Confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us.
Confirmation is a continuation, ratification or sealing of Baptism. It helps us to focus on the missionary dimensions of the baptismal commitment.
Confirmation celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit first given at the great Pentecost event and bestows a sharing of that gift on those who receive this sacrament (Acts 2.1-39; 8.14-17, 19-5f). The prayer said with the hands extended over those to be confirmed and the anointing with the words "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" point to the gift of the Holy Spirit who strengthens us and equip us with the charisms to bear witness to Christ and share in the Church's universal mission of sanctifying the world. (Acts 1.8;2.4).
Confirmation points to the full possession of the Holy Spirit in the world to come.
Curriculum
I. The Truth
What is truth? Does God exist? Who can you trust with important questions? Why should we believe in the Church?
The Truth of the Church and Truth found in the Scripture, given to us through Divine Revelation.
II. The Saints
Who are the Saints? Why are they role models? What are Feast Days? Who is the Patron of . . . ?
We honor them, not worship them. We celebrate them and learn their stories in every class.
III. The Sacraments
Confirmation is one of the Seven. What are other outward signs of God's love?
The importance of Baptism for salvation, the necessity of the Eucharist, and the need for Reconciliation in this confessional age.
IV. The Church
The tradition of the Church: What in the Church is worth believing? Everything!
The rhythm of the Liturgical Year: Advent through Easter and beyond Ordinary Time.
V. Trinity
Explore the mystery of one man with two natures: human and divine; and Three Persons in the One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Who is Jesus Christ?
VI. Morality
What are the details of the Ten Commandments, and how do they apply to our lives everyday? Even if you can talk the talk, can you walk the walk? The Kingdom of God awaits!
Faith is to be lived!
Retreat
The Confirmation Retreat is an opportunity for candidates to explore their faith on a deep personal and spiritual level with their peers. The retreat will focus on the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit and help the Confirmation candidates prayerfully reflect on how they are called to use and share those gifts with others.
The weekend will include time for candidates and team members to share the faith experiences that have shaped and formed their Catholic Christian faith. It will be a highly interactive retreat experience that is sure to leave the participants equipped to share their gifts with family, friends and their parish community.
Confirmation Ceremony
The Sacrament of Confirmation Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. here at St. Therese of Carmel.
Forms
Please download and complete the following three forms and turn in at Confirmation Class by Sunday, April 18th, 2010.
Contact Cort Peters at cpeters@sttheresecarmel.org for more information.