September, 2007
Dear 10th Grade Students and Parents,
You are invited to join us in a second year of preparation for Confirmation. The following information should answer your questions and help you begin this year of preparation.
Parent/Student
meeting: **Sunday**,
September 30th at
Expectations:
We are accustomed to being in programs with expectations
of us. Sports, theater, music, scouts, and education programs have expectations
of their members. We do too!! Because
we, like directors/coaches/teachers, etc., firmly believe that solid
preparation results in meaningful outcomes, we expect our members to
participate fully in the preparation process. We expect that it is the choice of the one preparing for
Confirmation to ask to receive this sacrament. Parental support and
encouragement are expected too, but the final decision must be that of the
student. Tenth grade is the minimum age to receive this sacrament. A decision
to wait shows respect for the sacrament and should not be interpreted as a lack
of faith. Preparing later (ex. Jr., Sr., young adult) is just fine. Unlike
Baptism, Confirmation is the time for the candidates to “speak” for themselves
and claim what was said for them at baptism as their own.
Registration:
Please return the
enclosed Confirmation Registration Form and a fee of $25 by Sept.
30th, unless other arrangements are made. (Does NOT include the $35
registration fee for the regular classes)
Choosing
a sponsor
If you have not already done so, please choose a sponsor. This person can also act as your mentor.
Confirmation
candidates are expected to participate in:
Parent/Student
meeting on SUNDAY, September 30th.
Faith
Formation opening Mass on Wed., September 26th at
Confirmation
Enrollment Ceremony on Sun. October 21st, at the 9:00 am
Mass.
Mass every weekend and Holy Day.
Confirmation
retreat (one day only), Sunday, February 10.
Faith Formation classes on ALL
the Wednesdays scheduled.
Confirmation practice and the
Confirmation liturgy at St. Michael’s in the Spring of
2008.
(continued
on the back of this sheet)
Covenants:
We will ask the candidates, mentors, and parents to sign
covenants to commit to the preparation process. Two copies of this covenant are
enclosed. Read and complete both copies – with the signatures of the candidate,
mentors and parent(s). Include one copy with the Confirmation Registration Form,
or bring one copy to the meeting on September 30th, and post the second copy in
a prominent place in your home.
Be an advocate for this preparation process.
Attend the Parent/Student meeting on SUNDAY, September 30th at
Attend the Faith Formation opening Mass on Wed., Sept. 26th,
at
Attend the adult Faith Formation presentations on
Wednesday evenings at St. Michael’s as scheduled.
Participate in the Mass each weekend and Holy Day with
your son or daughter.
Service
Hours: Students
are reminded to
begin/continue working on the service hours required. Each person must complete
20 hours of service, with at least 10 hours of service to the parish. This is a change from last year, if there is
a concern please let me know.
Please pray with us for a spirit-filled year as we journey
in faith together.
In Christ’s service,
Deacon Joe Kresky, Director of Faith Formation