Confirmation Preparation 2016
Dear 8th grade parents and students,
It’s time to begin thinking about confirmation for your youth! We have been so proud to have
you participate in youth ministry, and we are excited to explore your taking the next step in
your journey of faith. The purpose of our preparation program is to help the candidate
understand their readiness for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Often,
individuals will choose to prepare at this time, but others may choose to wait until a later time.
The only prerequisite of this preparation program is to evaluate the readiness with the
candidate, parents, catechist(s) and pastor. We will begin this evaluation through an interview
that will be completed no later than September 15, 2015. Youth considering preparing for the
sacrament will need to write a letter to Father Chris stating why they are interested in receiving
the sacrament. When this letter is received, we will call you to schedule an interview at your
convenience.
The interview is not a pass/fail entrance exam; it is to help your youth discern whether he/she
is ready to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. It will also give insight on areas to focus
on in the preparation process.
At your youth’s baptism, you as parents made the decision to commit your child to Christ and
the Catholic faith. Now, it’s the parents’ job to help them make the decision to continue that
commitment for themselves. Parents are welcomed to attend as many meetings as possible so
that they may continue their own faith journey and initiate spiritual life at home.
Please remember that a sacramental preparation program cannot replace the value and benefit
of our youth ministry program. Our goal is help candidates understand the commitment of the
faith they are making, recognize the gifts of the Holy Spirit, explain the rituals and symbols
practiced during the celebration of Confirmation, and help identify opportunities to be a
disciple of Christ. Please ask if you need more information on how to get involved in youth
ministry.
We are utilizing a small group preparation plan for Confirmation this year. You will choose a
group of other confirmandi with whom to prepare, and a catechist and youth mentor will be
assigned to your small group. Within this small group, you will decide upon a bi-weekly
meeting time that works for your group. These meetings will take place in the youth room at
Our Lady of Hope.
Confirmation formation schedule
Initial confirmation meeting: Sunday May 17, 10:15 AM in the youth room OR following youth
ministry kickoff, Sunday, August 23 (required for all confirmandi and a parent/guardian) By
coming to the May meeting, you can get your service hours started over the summer!
Youth Ministry Kickoff:
Sunday, August 23, 12PM
Group Service Projects (required of all confirmandi): Parish Picnic – Sunday, Sept. 27
Parish Halloween party – Friday, Oct. 30
All Saints’ Day Living Saints Museum – Sun. November 1
Outreach Ministry dinner: Saturday, November 7
Final interview with Father Chris: Week of December 7th
Small group meeting dates: Weeks of Sept. 20, Oct. 11, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Nov. 29, and Dec. 13.
Confirmation retreat – date to be scheduled – Saturday in November
Confirmation: Sunday Jan. 17, 2016 4:00 PM
Other requirements: 25 service hours at Our Lady of Hope or another organization (approved
by confirmation coordinator)
Saint essay about your chosen saint
Journey of Faith project to be presented in January 2016
Weekly posts in our online discussion boards
PLEASE call us well in advance if you have scheduling conflicts. We expect your confirmandi to
participate in every activity that is presented. Remember that a life of service doesn’t always
follow the most convenient schedule!
Our contact information:
Carrie Rosolino, Our Lady of Hope Youth Ministry Team
Crosolino.oloh@cfl.rr.com
Office: 386-788-6144 ext. 304
Cell (for emergencies only): 386-290-2198