Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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.
Monday, November 10, 2008
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
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
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)
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:
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.
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
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
Monday, November 3, 2008
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.
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.
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