Faith Formation

Confirmation Program Handbook

General Information

The Confirmation Program at Sacred Heart Parish is a two year program. The first year students are designated as Group I, while the second year students are Group II.

Registration Fee

Group I - the registration fee is $50.00.
Group II - the registration fee is $75.00. All students must pay the registration fee. The registration fee is not refundable.

Baptismal Certificate

A copy of the baptismal certificate is required at registration if the student was baptized outside of Sacred Heart Parish, or Star of the Sea, Quincy. It is the parents' responsibility to obtain a copy of the certificate and complete address of the church of baptism.


About the Program

The purpose of the program is to prepare high school students to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and encourage them to deepen their commitment to Jesus Christ. The Confirmation Program has three components:

  1. Learning about the faith.
  2. Deepening the spiritual commitment.
  3. Christian community service.

1. Learning About the Faith - Classes

Students will continue to learn about the faith through the class instruction. The two year program provides instruction on the sacraments and living as a faithful Catholic. Attendance is extremely important.

Attendance

A student will be allowed no more than 3 absences per year. It is expected that a student registered in the Confirmation Program will make attendance his/her sole priority on those Sunday evenings when there is a class.

Discipline Policy

The students participating in the Confirmation Program are part of a Christian community. Therefore, each student is entitled to be treated with respect. Similarly, it is expected that each student will treat teachers and other students with appropriate respect. A disruptive student will be removed from class. If the behavior continues the parent/guardian will be contacted and the student will be dismissed from the program.

Textbook Policy

The textbook will be YOUCAT, the youth catechism of the Catholic Church. It is to be used throughout the two year program. Each candidate will receive his/her copy of the book, however, the book is not to be taken home until the conclusion of the program.

Classes

Classes will meet on Sunday evenings at 6:05 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Quincy Catholic Academy cafeteria.

Class Calendar

2012

  • September 30
  • October 14, 21, 28
  • November 4, 18
  • December 2, 9, 16

2013

  • January 27
  • February 10
  • March 3, 10
  • April 7

Confirmation Rehearsal (Group II only) May 5, 2013
Confirmation Friday, May 17, 2013

Parents/Guardians Reception

On March 3, 2013, at the regular class time there will be a short program for parents/guardians and candidates. It will provide an opportunity for parents/guardians of Group I and. II students to meet with their son/daughter's teacher in a relaxed setting. Refreshments will be served. It is expected that at least one parent or guardian from each  family will attend.

Class Cancelation

In the event of class cancelation due to inclement weather, e-mails will be sent to the email address of the parent/guardian provided on the registration form. The e-mail address must be legible. Please be advised that the e-mails will be sent in a universal format and all e-mail addresses to may appear in the message.


2. Spiritual Commitment - Sacraments, Group II Retreat

Each student will have the opportunity to strengthen his/her spiritual commitment through participation in the Liturgy, reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and scriptural reading.

Mass Attendance

It is expected that each student will be attending Mass each Sunday and holy day of obligation. Many students find it convenient to attend the 5:00 p.m. Mass at Sacred Heart since it concludes just prior to the beginning of class.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

There will be a separate prayer service for Group I and Group II during which students will have the opportunity to receive the healing power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Retreat

Group II students must attend one of the two afternoon spiritual retreats lead by a youth minister. The retreat will last from three to four hours after school. Any Group II student not attending the program retreat will be required to find a comparable retreat.


3. Christian Community Service Project

Students will be introduced to Catholic social teaching through the class instruction and Christian service project.

Christian Service Project

Confirmation students are required to perform twelve hours of Christian Service. The project should be completed by the first class in the fall of the second year. Christian service for the programs is defined as helping the needy or something parish related. Projects or services performed for one's own family members would not qualify as a Confirmation Service Project.

Option One: Projects chosen by the candidate from a pre-approved listing which will be issued to them. An updated pre-approved service project list will be mailed to registered students by July 15.

Option Two: Keeping in mind the definition of Christian Service, students may choose another project that has adult supervision. However, this must be approved prior to beginning the project.
If a student has a project that he or she would like to perform under this option, this procedure must be followed:

  1. On the request for approval form, which you have received, write out information regarding the service you wish to do.
  2. Turn this in at the rectory c/o Confirmation Program. The request will be reviewed and if it meets the requirements of the program you will receive in the mail a signed approval form.

This form is our record of those who have chosen this option and followed the correct procedure. A signed approval form must be turned in along with your worksheet when the hours have been completed. If no form is submitted, there will be no acceptance of the hours under this option.

 

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