CONFIRMATION
Confirmation 1 Virtual Retreat
RETREAT SESSION 1 - Thursday 3-18
(click here to watch the retreat)
MORNING SESSION - Saturday 3-20
(Click here to watch the retreat)
THE LINK FOR THE RETREAT: https://zoom.us/j/85892011734
Family Day Information (click here to download)
Confirmation I Retreat: You are Loved!
FAMILY DAY
Friday, March 19, 2021
Dear parents and students,
Families are a Sign of God's Presence. In every family God is revealed uniquely and personally, for God is love and those who live in love, live in God and God dwells in them (1 Jn 4:16). Re-echoing the words of St. Pope John Paul II, "the future of humanity passes by way of the family" (On the Family, no. 86); therefore, all families are called to buildup, nurture, and express the many ways of love to another.
Today with the Universal Church we celebrate the great Feast of St. Joseph, a model for family, a man who gives himself totally to his family in service to God. You and your child are invited to set aside this day as day for family. Below is a list of things that you can do together.
Fun Family Time
Praying together
“The family that prays together stays together.” Set a time to pray together, ie in the morning and/ or before going to bed, before meals… There are many ways to pray. You can pray the traditional prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be). We can also thank the Lord aloud, asking Him to answer our prayers and offering Him our daily petitions. On this special year of St. Joseph you can pray this prayer:
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
The important thing is MAKE TIME TO PRAY together!!!
Movie Night
Have a night at home. You can rent a movie or choose one from your home collection. Ask each person what movie they would like to see and give each person a chance to choose one of their favorites. To complement your movie night, serve popcorn and candy to make it feel as if you are at the movies.
Cook Together
It is a fun kitchen project that can bring everyone in the family together. Making the cookies or something simple can be as fun as eating them.
Sit Down To Dinner
Sitting down to a dinner is a great way to connect with each other and share the details of your day.
Go on a Picnic
Take the family on a picnic with all the trimmings. Let everyone pack one of their favorite foods.
Play Games
Board games can bring tons of laughter and fun to your family bonding time. Game night can bring out the inner child in everyone. Some board games to consider playing are Monopoly, Pictionary and Trivia Pursuit…etc.
Take A Walk
Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can be a great stress reliever as well as a fun way to get everyone together to talk and enjoy the scenery. You can take a walk around your neighborhood or go to a local park or hiking trail or the beach.
Backyard Camping
Family camping for one night can take place right in your own backyard. Keep it simple and fun.
Read Together
Pick a book that everyone is interested in such as Harry Potter, Twilight or even better yet, the BIBLE. Have each person take turns reading aloud, then discuss the book after it is over.
Make A Craft
Arts and crafts can be fun for kids and adults. There are many craft projects that are simple, yet can still be a great way to bring everyone together.
Going to Mass Together
Families are signs of God’s presence. What is more fitting that bring the family to offer God’s the gift of this family then to attend mass together to give thanks to God for each member of the family, especially on this special day in honor of St. Joseph the foster father of Jesus.
Lent Practices
Make this Lent a family event! Pick a practice that everyone in the family can do together. For examples: everyone contributes something to the Rice Box, Pennies of Heaven… give food to the hungry, or fasting on soda on Fridays….
Concluding Words:
Remember the FOCUS should be spending time together. To make the most of your family time, make sure that everyone is enjoying the activity at hand. There are many activities to choose from, so pick the ones (at least 1-2 things above) that appeal to your family and their specific interests. In making the time and effort to nurture your family you are expressing the many ways of God’s love to one another.
FAMILY DAY
Friday, March 19, 2021
Dear parents and students,
Families are a Sign of God's Presence. In every family God is revealed uniquely and personally, for God is love and those who live in love, live in God and God dwells in them (1 Jn 4:16). Re-echoing the words of St. Pope John Paul II, "the future of humanity passes by way of the family" (On the Family, no. 86); therefore, all families are called to buildup, nurture, and express the many ways of love to another.
Today with the Universal Church we celebrate the great Feast of St. Joseph, a model for family, a man who gives himself totally to his family in service to God. You and your child are invited to set aside this day as day for family. Below is a list of things that you can do together.
Fun Family Time
Praying together
“The family that prays together stays together.” Set a time to pray together, ie in the morning and/ or before going to bed, before meals… There are many ways to pray. You can pray the traditional prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be). We can also thank the Lord aloud, asking Him to answer our prayers and offering Him our daily petitions. On this special year of St. Joseph you can pray this prayer:
Hail, Guardian of the Redeemer,
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
To you God entrusted his only Son;
in you Mary placed her trust;
with you Christ became man.
Blessed Joseph, to us too,
show yourself a father
and guide us in the path of life.
Obtain for us grace, mercy, and courage,
and defend us from every evil. Amen.
The important thing is MAKE TIME TO PRAY together!!!
Movie Night
Have a night at home. You can rent a movie or choose one from your home collection. Ask each person what movie they would like to see and give each person a chance to choose one of their favorites. To complement your movie night, serve popcorn and candy to make it feel as if you are at the movies.
Cook Together
It is a fun kitchen project that can bring everyone in the family together. Making the cookies or something simple can be as fun as eating them.
Sit Down To Dinner
Sitting down to a dinner is a great way to connect with each other and share the details of your day.
Go on a Picnic
Take the family on a picnic with all the trimmings. Let everyone pack one of their favorite foods.
Play Games
Board games can bring tons of laughter and fun to your family bonding time. Game night can bring out the inner child in everyone. Some board games to consider playing are Monopoly, Pictionary and Trivia Pursuit…etc.
Take A Walk
Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air can be a great stress reliever as well as a fun way to get everyone together to talk and enjoy the scenery. You can take a walk around your neighborhood or go to a local park or hiking trail or the beach.
Backyard Camping
Family camping for one night can take place right in your own backyard. Keep it simple and fun.
Read Together
Pick a book that everyone is interested in such as Harry Potter, Twilight or even better yet, the BIBLE. Have each person take turns reading aloud, then discuss the book after it is over.
Make A Craft
Arts and crafts can be fun for kids and adults. There are many craft projects that are simple, yet can still be a great way to bring everyone together.
Going to Mass Together
Families are signs of God’s presence. What is more fitting that bring the family to offer God’s the gift of this family then to attend mass together to give thanks to God for each member of the family, especially on this special day in honor of St. Joseph the foster father of Jesus.
Lent Practices
Make this Lent a family event! Pick a practice that everyone in the family can do together. For examples: everyone contributes something to the Rice Box, Pennies of Heaven… give food to the hungry, or fasting on soda on Fridays….
Concluding Words:
Remember the FOCUS should be spending time together. To make the most of your family time, make sure that everyone is enjoying the activity at hand. There are many activities to choose from, so pick the ones (at least 1-2 things above) that appeal to your family and their specific interests. In making the time and effort to nurture your family you are expressing the many ways of God’s love to one another.
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St. Christopher Church CONFIRMATION YEAR 1 RITE OF COMMITMENT January 17, 2021 |
Year 1 Registration Requirements:
- A Copy of Birth Certificate
- A Copy of Baptismal Certificate
- A Copy of First Communion Certificate
- Appropriate fee
- Completed registration packet including any other necessary documentation as appropriate
Activities must be completed during Confirmation 1:
- Year One Confirmation Rite of Commitment at the Beginning of the Journey (date to be scheduled)
- Youth Day Attendance (Thursday, date to be announced)
- Retreat Attendance (Date to be determined)
- Teen Integrity (Date will be determined)
- Saint Report (details to follow)
- 16 Service Hours
- Memorize Basic Catholic Prayers https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P42vycn7R0Y&feature=youtu.be
Saint Project (Click here to download the information)
WHY CHOOSE A CONFIRMATION NAME?
Your name gives you an identity; it tells others who you are. At the time of your baptism, a Saint’s name was given to you as a new member of God’s family. (Your baptismal name is usually your first name, but if you were not named after a saint it could be your middle name. Ask your parents.) Since Confirmation is so closely connected with Baptism and is dependant on Baptism for it’s meaning, the Church strongly encourages you to choose the name given to you at Baptism to be chosen as your confirmation name. However, another name may be selected, If another is selected, it must be the name of a saint, and should be chosen because that saint has special meaning to you and exemplifies a special characteristic and Christian lifestyle which you wish to strive for in your Catholic adulthood.
Throughout the bible people are given names which tell others something about them. Isaac mean laughter and he was given his name because his mother, Sarah, laughed when she discovered that she was pregnant in her old age. People often receive a new name when something happened in their life. For example, when Abram received a special blessing from God, his name was changed to “Abraham” which means “father of many”. As he took on more responsibility, he received a new name to symbolize this.
Ideally, then, the name that you choose should express something of what you hope to become as an adult Christian.
CHOOSING A NAME
In choosing a Confirmation name, you will need to think about who you are and what you would like to become as a Christian. The church strongly recommends that you choose your baptismal name. But first, you will have to:
*** SAINT REPORT ***
One of the requirements in the program is to do a report on your saint. (A form will be provided.) so as you research your saint’s name, you should take some notes and save the information for your report.
Your name gives you an identity; it tells others who you are. At the time of your baptism, a Saint’s name was given to you as a new member of God’s family. (Your baptismal name is usually your first name, but if you were not named after a saint it could be your middle name. Ask your parents.) Since Confirmation is so closely connected with Baptism and is dependant on Baptism for it’s meaning, the Church strongly encourages you to choose the name given to you at Baptism to be chosen as your confirmation name. However, another name may be selected, If another is selected, it must be the name of a saint, and should be chosen because that saint has special meaning to you and exemplifies a special characteristic and Christian lifestyle which you wish to strive for in your Catholic adulthood.
Throughout the bible people are given names which tell others something about them. Isaac mean laughter and he was given his name because his mother, Sarah, laughed when she discovered that she was pregnant in her old age. People often receive a new name when something happened in their life. For example, when Abram received a special blessing from God, his name was changed to “Abraham” which means “father of many”. As he took on more responsibility, he received a new name to symbolize this.
Ideally, then, the name that you choose should express something of what you hope to become as an adult Christian.
CHOOSING A NAME
In choosing a Confirmation name, you will need to think about who you are and what you would like to become as a Christian. The church strongly recommends that you choose your baptismal name. But first, you will have to:
- Know why that name was chosen for you
- Find out more about that saint
- Answer the question, “Does this name say something about who you are?”
- Figure out if you have a strong connection to that saint
*** SAINT REPORT ***
One of the requirements in the program is to do a report on your saint. (A form will be provided.) so as you research your saint’s name, you should take some notes and save the information for your report.
*SAINT PROJECT***
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
In Isaiah 43, the Scriptures tell us that God knows us and calls us by name. You have the name your parents gave you at birth. Also, at your baptism, you may have been given the name of a Saint to watch over you, pray for you, and guide you towards heaven (which they can do since they already made it).
When you are confirmed, the Bishop will ask what name you have chosen. It must be a canonized saint’s name, either the one you already have from your baptism, or a saint that you admire. Now is the time to get to know (know more about) this saint. You have to find out about your saint’s life, death, Christian witness and what they offered the Church, why they were recognized as being so much like Christ (Resources available in parish, school, and public libraries or through the internet). You are required to complete two parts:
Part I: My favorite Saint (2 pages typed, double space, font 12 (max.), 1” margins). Content of paper:
Note: This is the name you will use on Confirmation Day. If you choose another name, you will need to do another saint report.
*** You can make a movie clip or using technology for your Saint Project.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1
In Isaiah 43, the Scriptures tell us that God knows us and calls us by name. You have the name your parents gave you at birth. Also, at your baptism, you may have been given the name of a Saint to watch over you, pray for you, and guide you towards heaven (which they can do since they already made it).
When you are confirmed, the Bishop will ask what name you have chosen. It must be a canonized saint’s name, either the one you already have from your baptism, or a saint that you admire. Now is the time to get to know (know more about) this saint. You have to find out about your saint’s life, death, Christian witness and what they offered the Church, why they were recognized as being so much like Christ (Resources available in parish, school, and public libraries or through the internet). You are required to complete two parts:
Part I: My favorite Saint (2 pages typed, double space, font 12 (max.), 1” margins). Content of paper:
- The saint’s picture. Date and place of birth and death. Feast Day. Patron Saint of. Process of canonization
- Some significant facts about the saint’s life.
- Describe your Saint’s strongest virtues/admired characteristics.
- Traits have in common with the saint. What qualities you would like to have as your own. Why?
- Include specific ways you would like your saint to help you to prepare for Confirmation. In what ways would you need your patron saint to help you after Confirmation?
- Personally, what have you learn and desire to imitate your patron saint?
- Encourage your classmates to imitate your saint in one or more ways in their daily lives.
- Compose a Prayer to your saint using your own words.
- Your picture (maximum of picture content – half page)
- Your name: ( Ex: St. Ashley Hernandez of West Covina/ St. Steven Nguyen of Baldwin Park)
- Title of your sainthood (the virtue of which you are most known for in your daily life).
- Reflect and acknowledge your God given talents and virtues. Give concrete examples of good deeds that you have done.
- What is needed to be “straighten out” in your life to respond to God’s call “to be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect”.
- One message you would leave for the next generation.
- What made the saint a saint? (What virtues did they possess?)
- Do you think your saint seemed crazy or even marginalized by those around them?
- Can you tell us a short story about your saint (not a biography)?
- What did you learn from your saint that is applicable in your life?
- A prayer to your saint to end your project (this must be written by you not by others).
Note: This is the name you will use on Confirmation Day. If you choose another name, you will need to do another saint report.
*** You can make a movie clip or using technology for your Saint Project.
Community Service
SERVICE PROJECTS - COMMUNITY SERVICES
(Click here to download the Service Project Reflection Paper)
What is it all about?
The purpose of Service Project is to help the Confirmation Candidate exhibit a sense of responsibility and spiritual maturity by carrying out specific number of service projects (minimal of four) during the time of his/her preparation. Living a life of service means keeping our eyes and ears open. People with needs live throughout the city, the nation, and the entire world. Yet, the closest to us all are our families.
The total hours required for Confirmation Candidates are:
Year I: 12-15 hours minimum 3 Service Projects. Write reflection for each service
Year II: 16-20 hours minimum 4 Service Projects. Write reflection for each service. Project Guidelines
Projects must be approved by teacher and done in the following context:
a. Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance
b. Talk with your sponsor and parents about what you think you would like to do as a project.
c. Plan it out with your sponsor, using the handout “Service Project Worksheet”
d. Find out the real needs of the people in your family, neighborhood, parish, school or community… e.
e. Complete the project.
f. Write the Service Project Reflection Report.
Project Suggestions
Before making a commitment to a service project, think about the variety of ways in which you can use your talents and abilities to help others. These suggestions are only some of the ways other candidates have chosen to serve. Perhaps some things on this list will help you decide the service you would like to perform. The list may give you some other ideas on what you would like to do, perhaps you have your own special service in mind.
(Click here to download the Service Project Reflection Paper)
What is it all about?
The purpose of Service Project is to help the Confirmation Candidate exhibit a sense of responsibility and spiritual maturity by carrying out specific number of service projects (minimal of four) during the time of his/her preparation. Living a life of service means keeping our eyes and ears open. People with needs live throughout the city, the nation, and the entire world. Yet, the closest to us all are our families.
The total hours required for Confirmation Candidates are:
Year I: 12-15 hours minimum 3 Service Projects. Write reflection for each service
Year II: 16-20 hours minimum 4 Service Projects. Write reflection for each service. Project Guidelines
Projects must be approved by teacher and done in the following context:
- Family: engage on doing something that you do not usually do something that your family really need.
- Parish: serve in a liturgical ministry, join church groups, assist with the events of your parish like the Festival, free babysitting in the parish events, tutoring, being a teen leader at the First Communion Retreat, etc…
- Neighboring or larger community: visit the elderly and help them with cleaning, shopping, etc…/organizing and help with clean-up projects in the neighborhood/tutoring young children/visit convalescent centers, nursing homes, hospitals/collect food for the poor and delivering it/assist in meal programs for the poor and elderly/and your creative ways of giving to others.
*** Minimum of 4 hours spent on a single project with a signature from the person in charge.
a. Pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance
b. Talk with your sponsor and parents about what you think you would like to do as a project.
c. Plan it out with your sponsor, using the handout “Service Project Worksheet”
d. Find out the real needs of the people in your family, neighborhood, parish, school or community… e.
e. Complete the project.
f. Write the Service Project Reflection Report.
Project Suggestions
Before making a commitment to a service project, think about the variety of ways in which you can use your talents and abilities to help others. These suggestions are only some of the ways other candidates have chosen to serve. Perhaps some things on this list will help you decide the service you would like to perform. The list may give you some other ideas on what you would like to do, perhaps you have your own special service in mind.
- Join parish groups: choir, altar servers,
- Collect food for the poor (Thanksgiving Food Drive)
- Collect toiletries and/or toys for poor children (Christmas Gifts)
- Lenten Rice Bowls (Catholic Relief Service)
- Help with Parish Festivals
- Serve as a teacher’s aid in the children with special needs program, or the children liturgy
- help in the school bookstore, library or cafeteria
- Initiate a “Clean Up” campaign in the parish, school, or local park, etc.
- Do yard work at the school or parish
- Visit the elderly in a nursing home
- Organize or help with recycling projects: collect can, etc.
- Tutor younger brothers and sisters after school
- Shop for an elderly neighbor or relative
- Write Gratitude Letters to Nurses and Doctors who are in the frontline at this COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Write cards or letter to hospitalized children or teens or those in prison.
- Write Letter or make cards for Religious sisters, brothers, and priests
- Write letters to government officials about justice issues
- Collect, clean, and repair clothing for the poor.
- Collect food for the poor
- Volunteer at the food bank
- Prepare a meal or dessert for a family whose parent or child died
- Collect toys for children of the in-need families
- Read to the blind or elderly or Make the Audio Books for the blind or elderly.
- Prepare entertainment or holiday parties for nursing homes or childcares centers.
- Attend Parish Adoration.
- Pray the Rosary in front of the Plan Parenthood Center for ending of abortion on Tuesday
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ST. CHRISTOPHER CHURCH FAITH FORMATION
FaithFormation@sccwestcovina.net (626) 960-1805 ext. 203 |
629 S Glendora Ave
West Covina, CA 91790 |
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Copyright 2021
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