Xt3 - more than a social network.

Connect with millions. Share the experience. Build a better world.

Launched at WYD08, Xt3 is the fastest growing social network of its kind, with members throughout the world from over 200 countries. Xt3 connects you with people who want to make a difference and helps you build a better world. Everyone is welcome.

“You young people have in a special way the task of witnessing today to the faith; the commitment to bring the Gospel of Christ into the third Christian Millennium, to build a new civilization - a civilization of love, of justice and of peace.”(Pope John Paul II's message to young people at World Youth Day, 1989 Santiago de Compostella)

Xt3.com is a social networking site that grew out of July's World Youth Day in Sydney has brought Vatican attention and approval, says the city's archbishop.Cardinal George Pell, who has his own profile page on Xt3.com, returned from Rome with news of the Vatican's support and encouragement."Xt3.com provides young people with news, resources, events, charity projects, advice and interactive pages -- all within a safe environment," the cardinal said.

The Web site -- a Catholic version of Facebook or MySpace -- targets young people between the ages of 16 and 35 and gives dioceses around the world their own pages. Already more than 40,000 young people from over 170 countries have joined.With a new agreement, a Vatican library of media material has been made available for use on Xt3.com.One of the most popular pages at the site is "Ask a Priest." This feature gives young people the opportunity to question and come to understand a variety of Catholic teachings.The site is planning programs for dioceses around Australia and New Zealand and is set to become part of Oceania Catholic secondary schools' religious education programs, through the use of its interactive network. "Considerable work has been undertaken in the development and growth strategy of Xt3.com and I am very excited about the enormous possibilities this technology provides with the ability to link young people to the Church," Cardinal Pell said. "It all focuses on young people who are searching for answers to the many challenges they face in the modern world."

DECEMBER 14 - CONFIRMATION SESSION 4

GOAL:
The candidates focus on the strength given in Confirmation, that comes from the increased measure of the treasures of God’s life in the sacrament - the gift of the Spirit.

ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with special intercession for candidates.
- Please arrive at 11:10 for your assignments during the Liturgy.
-People will be asked to pick the names of candidates and pray for the candidates’ intentions until the day of Confirmation.

12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch

Family Volunteers
Doris Lewanski
Amanda Mejia

1:00 - 2:30 PM : Fourth Session

SERVICE REQUIREMENTS:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed a total of 6 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH

1. Sunday, November 23 at 2pm.
St. Joseph Church
- to help collect the Old Missal and distribute the New Missal in the pews.
- Please Call Fr. Manolo for more details.

2. Wednesday, November 26 at 4pm
St. Joseph Rectory
- to help wrap the bread to be distributed after the Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday, December 27
- to help prepare the tags for the Giving Tree.
- Please call Fr. Manolo for more details.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES AND SPONSORS - an Encounter and the Conversation

During the Third Session of the Confirmation Preparation Program for the year 2009 at St. Joseph Parish, the candidates were asked to bring their Sponsors with them. The attendance was impressive except for a few who, for some various reasons, we re not able to make it to the encounter. As usual, they were all at Church for the 11:30 Mass and the kids took the lead in some liturgical functions such as to help collect the tithings, present the gifts to the altar and distribute the bulletin to people as they leave church after the Mass.

A big THANK YOU to the generous parents who prepared and donated the lunch for over 40 people (including the sponsors).

The session was intended not to be a sit-down lecture on Catechesis about Confirmation. The goal of the session was primarily "AN ENCOUNTER AND CONVERSATION" between the candidates and the sponsors.

After the Opening Prayer, we began with the candidates introducing their sponsors to the group. Afterwards, they were divided into 4 groups for a group conversation.

A simple but quite extensive booklet was prepared for this encounter. They were quite surprised that they were asked to gather into small groups without a prepared outline on how to go about with the discussion. It was designed to be that way so that it will be a free flowing sharing. This was aimed at developing an open and casual communication between the candidate and the sponsor. The discussion led to the discovery of the important role that the candidate should play in choosing his or her sponsor and the willingness and commitment of the sponsor to take up the duty in helping them up to become a faithful children of God.

Towards the end of the conversation, the sponsors signed the Acceptance Form to signify their willingness and commtment which says:

I have carefully read the guidelines for sponsors.
I am in good standing with the Catholic Church.
I practice my faith and the celebration of my life

and God’s life at Mass on Sundays.
I realize the importance of my good example

in encouraging all whom I meet in their journey

toward a closer relationship with God,
the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

With love for God and my fellow man,
I accept my responsibility as a sponsor for

________________________________________
(Name of the Candidate)

Before the encounter ended, the sponsors helped the candidates write a simple prayer of petition stating their personal intentions as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. These prayer are addressed to all the parishioners of St. Joseph Church. These prayers will be reproduced and be available at the doors of the Church for all the parishioners people to pick up on December 14 and pray for the candidates until the day of the celebration.

Positive things came out of the encounter. Sponsors were challenged to be part of the formation of the candidates by joining them and their families in coming to Mass onSundays and in helping the candidates perform their Christian Service Requirements. This could be a breakthrough in the life of both the candidates and the sponsors. THE ENCOUNTER has happened.... THE CONVERSATION has begun.

THE SPONSOR'S BOOKLET: The General Norm and Personal Consideration

This booklet was prepared and were distributed to the sponsors and candidates. They used this to during the encounter and conversation.

............

Should I Be a Confirmation Sponsor?

Issue:
Having received an invitation to be a confirmation sponsor, how can a person decide whether to accept?

Response:
There are a number of considerations a person might make when deciding whether or not to accept the invitation to be a sponsor for confirmation.

They fall into two general categories:

1. Church Norms
2. Personal Considerations.

General Norm:

Discussion: The Church takes the role of a confirmation sponsor seriously. She regards the sponsor as a spiritual parent to the confirmand. The sponsor "is to take care that the confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this sacrament". Thus, the Church provides norms for confirmation sponsors for the benefit of both the confirmand and the sponsor.

Potential confirmation sponsors can evaluate themselves in light of the Church’s norms. These norms are identical to those for a godparent in a Catholic baptism. According to canon 874 of the Code of Canon Law, a sponsor for a Catholic confirmation must be a Catholic who:

is designated by the one to be confirmed, by the parents or the person who stands in their place, or in their absence by the pastor or minister has "the aptitude and intention" of fulfilling the function of sponsor meets the age requirement recognized in the diocese where the Confirmation takes place has been confirmed and has received the sacrament of Holy Eucharist leads a life of faith in keeping with the role to be undertaken is eligible to receive the sacraments and is not bound by any ecclesiastical penalty, and is not the mother or father of the child to be confirmed.

A Catholic may not be a sponsor for a non-Catholic confirmation. The Directory on Ecumenism states: "In the present state of our relations with the ecclesial Communities of the Reformation of the 16th century, we have not yet reached agreement about the significance or sacramental nature or even of the administration of the sacrament of Confirmation" (no. 101). These differences prevent a Catholic from being able to serve as a sponsor in a non-Catholic confirmation. The Church has pastoral reasons for this rule as well. The Directory on Ecumenism, no. 98, speaks of both baptism and confirmation: It is the Catholic understanding that godparents, in a liturgical and canonical sense, should themselves be members of the Church or ecclesial Community in which the confirmation is being celebrated. They do not merely undertake a responsibility for the Christian education of the person being confirmed as a relation or friend; they are also there as representatives of a community of faith, standing as guarantees of the candidate’s faith and desire for ecclesial communion.

As a representative of a community of faith, the sponsor either implicitly or explicitly affirms the faith of that community into which the candidate is being confirmed. Because non-Catholic understandings of confirmation do not harmonize with the Catholic understanding of confirmation, a Catholic could not in good faith assent to those beliefs. Because of the difference in beliefs and separation from the fullness of unity, the Catholic also could not fulfill the promise of helping the confirmand continue to grow in his own ecclesial community.

Even if a potential sponsor meets the requirements of canon law, personal considerations might encourage or discourage him from accepting the invitation. Such considerations include:

· Whether the potential sponsor is prepared to fulfill the duties of a confirmation sponsor. A sponsor becomes a spiritual parent to the confirmation candidate. The sponsor is to help guide the candidate in his faith. To ensure that a godparent is capable of this, Church law also insists that this person be at least 16 years old (for maturity's sake), fully initiated (having received Confirmation and Eucharist), be someone other than the legal parents and one who is a practicing member of the church who leads a life in harmony with the teachings of the Church.

· Sponsorship is a lifetime commitment. A sponsor should be prepared to pray for the confirmand regularly—not only prior to confirmation, but after confirmation. The sponsor might also consider whether he is prepared to maintain contact with the confirmand. (One catechist remarked that at the absolute minimum, the confirmand should be on the sponsor’s Christmas card list. Christmas cards, birthday cards, and confirmation anniversary cards, along with phone calls and visits, can be important elements in sustaining the relationship. Attending Mass together, along with participating in Church activities such as service projects, are other good ways of maintaining contact.)

· Sponsor leads a life of faith that he would want the confirmand to imitate. Candidates for confirmation generally ask a person to sponsor them because they like and admire that person. Though every human being sins, in general does the potential sponsor lead a life that someone could imitate and not be led astray? Is the potential sponsor ready to answer (or find answers to) the questions the candidate might have about the faith and about life in general?


Personal Considerations:

Read and Shed Light.

Have you ever wondered why some people have very involved godparents and sponsors, while others don't even know theirs? Perhaps part of the problem is that many godparents and sponsors were chosen for the wrong reasons, or because those same people don't really know what they're supposed to do! Do you? This workshop will help us to better understand these roles.

Most of us at some point have to choose a sponsor for ourselves, but how do we choose these people? Or you yourself may someday be asked to be a godparent or sponsor. What is expected of a sponsor or godparent today?


FOR CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES:

How to choose a sponsor

Confirmation can be a great experience, and hopefully you've thought a lot about what this sacrament means, and how the Holy Spirit will affect your life. You'll be required to have a sponsor—someone who will guide you and share the story of faith with you. A good sponsor will make this process a little easier and even more fun.

If all has gone as planned, the best person will be one of your baptismal godparents. The Catechism (#1311) and canon law (#892-893) both tell us that you need a sponsor. Having one of your godparents helps us to see how Baptism and Confirmation are connected. Sadly, by the time they get to Confirmation, many young people no longer know their godparents, or they're no longer good role models. Or maybe they just live too far away. These young people will need to choose a new sponsor.

Some advice to the candidates: You're looking for someone you trust, whose faith you admire and who will be there for you, that they be confirmed Catholics, at least 16 years old (for maturity) and practicing members of the Church, while not being your parents. This means you can choose a relative, friend or someone from your parish as your sponsor.

Take for example Julie and John, a happy couple who will have their first child confirmed. They're really into their Catholic faith, so they're excited to have their child confirmed. A big family celebration is planned, but John and Julie are wondering about sponsors. What about John's sister and her husband who helped them out so much during their hard times? It would be a great way to thank them—but they don't practice their faith. Or how about Julie's best friend, Mary, who is actively involved in a young Catholic adult program, even though Mary's husband is a devout practicing Protestant? Will this be all right with the Church?

Or take Kevin, an eighth-grader who will be confirmed at the end of the school year. He has asked his cool older brother, Mark, who goes to college 300 miles away, to be his Confirmation sponsor. Mark, who looks like he just stepped out of the High School Musical show, knows how much Kevin idolizes him, but he feels a bit uneasy about being a sponsor. Mark respects Kevin's faith and his decision to be confirmed, but he really hasn't gone to church or practiced his faith these last few years. Should Mark be honest with Kevin, and "just say no"? Should he not say anything and just accept? Or should Mark accept, but take a new, more serious look at his own faith?

As much as Kevin admires his brother, Kevin shouldn't choose Mark as a sponsor. And Mark shouldn't accept either. He isn't a bad person, but Mark has some faith issues he needs to work out first. Right now, Kevin needs someone who is active in church, can share why faith is important to him and who lives close enough to help Kevin with his preparation. So in choosing a sponsor, Kevin needs to take all these things seriously. So do you! Pray about it, and when you think you have the right person, ask him or her to help you grow in faith by being your sponsor!

This is a big day for you, and you want to do the right thing. Choosing a sponsor is a decision not to be taken lightly. Too often parents want to honor a special friend, repay a favor, or encourage a nonrelative to have a closer relationship with their child. While all of these motives are well intentioned, they are not ideal.

Above all, a sponsor serves a special role for one to be confirmed. Sponsors are to represent the Catholic Community, the Church. They are to assist in the preparation of the candidate and to be supportive of them afterwards.

What does this mean for our friends John and Julie that we mentioned above? As much as Julie and John appreciate all the help that John's sister and brother-in-law have given them, this is not a good motive for having them be sponsors. Rather, John and Julie should choose a firm believer, someone who is truly committed to the Catholic faith in which their child will be confirmed. Thus, Julie's best friend, Mary, so active in her faith, is a perfect choice. But what about Mary's husband who is not Catholic, since John and Julie want a married couple to be sponsors? The Church has a solution for this too!

Since Mary is a practicing Catholic, and a perfect choice as a godmother, she will be the officially designated sponsor, while her husband—a great Christian and committed to his own faith—can serve as an official witness. This is fully in line with canon law (see #874). Only one sponsor is necessary. So while Mary's husband—a witness—will set an example, it will be Mary's duty as sponsor to share specifics of the Catholic faith.

All this may seem like quite a bit, but the purpose is to ensure that the rich and beautiful faith of the Church is passed on to your child in the most loving and authentic way possible. Hopefully you know by now that the task of choosing godparents is one which should be performed with much prayer, careful thought and with greatest concern for the precious spiritual life of your child.

FOR SPONSORS:

Be at your best

If you think that the role of parents and candidates in choosing sponsors is a serious one, so is the role of being a sponsor. Being chosen is an honor, and says a lot about the parents and the candidate’s perception of you.

I remember how excited and humbled I was when my brother and sister-in-law asked me to be the sponsor for their first baby. Even though I'm a priest, I had to consider the investment of time and energy it would require of me. So remember not to rush into anything too quickly here! Make sure that you have the time, the willingness and the faith to live out this sacred vocation.

A vocation is a calling, an appeal to live something out in your life. This child is calling you to be somebody special in his/her: to set an example, help teach him/her about the Catholic faith, have a lifelong relationship of prayer, faith sharing and love.

You should ask, "Can I share my faith unashamedly? Do I live close enough to really get to know my godchild? Am I an active member of my local Catholic parish?" If you are from another parish, you'll be asked for a letter from your home parish attesting to your active faith in the Church. If you're an active Catholic, getting such a letter from your pastor will be easy. If you're not, maybe you need to question your fitness to serve as a sponsor at this time. But if you are able to say yes to these questions and if your faith makes you ready to accept this honorable vocation, here are a few helpful hints to assist you in being the best sponsor that you can be:

If you have been chosen to be a Confirmation sponsor, congratulations! This person sees in you a profound faith commitment, finds trust and knows you are someone who will care about him/her and his/her faith. Sounds impressive, doesn't it? It's not all that complicated, but it does take time, a caring heart and a listening ear. If you're a practicing, mature Catholic, don't get too worried. Here are a few suggestions on how to be the best possible sponsor for your candidate:

· Be a living model of faith. At least a part of what this young person admires in you is your faith! If the way you practice your faith is not what it should be, "get it together," so to speak! Your life doesn't have to become artificially saintly, but your faith should be authentic and sincere.

· Prepare with the parents. If you are in the same parish with the candidate and his/her family, it would be best if you could come to Sunday worship with them, if possible, together with your own family, or even have the courage to come to Reconciliation together.

· Pray for your candidate and yourself. As candidates decide to be confirmed, they need spiritual strength. Your prayers for them are important, but don't forget to pray for yourself also, that you can share why you value and practice your Catholicism.

· Give of your time and share your gifts. You'll be asked to spend time together on various activities. This may mean preparing lessons or even working on a Christian service project. You could also share your own experiences or write a letter of encouragement. Let your unique God-given talents and gifts shine! Offer a gift of spiritual significance—a new Bible, rosary or book about our faith or about the saint the candidate has chosen for a Confirmation name—but be creative and relevant!

· Don't miss the ceremony. Participating in the ceremony is the easiest part of being a sponsor. Your basic job will be to place your hand on your candidate's shoulder, and tell the bishop your candidate's Confirmation name. You're there to be a support, but your role on Confirmation day is only beginning.

· Don't forget this newly confirmed Catholic. After Confirmation day, remember birthdays and this anniversary. Send a card or make a phone call. Continue to worship together, or from time to time do some Christian service. Put those "Gifts of the Spirit" into practice.

· Don't forget the "big day"! Hopefully you will always remember your godchild's biological birthday, but don't forget this “rebirth” during which he received the gifts of the Holy Spirit becoming an adult member of the Catholic Church. Make a phone call or send a card. Better yet, suggest having a get-together to honor this day each year.

· Share the faith that's been shared with you. Teach about his or her patron or name saint. Continue your lifelong relationship by participating in your godchild's wedding. Remember, being a godparent is about more than a Confirmation ceremony

NOVEMBER 9 SESSION - Reminders

Sunday, November 9 - SESSION 3

1. You are expected to arrive in Church at around 11:10 am.

2. Sign the Attendance Sheet as you arrive.

3. Sign-up for the Liturgical Service (Ushers, Tithe Collector, Bread-Wine-Tithe Basket and Bulletin Distributor)

4. Each Candidate is expected to have completed at least 4 hours of Christian Service.

5. For families who have not signed-up to volunteer in providing and preparing light lunch prior to the session, please expect a call from us.

6. Candidates are expected to have already asked their sponsors to come with them at the Session.

7. Please read the blog which I posted last October 15.

SESSION 3 - NOTICE FOR ACTION

DATE: NOVEMBER 9- SUNDAY
(Special Note: SPONSORS are expected to attend this November 9 event with the Candidates.)

TIME: 11:30 AM - Mass
Candidates actively participate in the following:
- USHERS
- HELP IN THE TITHING COLLECTION
- PRESENT THE GIFTS TO THE ALTAR
- DISTRIBUTE BULLETIN AFTER MASS

12:30 - 1:00 - Light Lunch

Family Volunteers

Anthony & Vickie Cioffi
Michael & Julie Landicho

(Families who still have to sign-up to volunteer, please call Fr. Manolo at 973-761-5933 ext. 13 to sign-up. We need more volunteers for this November 9 Session as we include the Sponsors in the preparation)

1:00 - 2:30 PM - Session

Introduction of Sponsors:
Sponsors are expected to be present during the session. Candidates prepare to introduce their sponsors to the group.

Sponsors should bring with them a Certification of Eligibility to be Sponsor from the Pastor of the Church where they are registered members.

Please review page 30 of the book “The Spirit Sets us Free.”


(Excerpt from the CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROGRAM BOOKLET)

WHY DO I NEED TO HAVE A SPONSOR?

You need to have a sponsor for your Confirmation. Your sponsor serves you in three ways:

First, your sponsor serves as a role model for you in faith. Because of this, the Church requires that the sponsor should at least be sixteen years of age, be fully initiated in the Church (has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), and be a practicing member of the Church.

Second, your sponsor is a companion on your faith journey, supporting you in prayer and in your search for the Holy Spirit. Your sponsor can best help you if he or she is someone whose Christian lifestyle you admire, someone with whom you feel comfortable, and someone who has the time and willingness to be involved with you in this process.

Finally, your sponsor witnesses for you before the entire Church. Standing by you as you are confirmed, he or she proclaims by that gesture that you are ready and willing to accept the responsibilities and privileges of being a fully initiated member of the Catholic Christian community.

At some point of the preparation program, your sponsors may be asked to attend some sessions. Since Confirmation is so linked with Baptism, you may consider choosing one of your godparents for your Confirmation sponsor. As with Baptism, your sponsor is someone other than your parents, because he or she will assist you and your parents in your continued faith formation.

Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidates is expected to have completed a total of 4 hours of the Christian Service Project Forms will be collected during the session.

Please note: Christian Service Opportunity -

SATURDAY, October 18
Mass of the Anointing of the Sick
from 10:00 AM onwards.

Confirmation Preparation Session 2: Update

It was an amazing sight during the 11:30 Mass yesterday, 12 October when the young faces filled the first pews of the church. More so when they stood up to help in the Tithing Collection and presented the gifts to the Altar. After Mass, they also helped distribute the Parish Bulletin as people leave the church.

Thanks to the Family Volunteers who donated and prepared the light lunch for the kids. It is a real treat to them.

Our session went smooth as we discussed the Sacrament of Baptism. The kids were so engaged in the discussion. The topic interested them as they discover new realities about the sacrament of Baptism. Part of the discussion was the symbols used in the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism like the Blessed Oils. For many, it was a discovery for them that there are three different kinds of Oils that are stored in the Ambry of the Church. Two of which are used for baptism. They even were curios that they asked a sample of it and tried figure out the difference between the Oil of Catechumen and the Sacred Chrism by the smell of it.

They also wonder whether their parents still have their Baptismal Candles and White Garments. They will ask, they said.

We further discussed about the effects of Baptism in the life of a Christian.

Quite noticeable too is the diligence of the kids in doing their Christian Service Projects. Many of them have already made so much progress within the month’s time.

We ended the session exactly 2:30.

Please be reminded that everyone should bring to the session their Book: The Spirit Sets Us Free.

NOTES FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 SESSION

Dear Confirmation Candidates:

This Sunday, October 12 is the Second Session of the Preparation Program. Please arrive early in Church for the 11:30 AM Mass (about 11:10). As you arrive in Church, please sign the attendance sheet located near the Offertory Table. 3 pews in front will be reserved for you as we will have the Renewal of Baptismal Promises in the Mass.

You will be actively participating in the Mass by helping in the offertory collection and procession. Others will take part in the distribution of the Parish Bulletin at the end of the Mass.

Family Volunteers will prepare and serve you with a nice light lunch in the Rectory Meeting Room.

Here is a reprint of the October 12 Session in our Program.

GOAL:
Candidates are encouraged to continue on the path of Christian initiation by growing more fully into their Baptismal identity as Christians.

ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with Renewal of Baptismal Vows
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch (Rectory Meeting Room)
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Second Session: Born Anew in Baptism

PROJECT II - Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor
Candidates should ask their sponsors to come with them to the next session. They are also expected to have completed the Form to be submitted to Fr. Manolo.

Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed 2 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE OPPORTUNITY

MASS OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK
October 18, 2008 at 11AM
St. Joseph Church

Please email Ms. Beverly Mozone at <beverly.mozone@reuters.com>, for times and service description.

Please visit http://open-doors-at-st-joseph-maplewood.blogspot.com/ for more information about the mass of the anointing of the sick.

VOLUNTEERS TO PROVIDE AND PREPARE LIGHT LUNCH

CONFIRMATION SESSION LIGHT LUNCH
FAMILY VOLUNTEERS


OCTOBER 13
Joe & Susan Basili
Leonard & Marlene Etienne
Luis & Karina Cetina


NOVEMBER 9
Anthony & Vickie Cioffi
Michael & Julie Landicho


DECEMBER 14
Doris Lewanski
Amanda Mejia


JANUARY 11
Mary Beth Walsh
Carl & Kathy Kling
John & Ingrid Accardi


FEBRAURY 8
Anthony & Andrea Marino
Luis & Karina Cetina
Amanda Mejia


MARCH 8
Bolivar & Katherine Paredes
Micahel & Lynne Doddo
Maura Walsh


APRIL 5
Hilton Family
Don & Cristina Savoy
Michael Duszynski & Jane Siebert

CHRISTIAN SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH

CHRISTIAN SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES AT ST. JOSEPH CHURCH

1. Sunday, September 21 - Parish Picnic
- help with entertainment and/or face painting or Babysitting (to be coordinated with SJPM POLO -(Parents Of Little Ones)
(1 hour credit)

2. Thursday, September 18 - Food Pantry
- Pack Night - proceed to 241 Hilton Ave. (behind the church) at 7:00 PM. , please call Lynne Blaesser (908-656-1436) for details.

3. Saturday, September 20 - Food Pantry
- Distribution - same place from 10-11 AM.

Please don’t forget to bring your Christian Service Booklet and have the person-in-charge sign the form for you.

EVENT FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

Dear Confirmation Candidates and Parents,

Thank you for choosing to participate in the Confirmation Preparation Program at St. Joseph Parish. Your willingness to commit yourself to completing the program and receiving the sacrament of Confirmation convey to the entire faith community how much you value both your faith and your community. Your faith formation throughout the Confirmation preparation program will both assist you in identifying the gifts and talents you possess and challenge you to put these gifts and talents to use in our community. You will be invited to take responsibility for your own faith formation, as well as to assist others in that same endeavor.

Please take note of the following:

THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

GOAL: Generate or renew the candidates’ interest in what we profess as Catholics.

ACTIONS:

11:30 AM - Mass of Enrollment
Please arrive in Church 20 minutes before Mass (11:10). Please see Fr. Manolo as you arrive for some instructions. Front pews are reserved for the Candidates and parents in front. During this Mass, candidates make a simple declaration that they officially wish to become candidates for Confirmation.


Meeting with Parents following Mass in Bernard Hall. This will take place during light lunch. Parents will also be asked to sign-up to volunteer in providing and preparing light lunch for future sessions. There will also a presentation of the overvierw of the whole confirmation preparation program.


12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch for parents and candidates in Bernard Hall.

1:00 - 2:30 PM : First Session:
Rectory Meeting Room

I believe - The Faith by which We Were Baptized


Thank you very much and God bless you.

Fr.Manolo

Schedule of Initial Interviews

Schedule of Initial Interviews - Please sign-up at the Parish Office

Thursday, July 17
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM

Saturday, July 19
10:00 AM
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
12:30 PM

Wednesday, August 6
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM

Saturday, August 9
10:30 AM
11:00 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
12:30 PM

Monday,August 11
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
7:00 PM
7:30 PM

When you come back for the initial interview....

WHEN YOU COME BACK FOR THE INITIAL INTERVIEW……

· Please read the Confirmation Preparation Program Booklet found in the packet. Much of its contents will be topics for the initial interview.

· Please submit the following:

· Registration Form

· The contracts to be signed by Fr. Manolo
(Candidate’s Contract and Parent/Guardian’s Contract (2 copies: 1 for the candidate; 1 for office file.)

· Credentials:
§ New Baptismal Certificate issued for Confirmation purposes only. This applies to all candidates whether you were baptized at St. Joseph Church or in another parish.
§ Proof of completion of Religious Education

· Fee [$50.00] (checks payable to St. Joseph Church)

· Project I - Personal Letter on Intent (see page 16 of the preparation booklet)

· Service Project Forms, if any have been completed

· Be ready with your questions, clarifications and suggestions.

The Christian Service Projects

My dear Candidates,

Jesus came “not to be served, but to serve.” (Mt 20: 28)

The Church is a servant community and all those accepting full membership in the church are also accepting the responsibility to serve.

The service deeds, which the you will perform, are their means of participating in the ongoing ministry of the adult community. This is a way of putting into action all that has been learned about being a true follower of Jesus. Christian service should reach out beyond the “family circle” to the larger Christian community. Hopefully, you are already contributing to the development and responsibility within the family. Twelve(12) hours of service are required, preferably 6 hours in parish and 6 hours community outreach, but what is far more important than the hours is that the you do a variety of deeds with a loving and willing attitude.

These service hours should be above and beyond current regular commitments to other organizations, e.g., Boy/Girl Scouts, Altar Serving, Youth Group, etc.

Your parents and sponsors can play an important supporting role by helping you find opportunities for service.

The record booklet will help you with your Christian Service Projects. Please fill in necessary information and return the coordinator’s copy to me when we come together during sessions. Keep the duplicate copy to yourself. It will help you monitor the number of hours you have already accomplished. It also has space to write your own personal reflections and experiences while performing the service project.

In Christ,
Fr. Manolo

See what's real!

See what’s REAL

Life certainly includes many – sometimes too many – things to do! Now, your family and the Church ask you to add another thing to your already busy life:

PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION!

You may think, how can I possibly do one more thing?

Confirmation isn’t just one more thing to do. Actually, it can help you gather the pieces of your life together and it can serve as a guide for putting new pieces into place as they come along. You’re not just preparing for Confirmation, you’re preparing for life – which leads to many questions.

CONFIRMATION: Confirming my commitment to Christ!

The sacraments are rituals, celebrations in which the Christian community proclaims the presence of God among us in a specific way. For example, Baptism welcomes a person into the Church and celebrates God’s loving presence within that person. In Penance or Reconciliation, we celebrate God’s forgiving love. God’s healing presence is celebrated in the Anointing of the Sick.

Celebrating Confirmation, or any of the sacraments, is essential to being a spiritually healthy erson. Just as you are maturing physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually, you should also be maturing spiritually.

If Sacraments are celebrations, what does Confirmation celebrate?

If Sacraments are celebrations, what does Confirmation celebrate?

Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. These sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) welcome a person into the community of believers in Jesus Christ (the Church). They begin a life long journey of faith for that person.

Often called the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit, Confirmation strengthens and celebrates the presence of the Spirit in your life. Your Baptism is confirmed and the presence of the Spirit is intensified in you. In other words, you have already received the Holy Spirit in Baptism. Confirmation renews the Spirit’s presence so that you can live out your baptismal call to share God’s life with others in your own unique way.

The Sacrament of Confirmation celebrates your willingness and desire to continue to grow in your faith, to continue to make time to explore and learn what it means to live as a person of faith. You are called to love God, yourself and others. You have been given the light of Jesus revealed in Scripture and celebrated at Baptism. Through your commitment to being part of a Catholic community and active in your faith, you can deepen your faith, discover your gifts and how to use them in this world, deepen your awareness of the Holy Spirit working in your life and tap into the power that is available to you. It is a life-long process to grow into your personhood, but Confirmation sets you on a Catholic Christian path.

As you grow toward adulthood, you become more aware of yourself as a one-of-a-kind individual. Confirmation affirms the fact that you are an important, Spirit-filled member of the Church community. By using the Spirit’s presence to be your best self, the person God has created you to be (which, by the way, is what holiness is), you can help make the world a better place by building God’s kingdom on earth. You cannot do this alone; you need the power of God’s Spirit to help you.

What can I do to make my preparation for Confirmation a worthwhile experience?

What can I do to make my preparation for Confirmation a worthwhile experience?

To make certain that your Confirmation preparation is not a waste of time, you need to trust. Trust that Confirmation is the beginning of a quest for the Spirit that continues throughout life. While this quest can be challenging, it is also an incredibly exciting adventure with a built-in guarantee for success.

Trust in your parents or guardians who want you to receive this sacrament. Trust also in the Christian community which is supporting you through your preparation program. All the projects, reflection experiences, and learning sessions are opportunities for you to learn and grow. Trust the adults who are your companions on this journey. They have found something real, and they believe in Christ who gives great meaning to their lives. They want to share those beliefs with you.

Another a vital part to make the preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation a worthwhile experience, is to pray. Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life – and therefore, Confirmation candidates will have numerous opportunities to discuss and explore prayer, with a particular emphasis on discussing and exploring the role prayer plays and can play in their daily lives. The common celebration of the Eucharist within the faith community setting is also an integral part of the preparation program.

That is why, Confirmation sessions at St. Joseph Parish always begin with a Mass where candidates, parents, mentors and sponsors are given the opportunity to actively participate in the celebration by doing various tasks such as Ushers, Greeters, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers or Altar Servers.

What do I have to do to get ready for Confirmation and how long will it take?

What do I have to do to get ready for Confirmation and how long will it take?

At St. Joseph Parish, the Confirmation Preparation Program runs for a year. It consists of 8 sessions. These sessions are more than the basic catechesis that you have learned from your religion classes in your school or in the Sunday Religious Education Program. However, sessions for Confirmation will review some of what you’ve already learned and dig even deeper into those truths. The sessions proper will run for an hour and a half. However, each session will be preceded by a celebration of the Eucharist at 11:30 am.

As there are only eight sessions and one retreat for the preparation program and as responsible participation in a faith community is central to the sacrament of Confirmation, it is important that all candidates make every effort to attend all sessions. If a candidate knows that he/she will miss a session, it is his/her responsibility to inform the program coordinator and to find out from his/her team leader what material he/she missed. If a candidate misses more than one session over the course of the year, he/she will be considered withdrawn from the program for this year.

The candidate is always welcome to re-enroll either the following year or at such a time when he/she is ready and able to participate fully in faith and community building. Again, due to the centrality of responsible participation in a faith community, “make-up work” done at home or “make-up attendance” at another program is generally not a sufficient substitute for attendance at a session. Candidates are advised to put the session dates on their family’s calendar as soon as possible and to try to eliminate any potential conflicts. Candidates and/or their families experiencing any concern related to this expectation should contact the program coordinator.

Attendance, however, is just the beginning! Candidates need to make the most of our time together by engaging and participating fully in the sessions. We are all unique individuals, and we each possess our own gifts and talents. We need to work together to establish a community in which everyone feels comfortable, encouraged, and supported enough to share his/her gifts, talents, and faith, so that we all may learn from each other and grow together.

What is the importance of the Eucharist in my life?

What is the importance of the Eucharist in my life?

If the Church tells us that the Eucharist is an essential part of Sunday, this is no mere positivism or thirst for power. On Easter morning, first the women and then the disciples had the grace of seeing the Lord. From that moment on, they knew that the first day of the week, Sunday, would be his day, the day of Christ the Lord. The day when creation began became the day when creation was renewed. Creation and redemption belong together. That is why Sunday is so important.

Sometimes, our initial impression is that having to include time for Mass on a Sunday is rather inconvenient. But if you make the effort, you will realize that this is what gives a proper focus to your free time.

Do not be deterred from taking part in Sunday Mass, and help others to discover it, too. The Eucharist releases the joy that we need so much, and we must learn to grasp it ever more deeply. We must learn to love it.
Let us pledge ourselves to do this - it is worth the effort! Let us discover the intimate riches of the Church's liturgy and its true greatness: it is not we who are celebrating for ourselves, but it is the living God himself who is preparing a banquet for us.

Through your love for the Eucharist you will also rediscover the Sacrament of Reconciliation, in which the merciful goodness of God always allows us to make a fresh start in our lives. Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him. A great joy cannot be kept to oneself. It has to be passed on.

In vast areas of the world today there is a strange forgetfulness of God. It seems as if everything would be just the same even without him. But at the same time, there is a feeling of frustration, a sense of dissatisfaction with everyone and everything.

People tend to exclaim: "This cannot be what life is about!". Indeed not. And so, together with forgetfulness of God, there is a kind of new explosion of religion. I have no wish to discredit all the manifestations of this phenomenon. There may be sincere joy in the discovery. But to tell the truth, religion often becomes almost a consumer product. People choose what they like, and some are even able to make a profit from it.

But religion sought on a "do-it-yourself" basis cannot ultimately help us. It may be comfortable, but at times of crisis we are left to ourselves.

Help people to discover the true star which points out the way to us: Jesus Christ! Let us seek to know him better and better, so as to be able to guide others to him with conviction.

Living and acting thus, we will soon realize that it is much better to be useful and at the disposal of others, than to be concerned only with the comforts that are offered to us.

I know that you, as young people, have great aspirations, that you want to pledge yourselves to build a better world. Let others see this, let the world see it, since this is exactly the witness that the world expects from the disciples of Jesus Christ. In this way, and through your love above all, the world will be able to discover the star that we follow as believers.

My Confirmation Creed

My Confirmation Creed

I believe God is the ultimate Creator who always was and always will be there with His unconditional love. I believe God helps us and guides us to choose His way of love, sometimes directly and other times indirectly. I believe God is in everyone. I believe that we are writing part of God’s autobiography in the very way we live. It is up to us to make God proud. I believe that we present the materials on which God judges us and with which He builds our mansions in the sky.

I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the word made flesh. God sent him here to be our friend and die for our sins. Jesus was a man who, in his unconditional love, healed the sick and worked other miracles. I believe Jesus is a compassionate and generous forgiver of sins. He is called Preacher, Teacher, Savior, and Prince of Peace. He is now at his Father’s side.

I believe the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with God. Though unseen, the Spirit compels us to action and helps us to determine the right choices. I believe the Holy Spirit helps us strengthen our faith, gives us guidance, and brings out goodness and peace in everyone. The Sanctifier is always with us, ever growing, and after Confirmation, will play a bigger part of in our lives.

I believe the Church lays the foundation for further growth. It is a community of believers to which we belong, an institution through which we glorify God. The Church is a family for us. I believe the Church joins us and unites us as one with Jesus at the center of our faith. It gives us support as we say “thank you” and live the gift of life God has given us. Amen.

Why does our confirmation program require Christian service?

Why does our confirmation program require Christian service?

Just like every parish in our Archdiocese, St. Joseph Parish requires that Confirmation candidates complete a Christian service project before being confirmed. These hours are not like requirements you can complete to earn a badge in scouting. Rather, engaging in service projects gives you an opportunity to discover more about yourself and what you can do to make the world a better place. In helping others, you will discover new gifts and different interests that will help you better understand your place in the world and your responsibility to contribute your gifts to the human family.

What kind of Christian Service Projects can I do?

What kind of Christian Service Projects can I do?

Service is anything you do in which you give something of yourself – your time and your talents – to make the world a better place.

Each candidate is required to earn 12 hours of service credits. Six hours should be church related services and another six are services rendered to the community at large. Candidates are required to finish two (2) hours every month and should report their accomplishment to the program coordinator.

To help you monitor your service hours, you are required to fill out the service hour forms after you have completed service to a particular institution, organization or even to a private individual. These forms are to be submitted during each preparation session.

What are the group activities in which a candidate is expected to actively participate?

What are the group activities in which a candidate is expected to actively participate?

Confirmation is your initiation into being an adult member of the parish. You will be introduced to the various activities that regularly happen in the parish. These are non-service credit activities because they are regular parish programs involving young parishioners. This will give each candidate an experience of being a vital part of the parish life. One regular activity for which the candidates are expected to be regularly present are the celebrations of the Eucharist that require them to take up various tasks during the celebrations. Candidates are also encouraged to join the Youth Group which meets on Sunday evenings. Several activities will be announced accordingly.

What about the retreat?

What about the retreat?

It is quite amazing how young people today get so busy with a lot of things: obligations at school , extra-curricular activities, sports and personal “stuff.” These are all important things in your life and they deserve your attention. But an opportunity to set aside time to rest and reflect on this step you are taking is also a good thing.

The Confirmation retreat is an invitation from Jesus to “come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while” (Mark 6:31). Be assured that the retreat leaders will not take you off to some lonely church where you will spend the day praying silently on your knees. Each day will include prayer, but not the kind you may be used to. The prayer- being in the presence of God – may take the form of games, group activities, discussions, talks, videos and quiet time.

Whatever format your retreat takes, however, that time is an opportunity to focus on the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. While you won’t spend the entire retreat on your knees, you will be present to God in a special way, and God will have a message for you, too. All you need to do is be ready and open.

What about going to confession?

What about going to confession?

Receiving the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation is an excellent way to prepare for Confirmation. In celebrating this Sacrament, you can take a look at your life, how you’ve loved God, others and yourself, and how you’ve failed to love and do good for God, others, and yourself. Then you can receive God’s forgiving love and the grace for a new start that will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit’s power in Confirmation. That is indeed something to celebrate.

What are my rights and responsibilities?

What are my rights and responsibilities?

Keep confidential what others in your group share. Confidentiality is a matter of trust. What any person says in a group stays in the group. Each parson’s journal is also confidential, off limits to anyone else. Don’t look at anyone else’s journal without permission, and don’t feel you have to let others see what is in your journal. This journal is your own safe place to express yourself.

Listen attentively to other teens and catechists. Don’t be afraid of silence. Please don’t interrupt anyone else who is speaking. Attend all sessions. Participation is key to the process of preparing for Confirmation. To participate, you must do more that sit in class. You need to listen, journal and share your faith.

Take part in all the group activities. Remember, too, that service should be taken seriously in this time of preparation. Respect each other’s point of view. Everyone has the right to his or her opinion. Respect the feelings and experiences of others.

Celebrate and play together. We learn from each other in many different ways. Discussion and faith sharing are important in preparing for Confirmation, but taking breaks together and joining in activities will help everyone get to know one another and feel comfortable together. This is the way we build community.

Don’t be afraid to question. Questioning will help you develop a more adult understanding of Christian beliefs and make your own commitment ultimately stronger.

Should my parents be involved in my confirmation journey?

Should my parents be involved in my confirmation journey?

You may have been told that your parents said “yes” to God for you at your Baptism, but at Confirmation, it’s your turn to make your own Christian commitment. You are beginning to take responsibility for your faith journey, but as it is with the other areas of your life, you do not have complete control yet. Your parents or guardians are still responsible for you.

As a young person, your choice and preparation are a joint effort. In accompanying you through this process, your parents are trying to guide you along a path of wholeness and happiness for life. Your responsibilities for your Christian development will increase as you grow toward adulthood. In receiving Confirmation during the teen years, your parents or guardians can be significant guides as they try to keep you steady on the way of Christian formation begun at your baptism.

Why do I need to have a sponsor?

Why do I need to have a sponsor?

You need to have a sponsor for your Confirmation. Your sponsor serves you in three ways:

First, your sponsor serves as a role model for you in faith. Because of this, the Church requires that the sponsor should at least be sixteen years of age, be fully initiated in the Church (has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), and be a practicing member of the Church.

Second, your sponsor is a companion on your faith journey, supporting you in prayer and in your search for the Holy Spirit. Your sponsor can best help you if he or she is someone whose Christian lifestyle you admire, someone with whom you feel comfortable, and someone who has the time and willingness to be involved with you in this process.

Finally, your sponsor witnesses for you before the entire Church. Standing by you as you are confirmed, he or she proclaims by that gesture that you are ready and willing to accept the responsibilities and privileges of being a fully initiated member of the Catholic Christian community.

At some point of the preparation program, your sponsors may be asked to attend some sessions. Since Confirmation is so linked with Baptism, you may consider choosing one of your godparents for your Confirmation sponsor. As with Baptism, your sponsor is someone other than your parents, because he or she will assist you and your parents in your continued faith formation.

Is the parish community also involved in my journey?

Is the parish community also involved in my journey?

The parish community of St. Joseph will support the candidates preparing for Confirmation in prayer. And that’s no small thing! The Rite of Enrollment taking place at a Sunday Eucharist is one way that the parish community involves itself in your journey. It has also been a practice in our parish that on the Enrollment Sunday, each parishioner present picks a name of a candidate and prays for that candidate until the day of the Confirmation.

Why are there need for interviews

Why are there need for interviews

There are two interviews in the preparation process. The initial interview is designed to see how much interest the candidate has in joining the program and to assess his or her commitment to the program.

The second interview happens towards the end of the preparation period. It determines the readiness of the candidate to receive the sacrament.

What if I don’t feel holy or good enough for this?

What if I don’t feel holy or good enough for this?

God’s love is a gift; we don’t earn it. In Confirmation, God offers the gift of the Holy Spirit that makes us good and holy. We have the choice to accept or reject the gift. You are, in truth, “good enough” if you recognize the need for God’s grace in your life and do all you can to be open to receiving the grace.

Why do we choose another name? Does it have to be a name of a Saint?

Why do we choose another name?
Does it have to be a name of a saint?

God calls each of us by name and sees each of us as a unique reflection of God’s self. How do you reflect God? At Baptism, the name you were given was more than a combination of letters; it became a sign of you. When people hear your name, they don’t think of a word - they think of YOU!

In choosing a Confirmation name, you will choose a name that represents who you are, who you are becoming, and how you would like to reflect the Spirit of God in your life. You may choose a name that expresses your growth in living the Holy Spirit.

You can take the name of someone you know, living or deceased, whose Christian living has inspired you, or you can choose the name of a saint or biblical hero you admire. You can also retain your baptismal name. While you are deciding on a name, you will learn about that person, saint, or biblical hero who shares your Confirmation name and how that person can be an example for you. This friend will become a “patron saint” who “adopts” you and prays for you. He or she becomes your patron simply because you choose his or her name. That’s quite a deal, isn’t it? You may even be surprised to find that you have something in common with your patron.

YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD CONFIRMATION

Period of Invitation and Inquiry – July and August

GOALS:

· Invite eligible candidates to participate.
· Begin the Confirmation preparation process with an individual interview with Fr. Manolo in August or September.
· Establish a community of trust through initial meeting.
· Help each candidate reflect on his/her personal religious experience.

ACTIONS:

Invitations are mailed to Confirmation candidates, with a copy furnished to the parents.

Information Packet is picked up by the candidates from the Rectory office and an appointment is scheduled with the Program Coordinator, Fr. Manolo.

Candidates are asked to read the Confirmation Preparation Program Booklet found in the packet. Much of its contents will be topics for the initial interview.

At the scheduled interview, candidates are expected to bring:

1. The contract signed by them and their parent[s]

2. Credentials:
· New Baptismal Certificate issued for Confirmation purposes only. This applies to all candidates whether you were baptized at St. Joseph Church or in another parish.
· Proof of completion of Religious Education

3. Fee [$50.00] (checks payable to St. Joseph Church)

4. Project I - Personal Letter on Intent

5. Service Project Forms, if any have been completed

PROJECT I – Writing a Personal Letter of Intent

Candidate is asked to compose a personal letter to the Program Coordinator, Fr. Manolo. Candidate is encouraged to write his/her letter from the heart, but the following questions may help to get the process started. This letter is to be handed in during the interview.


Questions to guide you:
· What does being confirmed mean to you?
· What does being a member of St. Joseph parish community mean to you?
· What does your faith mean to you? What does it mean to you to be Catholic?
· What role do God and your faith in God play in your everyday life?
· Why do you want to be confirmed?
· How will you participate in our parish community after you receive Confirmation?



Period of Formation - beginning in September


SEPTEMBER 14

GOAL: Generate or renew the candidates’ interest in what we profess as Catholics.

ACTIONS:

11:30 AM - Mass of Enrollment
During this Mass, candidates will come to the front and make a simple declaration that they officially wish to become candidates for Confirmation.

Meeting with Parents following Mass in Bernard Hall

12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : First Session: I believe - The Faith by which We Were Baptized



OCTOBER 12

GOAL:
Candidates are encouraged to continue on the path of Christian initiation by growing more fully into their Baptismal identity as Christians.

ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with Renewal of Baptismal Vows
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Second Session: Born Anew in Baptism

PROJECT II - Choosing a Confirmation Sponsor
Candidates should ask their sponsors to come with them to the next session. They are also expected to have completed the Form to be submitted to Fr. Manolo.

Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed 2 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.

NOVEMBER 9

GOAL:
The candidates are helped to expand their understanding of the meaning of the Gift of the Spirit that they will receive in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Third Session: Sealed with the Gift of the Spirit Introduction of Sponsors: Sponsors are expected to be present during the session. Candidates prepare to introduce their sponsors to the group.

PROJECT III - I belong to the Family
Candidates will write at least ten (10) different one-liner prayer requests to parishioners. These prayer requests will be photocopied and placed in a basket for parishioners to pick on December 14. Parishioners will then pray for the candidates’ prayer requests until the day of Confirmation.

Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed a total of 4 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.

DECEMBER 14

GOAL:
The candidates focus on the strength given in Confirmation, that comes from the increased measure of the treasures of God’s life in the sacrament - the gift of the Spirit.

ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with special intercession for candidates
-People will be asked to pick the names of candidates and pray for the candidates’ intentions until the day of Confirmation.
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Fourth Session: In the Strength of His Love

Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed a total of 6 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.

JANUARY 11

GOAL:
The candidates explore the symbol of anointing with oil and its profound significance in Confirmation.

ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Fifth Session: The Oil of Salvation

PROJECT III - Selecting a Confirmation Name


Candidates must create and submit a Confirmation project that shows a knowledge and understanding of the saint whose name they are choosing as their own Confirmation name. Candidates may also choose to just retain their Baptismal name.

Projects do not necessarily have to be written reports. Indeed, candidates are encouraged to be creative and original. Projects could posters, models, dioramas, screenplays, mobiles, first-person narratives written from the point of view of the saint, sculptures, woodcarvings – the possibilities are limited only by your imagination!

Projects will be presented at the February 8 session and then displayed for the entire parish community during Confirmation week!

Candidates may work together with family, friends, and/or fellow candidates to complete this project.

The Program Coordinator reserves the right to return projects to candidates for further work if the submitted work does not reflect the individual’s attention, care, effort, and/or reverence required for participation in this program.

A good place to start researching saints is the Catholic Online website, www.catholic.org/saints/. There you will find an alphabetical index of saints, an index of patron saints, and a calendar with saints’ feast days, among other useful tools.

In starting to research saints and complete their projects, candidates may want to consider the following questions:

· How and why did your parents choose your baptismal name?
· What activities, places, people, etc. interest you? Is there a patron saint associated with any of these ?
· Which saints have their feast day on your birthday?
· Which saints inspire you? Why?
· When and where did the saint you are interested in live?
· When was he/she canonized? By which pope?
· How did this saint die? Was he/she persecuted and/or martyred for his/her beliefs?
· What was this saint’s occupation?
· What did this saint’s mission look like?
· What virtues did this saint practice in his/her life? Did this saint always practice these virtues? Did this saint experience a conversion?
· How would you describe this saint’s personality?
· What miracles did this saint perform?
· Are there any symbols associated with this saint?
· What are their meanings?
· In what ways is this saint a model for Christians today?
· How would this saint act/react if he/she were living in today’s world?
· If this saint were to complete a Confirmation project on his/her own life, what kind of project would he/she create?

Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed a total of 8 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.

FEBRUARY 8

GOAL:
The candidates deepen their understanding of their fundamental relationship with Christ begun in Baptism and what it means to be anointed in His image.

ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass with active participation in the Liturgy
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Sixth Session: More Like Christ

Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed a total of 10 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.


FEBRUARY 22

Rite of the Burning of the Palm for Ash Wednesday 7:00 p.m. to begin our Parish Mission. Attendance Required.

MARCH 8

GOAL:
The candidates reflect on the Eucharist as the sign of unity in the Church and the source of spiritual nourishment that enables them to be true witnesses of Christ in the world.

ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass: with active participation in the Liturgy
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Seventh Session: In the Unity of Faith

PROJECT IV – Preparing the Living Stations of the Cross
Living Stations of the Cross will be offered for the parish on Friday, April 10. Candidates will rehearse and depict each Station. This activity will be in coordination with the Parish Youth Director. Schedule to follow.

Service Requirements:
At this point, the candidate is expected to have completed all of the 12 hours of the Christian Service Project. Forms will be collected during the session.

APRIL 5 - Palm Sunday

GOAL:
The candidates reflect on the meaning of the Cross and the suffering of Jesus leading to his resurrection, his victory over death and evil.

ACTIONS:
11:30 AM - Mass: with active participation in the Liturgy
12:30-1:00 PM - light lunch
1:00 - 2:30 PM : Eighth Session: Jesus Rejected - The Meaning of the Cross


Period of Reflection - late spring

GOAL:
Candidates make final spiritual preparation for the reception of the Sacrament.

ACTIONS:
Retreat:
Off-site retreat in coordination with the Archdiocesan Youth Ministry on April 25/26


Period of Celebration

Tentative dates for the celebration of Confirmation are:
May 31 or June 7 or June 14