their modules, and lead the group in meaningful conversations that help teens to connect what they are learning to how they are living.
- Parents: You received via email a Zoom link for your teen's Small Group gatherings. The link is the same for all gatherings.
- See the Small Group Calendar Page , and check your email regularly for direct messages from Small Group leaders.
Sponsor Eligibility Letter
Due Friday, March 26 to Rosie in parish office
Candidates choose a Sponsor who serves as a role model and guide in their lifelong journey of faith.
Due Friday, March 26 to Rosie in parish office
Candidates choose a Sponsor who serves as a role model and guide in their lifelong journey of faith.
- Please visit the Confirmation Resources page to watch a video on Choosing Your Sponsor.
- Sponsors who are registered parishioners of Good Shepherd: please complete and submit the Good Shepherd Sponsor Information Form
- Sponsors who are registered at another parish (NOT Good Shepherd): please read the Sponsor Eligibilty Letter Instructions.
Confirmation Name
Due Week of April 11 to Small Group Leaders during Small Group Gathering
Our name is a powerful symbol of who we are. One of the traditional practices in the Catholic Church at the time of Confirmation is to choose a name to signify our new and deeper awareness of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. At Confirmation, the Bishop addresses us by our Confirmation name.
Due Week of April 11 to Small Group Leaders during Small Group Gathering
Our name is a powerful symbol of who we are. One of the traditional practices in the Catholic Church at the time of Confirmation is to choose a name to signify our new and deeper awareness of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. At Confirmation, the Bishop addresses us by our Confirmation name.
- Candidates may choose to keep their baptismal name, signifying that they are confirming the faith that was given to them at Baptism.
- Candidates may choose the name of a patron saint, or one of the great men or women of the Bible, who serves as a role model and guide.
JUNE - AUGUST
Summer Service Project
Having completed the Called to Mercy curriculum with their Small Groups in early June, Candidates will each decide how God is calling them to put Jesus' call to mercy into practice during the summer months. The Summer Service Project will include:
Having completed the Called to Mercy curriculum with their Small Groups in early June, Candidates will each decide how God is calling them to put Jesus' call to mercy into practice during the summer months. The Summer Service Project will include:
- a minimum of 10 hours of volunteer service of their choice;
- written completion of a set of reflection questions (forthcoming) -- Due Date: September 1
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
Confirmation Interview
The Confirmation Interview is an opportunity for each candidate to meet with a priest, deacon, or catechist and talk about their journey to Confirmation, why they want to be confirmed, and how they think God may be calling them to put their faith in action moving forward. Interview dates and times will be determined at a later time when we have a better ides of what COVID restrictions might be.
The Confirmation Interview is an opportunity for each candidate to meet with a priest, deacon, or catechist and talk about their journey to Confirmation, why they want to be confirmed, and how they think God may be calling them to put their faith in action moving forward. Interview dates and times will be determined at a later time when we have a better ides of what COVID restrictions might be.
Confirmation Retreat
The Confirmation Retreat will take place in the fall before Confirmation. The date(s) and format will be determined at a later time when we have a better idea of what COVID restrictions might be.
The Confirmation Retreat will take place in the fall before Confirmation. The date(s) and format will be determined at a later time when we have a better idea of what COVID restrictions might be.
Celebration of Sacrament of Confirmation
The diocese has assigned Good Shepherd two Confirmation Mass times on Saturday, November 6. If COVID restrictions and public safety guidelines dictate that we must divide the Candidates into 4 Masses rather than into 2 Masses, we will add an additional date in November. We will inform families of the final Confirmation Mass dates and times as soon as a decision is made. Thank you for your patience.
The diocese has assigned Good Shepherd two Confirmation Mass times on Saturday, November 6. If COVID restrictions and public safety guidelines dictate that we must divide the Candidates into 4 Masses rather than into 2 Masses, we will add an additional date in November. We will inform families of the final Confirmation Mass dates and times as soon as a decision is made. Thank you for your patience.