God, our Father,

we ask you

to bless

our Candidates

who are now

preparing

to receive

the Spirit

of your Love

in the Sacrament

of Confirmation.

May the gifts

within each one

be touched

by your Holy Spirit

and become

a blessing

for our parish

family.

Bless our parents,

our team leaders,

our sponsors,

our catechists,

and all those

who have been

a reflection of

your Son’s love

for us.

This we ask

through Christ,

our Lord.

Amen.

CONFIRMATION Spring 2016Parent and Candidate Handbook

Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic ChurchFredericksburg, Virginia

Calendar of Events 2Welcome 3Confirmation 4GiftsandFruitsoftheHolySpirit 4Eligibility 4AdmissiontotheProgram 5AdmissiontotheConfirmationClassof2011 5RoleoftheParents 6RoleofTheCandidate 6Teams 7Sponsor 8ConfirmationName 9Paperwork 9Workbook 9Interviews 10Retreat 10RehearsalandMass 10

AppendixA-AFewPatronSaints 11AppendixB-AFewReviewQuestions 12AppendixB-AFewAnswers 13AppendixC-TeamWorksIdeas 14

table ofcontents

YearI-2014October Meeting7:30pm,Church

ConfirmationApplicationandCommitmentdueOctober21 SponsorFormorProxySponsorFormdue(at meeting) (if your Sponsor is not a registered member of St. Mary,aseparateSponsorCertificatefromhis/her parishcanbesubmittedinlieuoftheSt.Maryform) SaintNameFormdue BaptismalCertificatedue HCACertificatesareprovidedbytheschooloffice

YearII-2015Throughout2015 TimeissetasideforTeamActivities/WorksYearIIMeeting,October Workbooksdistributedtocandidates

2016WhenClassesresume, Teamactivities/WorksofMercytobecompletedJanuary2016 andfiledwiththeOfficeofYouthMinistry CompletedWorkbooksDue

TobeAnnounced Retreats 4WeekspriortoConfirmation TeamInterviewsToBeAnnounced RehearsalsToBeAnnounced SacramentofConfirmation (datedeterminedbyBishop’sOffice,notannounced untilacouplemonthspriortodate)

calendarof events

2

October2014

DearParentsandCandidatesforConfirmation,

WehavebeguntheveryspecialprocessofpreparingfortheSacramentofConfirmationintheSpringof2016!ConfirmationcompletestheprocessofinitiationintotheChurchmakingusfullymembers,andbringsthegiftsoftheHolySpiritaliveinussothatwecantakeallthatwehavelearnedandwhomwehavebecomeuptothisday,andapplyitinaction,aliveintheChurch,fulloffaithandhopethatwhatGodhasplannedforuswillcometobethroughthepowerofhisSpirit.Wehopetocometogether,andcomeclosertoGodandbecomemoreawareofGodinourlives,andhiscallforourinvolvementinthatlife.

Overthecomingmonthsyou,ouryouthandfamilies,willbedoingmuchreflecting,sharing,praying,celebrating,servingandgrowing.Ourstaff,parent/adultvolunteersandcatechistsarecommittedtosupportingyoueverystepoftheway.Mostofall,thisisatimeofprayerforyouasyoudiscernthechoicesyouaremaking,sothatthereceptionofGod’sdivinelifeissomethingthattruly“flipson”theswitchoffaith,hopeandlove.MaywebeconformedtoChristandthroughhimgiveglorytoourFatherinheaven.

Parent/adultleadershavevolunteeredtoleadConfirmationteamsandhavepreparedtomaketheTeamportionofConfirmationformationapowerfulandmeaningfultimeforyou.Parents,itisim-perativethattheleadersreceiveyoursupportandpresenceastheycoordinatemeetings,CorporalandSpiritualWorksofMercy,attendtheretreatandinterview,andguideusthroughtheprocess.

Inaddition,noneofthismakesanysenseifyouaren’tregularlyattendingMass,ReligiousEduca-tionclassesandgoingtoConfessionsothatfertilegroundmaybepreparedtoreceivethegiftsofGod.

OnbehalfofSt.MaryParish,wewelcomeyourfamilytotheConfirmationprogramandpraythatyouandyoursonordaughtertogetherwillfindthisprocessofformationapowerfultimeoffaith,hopeandlove.

MaytheHolySpiritstrengthenandguideyou,

Rev.DonRooney LeoChavarriaPastor Director,YouthMinistry

welcome

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ConfirmationisaSacramentinwhichthosewhohavebeenbaptizedreceivethefullnessoftheHolySpiritwhomtheLordsentuponhisApostlesatPentecost.ItisaSacramentthatcelebratesGod’sspecialstrengthsandgiftsinthosewhohavebeenbaptized.

In1972,theChurchpublishedtheRiteofChristianInitiationofAdults(RCIA).TheRCIAstrengthenstheconnectionsbetweenthethreeSacramentsofChristianinitiation:Baptism,Confirmation,andHolyEucharist. •InBaptism,apersonbecomesaChristianandreceivesgraceandlifefromtheHolySpirit. •InEucharist,thegreatsignofChristianunity,thefaithfularenourishedandstrengthened.Theyare transformedintoamorelivingandunitedcommunityofbelievers. •InConfirmation,thebaptismalvowsarerenewedandthesealingoftheSpiritserves asapreparationforamatureChristianlife.

Throughthesesacramentalrites,thefaithfulareofficiallyacknowledgedasChristiansandarecommis-sionedtocarryoutthemissionofChristandhisChurch.

Confirmationisaparishcommunitycelebration.Itprovidesanopportunityformembersoftheparishfamilytorenewtheirownbaptismalcommitment.ConfirmationtimeintheparishisatimewhenthecommunitycelebratesthegiftsoftheHolySpiritamongthem.

ItisnotenoughforCandidates(thoseeligibleandpreparingforConfirmation)tositbackandlearnthefaithfromthewordsofacatechistorfromabook.TheymustgooutandseeforthemselveshowtheHolySpiritisatworkinthecommunity.ConfirmationpreparationisthechanceforthemtofindhowthegiftsoftheHolySpiritareatworkeveryday.ThisalsohelpstheCandidatetobeopentoreceivingthesespiritualgiftsinaspecialwayattheirConfirmation.

PentecostsawtheHolySpiritgiventothefledglinggroupofpeoplethatwastheChurch.PeterandtheothershadnowexperiencedboththepresenceoftherisenJesusandhisHolySpirit.TheseremarkableexperiencescompelledthemtobeginimmediatelyspreadingtheGoodNewsthatJesusisLord.Hehadrisenfromthedead.GodistheGodofwelcomeandloveandthepowerofGodisavailabletoeverybodythroughthecomingoftheSpirit.

confirmation

gifts & fruits of the

Holy Spirit

TheGIftsandFruitsoftheHolySpirithelpusliveourlivesmorefullycommittedtoChrist:

TheSevenGifts:Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord.

TheTwelveFruits:Charity, Kindness, Joy, Goodness, Peace, Generosity, Patience, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Modesty, Self-Control and Chastity.

eligibility TheDioceseofArlingtonhasset8thGradeastheminimumageforConfirmation.Confirmationprepara-tionisatwo-yearprocess.

AtSt.Mary,unconfirmedseventh-graderswhohavereceivedtheSacramentsofBaptism,PenanceandEucharistareeligibletobegintheregularcycleofYearIConfirmationPreparationClasses.StudentsineighthgradethroughhighschoolarealsoeligibletobeginYearIinaseparateclass.TwofullyearsofConfirmationpreparationandSt.Mary’sConfirmationrequirementsmustbefulfilledinordertoreceivetheSacramentofConfirmation.

StudentswhoarebeingpreparedforConfirmationinaCatholicschoolotherthanHolyCrossAcademyoranotherReligiousEducationprogramarealsoeligibleforConfirmation.Aletterfromyourchild’sDirectorofReligiousEducationorCatholicschoolprincipalwillberequiredtoverifytheirattendance,curriculumandserviceprojectrequirements.St.Mary’sConfirmationrequirementsmustalsobefulfilledinordertoreceivetheConfirmation.

4

5

admission to the

program

TherearethreeessentialcomponentsforadmissiontocandidacyforConfirmation.

1.TheReligiousEducationComponent.Attendanceinclassesprovided(twoyears),eitheratHolyCrossAcademy,theSt.MaryReligiousEducationProgram,oranapprovedhomeschoolingprogramwherefamiliesreportprogressmonthly(seeSt.MaryREDepartmentfordetails).OnMondayeveningsweofferConfirmationforYearIstudentsineighthgradethroughhighschool.Thesestudentsmustmeetthesamerequirementsastheseventhgraders.

2.TheSpiritualandCorporalWorksofMercy.ActiveparticipationwiththeConfirmationTeamsisre-quiredofalladmittedtoCandidacy.AttendanceatMassandtheSacramentsisrequired.

3.APPLICATIONforCandidacy.StudentsareonlyadmittedtoCandidacyforConfirmationinaparticularyearoncethefollowingdocumentshavebeencompleted and received:(1)thefullycompletedApplica-tion/Commitment,(2)Sponsorinformation(3)SaintNameFormand(4)Baptismcertificate.

admissionto the

confirmationclass

Candidateswillbegintheirclasses,both7thand8th-11thgrades,duringtheweekbeginningSeptem-ber8,2014.

TheApplicationforReception, Confirmation Commitment, Sponsor Form, Saint Name form and the Candidate’s Baptismal Certificate(acopy,nottheoriginal)mustbecompletelyfilledoutandsubmittedtoHolyCrossAcademyORtheOfficeofYouthMinistrynolaterthanOctober21,2014.IftheCandidateattendsHolyCrossAcademy,thebaptismalcertificateisalreadyonfile.IfbaptizedatSt.Mary,acopyoftheoriginalcertificatewillbehelpful,buttheinformationontheapplicationformwillbesufficientifyouroriginalcannotbefound.

PleasebeawarethatobtainingBaptismalCertificatesandSponsorAcceptanceformscantaketimetoprocesssopleasestarttheprocessrightaway.

Year I

role of the parents

Parentsplaythemostimportantroleintheirchildren’scontinuinginitiationintofullmembershipintheChristiancommunity.

ParentsofConfirmationcandidates:•Aretheprimaryeducatorsoftheirchildren;•RepresenttheChurchbyshowingtheirchildaChristianexampleandtheimportanceof faith;•ServeasmodelsfortheirchildbybeingcommittedChristians;•RequiretheirchildtoworshipwiththeparishcommunityweeklyatMass;•Reinforceandpromotebeliefinthehome;•Encouragetheirchildtoreflectandthoughtfullyconsiderthedecisiontoreceivethe SacramentofConfirmation;•ArenotpermittedtobeConfirmationSponsorsfortheirownchild;•AssisttheirchildwiththeimmediatepreparationfortheSacramentofConfirmation throughprayer,studyandservice;•StresstheinitiationaspectoftheSacramentbyencouragingtheirchildtocontinue learningabouttheirfaithintheparishlifeandprogramsintothehighschoolyears; •HelptheirchildinunderstandingthatConfirmationserviceprojectsarethebeginningof alifecommittedtoChristianservice;

•CommittodailyprayerfortheCandidates.

role of the candidate

AsCandidatescontinuepreparingforConfirmation,theymust:

•ListenattentivelyandparticipatewillinglyinReligiousEducationclasses;•Respecteachother’spointofview;•RespecttheirCatechistsandTeamLeaders;•Askquestions.(ThishelpstodevelopamorematureunderstandingofChristianbeliefs andmaketheirowncommitmentstronger);•AttendMassweekly;•InviteapracticingCatholictobetheirConfirmationSponsor(seethe“Sponsor”sectionof thishandbookfordetails);•ParticipateintheConfirmationRetreat;•Returnallnecessarypaperworkbythedatesindicatedonthecalendar;•CompletetheConfirmationworkbook;•ParticipatewillinglyintheirConfirmationteam,completingthreeCorporalandthree SpiritualWorksofMercy;•Beinterviewedwiththeirteambyamemberoftheclergy;•RemainanactivepartoftheCatholiccommunitybycontinuingtolearnaboutand practicetheirfaith.

6

teamsConfirmation Teams complete three Spiritual Works of Mercy and three Corporal Works of Mercy, to-gether as a team, as a primary component of the Confirmation preparation program.

EachCandidatebelongstoateamofadozenorsoyouth,accordingtoneighborhoodswheretheyliveorcloseby.Theseteamsareledbyvolunteeradult/parentleaderswhosejobistoserveasmentorsfortheyoungpeople,providinginspirationforservingintheChurchaswellasleadingreflectionsfollowingactivities,todiscussthepurposeofservice,bothspiritualandcorporal.Godplacedusonearthtogivehimglorybutalsotocareforoneanother,andthiskindofcaringisbestaccomplishedwithinthecontextofteams,inthehopesthattherewillbesomeadultsabletofillthevitalroleofrolemodel.Considertheexpression,“Alwaysandineveryplace,preachtheGospel:whennecessary,usewords.”

AnotherbenefitoftheseteamsistohelptheCandidatesbeacquaintedwiththeotherCatholicyouthwholivenearthem,peopletheymightnototherwiseknowlaterinhighschool.Sincethemajorityofourteensattendthedozenorsolocalpublichighschools,thisCatholicpresenceisofrealimportance.Neighborhoodproximityallowstheseteamstosocialize,formfriendshipsandeasilycompletetheirTeamProjectstogether.Bydoingspiritualactivitiesandworksofmercyasagroup,theiridentityastheCatholiccommunitygrowsandhopefullytheywillknowthattheyhavealastingplaceintheChurch,aplacewheretheycantrulymakeadifference.Together,withChrist,wecanaccomplishgreatthings;alone,oureffortsarenotsocertain.

ParticipationintheseConfirmationTeamsisre-quired,notoptional,andthebackboneoftheCon-firmationprogram,sothattheteachingsofChristandthegiftsoftheSpiritmighthavealivingcontextinwhichtheycantakeshapeandberealized.

MISSEDACTIVITIES

AllteamactivitiesaretobecompletedtogetherasagroupunderthesupervisionoftheTeamLeaderandparent/adultvolunteers.

Sometimesnomatterhowhardyoutryyouendupmissinganactivity.TeamProjects/WorksofMercymustbemadeupregardlessofthereason.Allmissedactivitiesmustbemadeupassoonaspossible.Thefollowingprocedureistobefollowedinorderforthemakeupactivitytobecounted:

1.TeamleaderswillinformtheYouthMinistryOffice,atthecompletionofanyteamactivity,thenamesofanycandidateswhodidnotattend.

2.Itisthecandidate’sresponsibilitytocontacttheYouthMinistryOfficewithintwoweeksofanymissedactivity.AtthatpointtheYouthMinistryOfficewillassistwithfindinganacceptablereplacementactivitywithanotherteam.Itisthecandidate’sresponsibilitythentocontacttheteamleaderandmakearrangementsforthemake-upactivity.

3.AtleastFOURoftheactivitiesmustbedonewithinyourownteam,soitisimperativethatyouattendtheteamplanningsessions.

4.Itistheresponsibilityofthecandidateandtheirparentstoparticipateintheseactivities.Thetimetocompleteteamactivitieshasbeenextendedthisyearto13months,ampletimeforcandidatestoattendplanningsessionsandteamactivities.

5.IfthecandidatefailstocompletetherequirednumberofactivitiesbyJanuary 2016thecandidatewillbeassignedtoanewteamwiththeConfirmationclassof2017andwillnotbeConfirmeduntilallactivitiesandrequirementshavebeencompleted.

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sponsorrequirements

ASponsorisrequiredfortheCandidatebeingconfirmed.Canons872and874oftheCodeofCanonLawlistthoserequirementsforthevalidandlawfulsponsorshipinConfirmation:

•TheSponsor’sroleistoassistthepersoninChristianinitiation.•TheSponsor’srole,togetherwiththeparentsistopresentthechildfortheSacrament andhelphim/herlivealifebefittingabaptizedCatholic.

ASponsor:1.Mustbematureenoughtoundertakethisresponsibility.2.MusthavereceivedthethreeSacramentsofInitiation,namely,Baptism,Communionand Confirmation.3.Mustbenolessthan16yearsofageatthetimeofConfirmation.4.MustknowthefundamentaltruthsoftheFaithandbeapracticingCatholicwhogoesto Masseveryweek,receivestheSacramentsregularlyandseestothereligiousinstruc- tionofhis/herfamily.5.MustbeamemberoftheCatholicChurchandcanonicallyfreetocarryoutthisoffice. (ThoseCatholicspubliclylivinginaninvalidmarriage,((notaccordingtothechurch regulations)),andthosewhoarecohabitating,((livingtogetherwithoutmarriage)),are ineligible).6.MustnotbefatherormotheroftheonebeingConfirmed.

IfaSponsorisunabletoattendtheConfirmation,aProxymaystandin.Ifnecessary,aparentmayserveasProxy.

BeingaSponsorisnotjustanhonorgiventoagoodfriendorrelative.Sponsorshipimpliesarealap-preciationofthefaith,apracticeofthesame,andasenseofresponsibilitytowardthepersonbeingconfirmed.Parentscannotbesponsorsfortheirchildrenbecausetheyarealreadytheirchild’smostimportantteacher.CandidatesmaychooseoneoftheirGodparentstobetheirSponsortoshowthecloseconnectionbetweenBaptismandConfirmationortheymaychooseadifferentperson.ThispersonshouldbeaconfirmedCatholicwhomthecandidateadmiresandwhobearswitnesstotheGospelinhis/hereverydaylife.

If the sponsor is NOT a member of St. Mary’s they must obtain a Sponsor Certificate signed by a priest from their home parish by October 21, 2014.

ASponsoralsoplaysavitalroleintheCandidate’scontinuinginitiationintofullmembershipintheChris-tiancommunity.AsponsorofaConfirmationCandidate:

•SupportstheCandidateintheircommitmenttoaChristianlife;•MustknowtheCandidateandbewillingtoserveasastrongandlong-lastingChristian influenceontheCandidate;•MayhelptheCandidateprepareforConfirmation;•MustbereasonablyinformedoncurrentChurchteachings.

8

confirmationname

EachCandidatewillchoosetotakeanewnameforConfirmation,howeveritshouldbeanamefromthelistofrecognizedSaintsoftheCatholicChurch.CandidatesmaychoosetokeeptheirbaptismalnameaslongasitisaChristianname.NamesofSaintsarechosentoserveaspatronsandmodelsforthosebeingconfirmed.

CandidatesshouldchooseapatronwhoseChristianlifeandvirtuescanbeimitated.TheSaintNameFormwillbecompletedaspartofaclassassignmentintheReligiousEducationProgramorHolyCrossAcademyreligionclass.AsamplelistofpatronSaintsislistedinAppendixAonpage11ofthishandbooktohelpcandidatesbeginthinkingaboutthesaint’snameyoumightchooseandwhy.

9

interviews ConfirmationCandidateswillbeinterviewedtogetherinteamsbyoneofthepriests.Theinterviewlastsapproximately30minutesandisreallyanopportunityforthepriestsandthecandidatestotalkabouttheirexperiencesintheprogram,toexplaintheirTeamWorksofMercy,totalkalittleabouttheirsaints,sponsors,andwhattoexpectonthedayofConfirmation.Ifyou’rewilling,evenyourdiscernmentofyourcalltoConfirmationwouldbeagreattopic.ConfirmationinterviewsareusuallyheldaboutamonthbeforeConfirmation.

Yourteamleaderwillnotifyyouofthedayyourteamhasbeenscheduledfortheirinterview.PleaseseeappendixBonpage12ofthishandbookforsampleinterviewquestions.

retreat Aspartoftheirpreparation,eachCandidateisrequiredtoattendtheConfirmationretreatintheirsecondyearofpreparation.TheretreatisheldattheBasilicaoftheNationalShrineoftheImmaculateConcep-tioninWashingtonD.C.TheCandidateswilldepartfromSt.Mary’sActivityCenteronbusesandwillbefedlunchduringtheretreat.

ThefeefortheretreatisdueattheYearIImeetingheldinthefallof2014.Theretreatfeeis$50.00;andincludesbusrentalfee,lunchfee,stipendsforpriesthelpingwithConfession,donationtoBasilica,andConfirmationRobeupkeep.Appropriatedressisrequiredfortheretreat.Gentlemenmustweardresspants,acollaredshirtandcomfortableshoes.Youngladiesmustweardresspantsorskirts,anappropri-atesweaterorblouseandcomfortableshoes.Jeans,shorts,t-shirts,shortskirtsandshirtswornabovethewaistareprohibited.Personalelectronicsofanykindareprohibitedattheretreat.ThepurposeofthisretreatistosetthespiritualtoneneededtopreparetheCandidatesfortheSacramentofConfirma-tion.

rehearsaland Mass

AttendanceattheConfirmationrehearsalismandatoryfortheCandidateandtheirsponsor(orproxy).ConfirmationisaspecialoccasioncelebratedintheChurch.Appropriateattireisrequired.Thedresscodeforgentlemenisdresspantsanddressshoeswithabuttonupshirtandtie.Suitjacketsarepreferredbutnotrequired.Youngladiesmayweardresses,skirtsordressslacks.ItemsthatareNOTap-propriateincludespaghettistraps,jeans,t-shirtsandanytypeofimmodestclothing.

TheactualdateforConfirmationisdeterminedbyBishopLoverde’soffice.AssoonastheOfficeofYouthMinistryisinformedofthedateforConfirmation,youwillbeinformed.TheBishopofArlingtonoroneofthebishopsfromtheArchdioceseforMilitaryServiceswillleadusinthecelebrationoftheSacramentofConfirmation.Inordertomaintainthesacrednatureofthistimeandplace,photographyandvideoequipmentarestrictlyprohibitedinthechurch.

FollowingtheConfirmationMass,therewillbeareceptionintheParishLifeCenter.Professionalphoto-graphsoftheteamsintheirrobeswiththeBishopwillbetakenimmediatelyfollowingtheConfirmationMass.Ifyouwouldliketopurchaseaphotographofyourchild’steam,youmustcompleteanorderform.AdditionalcopiesareavailableattheOfficeofYouthMinistry.Confirmandiwillreceivetheircertificateuponthereturnoftheirrobe.

10

workbook Attheteamleaders’/parents’meetingatthebeginningoftheirsecondyearofpreparation,eachCandi-datewillreceiveaConfirmationWorkbooktobecompletedbythedateoftheirretreat.DetailsofWork-bookrequirementsareprintedonthefrontcoveroftheWorkbook.AdditionalcopiescanbeobtainedintheOfficeofYouthMinistry.

Year II

Actors GenesiusAfricanAmericans MartindePorres,CharlesLwangaThosewithAlcoholism MatthiasAnimals,Birds FrancisofAssisi,NicholasofTolentinoArcheologists DamasusArchers Hubert,SebastianArchitects Thomas,Barbara,BenedictArtists Luke,CatherineofBologna,(Bl)FraAngelicoAstronomers DominicAthletes SebastianAuthors JohntheEvangelist,FrancisdeSalesAviators ThereseofLisieux,JosephofCupertinoAccountants/Bankers MatthewBlacksmiths JamesBlindpeople Lucy,ThomasBooksellers JohnofGod,ThomasAquinasBoyScouts GeorgeBricklayers StephenBuilders Barbara,VincentFerrerCabinetmakers AnneCancerpatients PeregrineLaziosiCarpenters Joseph,ThomastheApostleCatholicCharities ElizabethofHungary,VincentdePaulCatholicSchools ElizabethAnnSetonCatechists/Catechumen JulieBilliart/RobertBellarmineTheUniversalChurch PeterChefs Martha,LawrenceTheUniversalChurch PeterCivilEngineers FerdinandIIIofCastilleCivilServants ThomasMoreClergy CharlesBorromeoClimbers/Skiers BernardClockMakers JosephComedians Lawrence,GenesiusTheCompassionate BenjaminComposers CecileComputers/ComputerScience IsidoreofSevilleContemplativeLife MaryMagdalene/MadeleineConversionofHeart PaulCraftsmenandWomen DymphnaDancers GenesiusDeacons StephenThoseintheDiplomaticService GabrielDoctors,EMTs LukeEloquence,sacred Anthony,JohnChrysostomEmigrants FrancisXavierCabriniEnemiesofReligion SebastianEnvironment/Ecology FrancisofAssisiThosewithEpilepsy GenesiusEquestrians JamesThosewithEyeDiseases RaphaelThoseFalselyAccused RaymondFamilies Joseph,MaximilianKolbeFarmers IsidoretheFarmerThosesufferingfromFevers Genevieve(Genofeva)Firefighters FlorianFishermen Peter,AndrewFlorists ThereseofLisieux,RoseofLimaFrance JoanofArc,ThereseofLisieuxFriendships JohntheApostleGardeners Agnes,RoseofLima,Fiacre,AdamGoldsmiths/Jewelers Dunstan,LukeGrandparents AnneHairdressers MaryMagdalene/MadeleineHardware SebastianHolyCrossAcademy LeonieAviatHomelessChildren JeromeEmilianiHomemakers Anne,MarthaHorses MartinofTours,HippolytusHunters/FrenchHornplayers HubertImpossibleSituations RitaofCascia,JudeIreland PatrickLawyers ThomasMore

Learning Ambrose,CatherineofAlexandriaLithographers JohntheEvangelistLoneliness RitaMachinists HubertMarriedCouples Joseph,AnthonyMassServers JohnBerchmansMathematicians HubertThosewithMentalIllness DymphnaMeninArmedForces GeorgeMerchants FrancisofAssisiMilitaryChaplains JohnofCapistranoMiners BarbaraMissionaries FrancisXavier,ThereseofLisieuxMonks/Farmers BenedictMothers Mary,MotherofGod,Monica,AnneMusicians/ChurchMusic Cecilia/GregorytheGreatNurses CamillusdeLellis,ElizabethofHungaryOrators AnthonyofPaduaOrphans JeromeEmiliani,IvoofKermartinPainters Luke,(Bl)FraAngelicoParishPriests JohnMaryVianneyPharmacists LukePhotographers VeronicaPoets David,ColumbaPoliceOfficers Jude,MichaelPoliticians ThomasMoreThePoor AnthonyofPadua,LawrencePotters CatherineofAlexandriaPregnantWomen GerardMajella,MargaretofAntiochPrisoners VincentdePaulPublicSchools/Services MartindePorresPublishers JohntheEvangelistRighttoLife MargaretofCastello,GuadalupeSailors Brendan,NicholasofMyraSalespersons LucyScholars BridgidofIreland,ThomasAquinas,JeromeSchoolTeachers Gregory,JohnBaptistdelaSalleScientists AlberttheGreat,DominicSculptors Claude,Luke,LouisScotland Margaret,AndrewTheSick CamillusSingers/Performers Cecile,AndrewSocialWorkers LouisedeMarillac,JohnFrancisRegisSoldiers JoanofArc,Sebastian,IgnatiusofLoyolaSouthAmerica RoseofLima,GuadalupeSpiritualDirectors CharlesBorromeoStockbrokers MatthewThosewithStomachDisorders Timothy,CharlesBorromeoStoneWorkers Louis,StephenStudents Catherine,ThomasofAquinas,LawrenceTaxcollectors MatthewTeachers FrancisdeSales,CatherineofAlexandriaTeenagers MariaGoretti,AloyisiusGonzagaTelecommunications GabrielTelephones/Television ClareTheologians Augustine,ThomasAquinas,CatherineofSienaTravelers Raphael,Joseph,ChristopherTranslators JeromeThosewithTuberculosis TheresaUnbornChildrenandMothers GiannaBerettaMollaUnity GregoryVeterinarians Blaise,JamesVocations AlphonsusLiguori,AndrewWaiters,Waitresses MarthaWorkers JosephWorkers,Youth JohnBoscoWriters FrancisdeSales,JohntheEvangelistYouth AloysiusGonzaga,MariaGoretti,JohnBerchmans Raphael,JohnBosco,StanislausKostka

More?See:http://www.catholic.org/saints/stindex.phphttp://www.catholic.org/saints/patron.php

appendix a

a few patronsaints

talk it overwith yourparents

11

appendix b

Year II Interview a few

reviewquestions

Herearesomegoodquestionstoreflectupon.TheymaycomeinhandyintheInterview,andcertainlywillcontributetoyourTeamdiscusssions.Mostly,theyaremeanttohelpyoufocusonimportantaspectsofyourfaithandhowconnectedyouaretoit.

1.HowwouldyoudescribeyourrelationshipwithJesusChrist?WithGod?

2.WhatdoesitmeantobeafollowerofChrist?

3.WhatarethecharacteristicsofafaithfulCatholic?

4.Withwhatactivitiesorministriesintheparishorcommunityhaveyouhelped out?Doyouhavegiftsortalentsleadingyoutoaparticularministryinthe parishcommunity?

5.Howmuchisprayerapartofyourlife?

6.HowmuchisreadingtheBibleapartofyourlife?

7.HowmuchisweeklyMassapartofyourlife?

8.IsthepatternofcelebratingMasseveryweekthecenterofyourlifeasaCatholic?

9.WhatsaintdidyouchooseforyourConfirmationname?Whywasthissaintso inspiringtoyou?

10.WhattwoactionscanyoutaketoimproveyourparticipationinMass?

11.WhathasyourexperienceofReligiousEducationclassesbeenlike?

12.Whydoyouwanttobeconfirmed?

Seeifyouknowtheanswerstothese.Youmightusetheseingroupdiscussionstoreviewwhatyou’vebeenlearninginReligiousEducationclasses.

Questions(answersareonthereversesideofthispage):

1.WhatisConfirmation?

2.WhatdoesConfirmationaccomplishinme?

3.WhoistheHolySpirit?

4.WhoistheministerofConfirmation?

5.HowisConfirmationadministered?

6.WhatisSacredChrism?

7.WhatarethewordsspokenbytheBishop?

8.WhyamIanointedwithSacredChrism?

9.WhocanreceiveConfirmation?

10.WhoshouldbechosenasaSponsorforConfirmation?

11.WhyisConfirmationsoimportantatthistime?

12

appendix b(continued)

a few answers

Answers:

1.WhatisConfirmation? ConfirmationisoneofthesevensacramentswhichareoutwardsignsinstitutedbyChrist togivegrace.InConfirmation,theHolySpiritcomestousinaspecialway.

2.WhatdoesConfirmationaccomplishinme? Confirmationdoesthreethingsforme: 1.BindsmemorecloselytotheChurch. 2.Deepensmycommitmenttolove,study,defendandspreadthefaith. 3.ConfersanindelibleorpermanentmarkthatconsecratesmetobeawitnesstoChrist.

3.WhoistheHolySpirit? TheHolySpiritisGodandthethirdPersonoftheBlessedTrinity. 4.WhoistheministerofConfirmation? TheministerofConfirmationistheBishop,butpriestsmayconfirmwithspecialpermission.

5.HowisConfirmationadministered? Confirmationisadministeredbytracingacrossontheperson’sforeheadwithsacredchrism andsayingtheproperwords.

6.WhatisSacredChrism? SacredChrismisamixtureofoliveoilandbalsamblessedbytheBishoponHolyThursday.

7.WhatarethewordsspokenbytheBishop? Thewordsspokenwhilebeingconfirmedare: Bishop:“N.besealedwiththegiftoftheHolySpirit”. Candidateresponds:“Amen”. Bishopplaceshishandontheshouldersofthenewlyconfirmedandsays“Peacebewithyou,” Candidateresponds:“Andwithyourspirit”.

8.WhyamIanointedwithSacredChrism? IamanointedtosetmeapartforaspecialmissionwhichistogivewitnesstoChrist.

9.WhocanreceiveConfirmation? AnybaptizedpersonwhowasneverconfirmedcanreceiveConfirmation.

10.WhoshouldbechosenasaSponsorforConfirmation? AsponsorshouldbeapracticingCatholicwhosedutyistosupportthecandidateinlivingthe faithandbygoodexample.

11.WhyisConfirmationsoimportantatthistime? ConfirmationisimportantbecauseIammakingthedecisiontochooseChristandtheChurch formyself.

SignoftheCrossOurFather,HailMary,GloryBeTen CommandmentsSevenSacramentsApostles’CreedActofContrition

13

do you know?

appendix c

For Team Leaders

Team worksideas

Corporal Works of Mercy Activity Ideas May Include:

1.Volunteeratalocalnursinghomeforaspecialactivitywithresidents.NursinghomesSt.Maryisaffiliatedwithare:

NursingHome Contact PhoneNumber

Heartfields PamelaSmith 540-373-8800Hughes MarshaRoland 540-373-4100Woodmont MariaDaSilva 540-371-9414GoldenLiving SandraRay 540-786-8351Greenfield ConnieMiller 540-374-8200

2.Getinvolvedinlocalministriesforthehomelessandpoor. MicahMinistries RickCaporali 540-373-6491ThurmanBrisben DawnMiller 540-295-4836(HomelessShelter) 3.Helpclean/sort/organizefoodattheFredericksburgFoodBankorgetinvolvedinotherprojectssupportedbytheOutreachCommitteeoftheParishCouncil.

ParishOutreach LyndaRetterer 540-373-5610Committee GailRussell 540-373-6491

4.Assistalocalcharitableorganizationinvariousannualandoutreachprograms,suchas:

KnightsofColumbus JohnWilkes 540-850-2075Council/CatholicWomenJoyceO’Toole 540-371-2365HopeHouse Anita 540-371-0831SalvationArmyStore SharonSchweing 540-891-2242Projects JamieSmith 540-373-3431HabitatforHumanity LisaMarkel 540-891-5009AviatCare/HCA Sr.MiriamElizabeth 540-286-2773St.VincentdePaul MaureenJones 540-898-8065

Spiritual Works of Mercy Ideas May Include:

1.Ourparish40HoursorStationsoftheCrossonFridayeveningsduringLent.2.AttendafirstFridayeveningMassoraFridaynightHolyHourofAdoration.3.AttendaBaptismat10amonsomeSaturdaysandprayforthebaptizedandtheirfamily (calltheParishOfficeinadvance540-373-6491).4.Visitareligiousorderwithinourdioceseandprayforvocations.5.Visit/sendcardstoourhomeboundparishionersandprayforthem.(contactrectory)6.PraytherosarywithlocalNursingHomeresidents.7.AttendtheHolySpiritNovena.8.AttendEcumenicalprayerservices.9.AttendSpecialliturgicalevents

PleaseinformtheYouthMinistryOfficeofscheduledteamactivitiesassoonaspossible!Thankyou.

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N O T E S__________________________

Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church1009 Stafford AvenueFredericksburg, VA 22401

Parish Officephone 540-373-6491

www.stmaryfred.org