GENERAL OUTLINE FOR 2003-2004

We look on this preparation as a community activity. Confirmation marks the completion of a long INITIATION process that begins at birth into a Christian community. It reaches its climax when two things take place:
1) the candidate takes a determined, individual and mature decision to become a fully functioning member of the community AND when
2) the community completes its preparation of the candidate and welcomes the new member, no longer as the son or daughter of another member, but as a member in full standing in his/her own right.

The participants in the process are the young persons who are seeking this confirmation of their membership in this Christian Community, members of the catechetical team, and the parents of the candidates. Other members of our parish community are also invited to become regular participants.

Because we are starting a personal and community process, and because our smaller numbers permit this, we are planning our sessions differently than might be the case in a larger urban parish community. This preparation is not a "class". We are not "studying" for confirmation. We are completing one very important step in a life-time journey to join ourselves more completely with the Body of Christ.

Basic Plan:

We will be meeting for approximately 45 minutes after our Sunday Liturgy. During this time we will consider the main elements of the theme selected for that week and plan other activities to be completed during the week.

These might include further reading, further discussion with friends, with parents or with others, personal reflection and making entries in the candidate's private journal, or some service project.

The Sunday meeting is the time we get together as a full group to talk about issues or to get information. The rest of the week is the time for making it our own and completing what began on the Sunday.

THEMES TO BE DEVELOPED:

1. "Our Journey Begins"
Aim: to recognize that the sacraments of Baptism and confirmation together initiate individuals into the Eucharistic community.

2. "Growing as Christians"
Aim: To become familiar with the rite of Confirmation and to appreciate its symbols and prayers.

3. "Witnessing to Jesus"
Aim: to recapture the significance of the Pentecost experience in order to appreciate the importance of Christian Service.

4. "Responding in Faith"
Aim: to understand that the memory of Jesus is kept alive by the Holy Spirit through Scripture and the sacraments.

5. "Declaring our Beliefs"
Aim: to explore how we personalize and affirm our beliefs as Catholics.

6. "The Gifts of the Spirit"
Aim: to deepen understanding of the meaning of Church in order to better understand Confirmation as a commitment to Christ through the church.

Our Companions on this Journey: the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the Family of God. We have great company for this trip!

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