SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION INTRODUCTION

1 SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION INTRODUCTION "Baptism, the Eucharist, and the SACRAMENT of CONFIRMATION together constitute the ' sacraments of Christian initiation,' whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the SACRAMENT of CONFIRMATION is necessary for the completion of baptismal graces. For 'by the SACRAMENT of CONFIRMATION , [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.' Preparation for CONFIRMATION should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, his gifts, and his biddings - in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life.

2 To this end catechesis for CONFIRMATION should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands." (Catechism of the Catholic Church) All sacraments are signs of Christ s presence living in and through the faith community and present in the lives of the recipients. sacraments are primarily for the faith community and not the individual. The Archdiocese of New Orleans has set the time for the reception of the SACRAMENT of CONFIRMATION in the eleventh grade. Preparation for the reception of the SACRAMENT of CONFIRMATION comes after completing a three year preparation program. At Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church Parish we design our program around the tenets set out in the Catholic Catechism of the Catholic Church.

3 We view the Catholic Faith in the context of community life, not as a private spirituality. We designed our CONFIRMATION program for the early teen years as a faith discovery and sharing experience. We believe that one should know, understand and be aware of his/her faith and its impact upon his/her life. The CONFIRMATION preparation at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church Parish consists of (3) three (year-long) phases that focus on the basic truths of our Faith as found in the Bible - especially the Gospels - and as proposed, explained and practiced by and in the Catholic Church. POLICY GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS 1. PARENTS: Lead by example. Your devotion to your faith will motivate your teenager as he/she continues the formation and sacramental preparation process.

4 2. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CANDIDATES: Regular Attendance at Sunday Mass/Holy Days of Obligation: Of the seven precepts that define how all Catholics must live out their faith, the first precept centers on communal worship at Mass especially on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Candidates, when attending Mass, must sign-in using the Mass attendance book on the table in the church foyer. If attending another church for Sunday Mass, bring a bulletin from that church with your name on it within two weeks. NOTE: We expect our candidates to attend Mass on a regular basis here since it is the Ascension of Our Lord community that will be confirming the participant s faith. Regular Reception of the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist: Another of the seven precepts requires that all Catholics MUST receive the SACRAMENT of reconciliation and Holy Communion at least once a year.

5 Candidates must reflect the Christian principles and the teachings of the Catholic Church in their daily activities. Daily prayers, Reading scripture, outreach ministry all serve to help a person live out the faith each professes. 3. LEARNING ABOUT YOUR FAITH / FAITHFUL CLASS ATTENDANCE Candidates attend religion classes if they attend a Catholic high school. Or, candidates attending a non-Catholic school, must register and attend PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) classes at Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church Parish. 4. RETREATS, CATHOLIC YOUTH EVENTS, and MISSION TRIPS: Candidates must complete a total of 4 (retreats) for each Phase; a combination of retreats, youth events and mission trips. We announce upcoming opportunities in the parish bulletin, monthly newsletter, via e-mails and at PREP classes.

6 It is the responsibility of the participant to register on time for these events. We encourage you to attend and participate in a wide variety of faith experiences. Examples of retreats/events/missions: Sacred Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday) = 1 retreat Divine Mercy Novena attend 9-day parish novena = one retreat CCRNO Teen Workshop at Ponchartrain Center (March- one retreat) World Youth Day October) ANY parish mission scheduled in Advent and/or Lent Abbey Fest spring = 1 retreat IMPORTANT: ALL of these events have pre-registration forms and deadlines. It is YOUR responsibility to get them in on time. Check your weekly bulletin for information on these and other events as it becomes available.

7 MISSION TRIPS Walk for Life in Washington DC. Pro Life Rally Baton Rouge 5. INVOLVEMENT IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROJECTS: Why do we require service hours, when many candidates must complete similar hours with their school? Service hours provide an opportunity for the candidates to witness their faith as part of the Ascension of Our Lord Catholic Church Parish community. CONFIRMATION seals us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to fulfill our Baptismal calling. God calls us serve those in need. The ministry/service projects reflect what it means to minister and serve in the church. Candidates receive a form to fill out and return, listing the time, date, and type of service performed. This form must be signed by adult in charge of each service project.

8 Reflect and pray about where or what ministry will best meet your particular gifts and talents so that we build up the body of Christ and strengthen your faith life as well. Some examples of service hours: Assisting any of the service ministries of the parish, altar server, altar society, parish sports program, Vacation Bible School, check with Fr. Walter if you are not sure. Helping with the care of the parish grounds. Helping at AOL school. Candidates will complete the required hours of service EACH phase. Phase I - 10 hours Phase II - 10 hours Phase III - 10 hours Service Hours need to be offered HERE, in THIS parish, for the needs of the ministries of THIS church and its people of God. (Not community service, but parish).

9 Note: high school campus ministry programs will accept all service hours performed at your church parish (tip: do those first). 6. PHASES OF PREPARATION: Students entering 8th grade are eligible to participate in upcoming summer events and begin volunteering for parish service hours and also invited to join the parish CYO youth group in the summer. Phase I June 2012 - December 2013 (8th 9th grade) Phase II - January 2014 December 2014 (9th 10th grade) Phase III - January November 2015 (Confirmed in the fall of Junior year 11th grade) Monthly meetings will be held for Phase III, February - CONFIRMATION In order for participants to advance to the next phase of the program, all requirements of previous phase must be completed.

10 7. INTERVIEWS are held annually to determine if student is on track for each phase. This interview is with the Youth Ministry Coordinator or Pastor. Use your tracking sheet to log your service hours and bring it to your interview in September. Make sure you complete each phase in a timely manner. In order for participants to advance to the next phase of the program, all requirements of previous phase must be completed. Keep informed of updates, projects, and youth event opportunities through: faithful attendance at classes and meetings weekly parish bulletin announcements monthly Voice of Ascension Newsletter read e-mails from CYO- Get involved in the Parish Youth Group activities be a part of it all! The Parish Monthly Newsletter and weekly bulletin is a very important source of information.