Confirmation I

 

• Confirmation I Class-day Guidelines

  * Be present for all 15 classes; class starts at 9:20am.  Gaining proper spiritual formation is contingent upon full class participation.  More than 2 absences are considered excessive unless excused due to illness or some type of emergency.  Sporting and/or school events are important, but if they conflict with class time, it is up to you, the Confirmand, to make the proper arrangements and decide what use of your time is most important to you.  We recommend that you let your coaches, teachers, coordinators, etc., know your Sunday schedule ahead of time.  Sporting and school events are not considered emergencies and are not excusable absences.  More than 3 unexcused absences will result in being dropped.

  * If you plan on being absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to notify your Catechist and the Religious Formation Office.  You don’t want to fall behind and make-up work is a requirement. 

  * You’re required to wear the St. Raphael Religious Formation polo shirt each time you attend class.  Dress modestly; screen print t-shirts, torn jeans, mini-skirts, pajamas, and short-shorts are not allowed.  Low hanging jeans exposing undergarments are not allowed.  If you arrive to class improperly dressed, you will be sent to the office to be sent home and that will count as an unexcused absence. 

  * Be present for Sunday Mass at 11:30am or 5:00pm following formation classes.  The Catholic mass is a very special time according to Pope Francis, one that gives you the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Christ and how they apply to you.  All classes typically sit together at Mass.

  * Students need be on time and prepared to participate with his/her book and materials.  In case of late arrival, stop by the office before going to class.

  * All cell phones and electronic devices must be left alone and silenced during class time and especially at Mass.  You will be asked to stow your device if you’re caught using it.  If you must take a call due to an emergency during class, please notify your Catechist.  Any device may be confiscated by your Catechist if it interferes with their lesson.  You may retrieve any confiscated devices from the Religious Formation Office.  All proceeds go directly to the parish and affiliated charities. 

  * Hall roaming is prohibited.  Any additional time spent out of class under the guise of using the restroom is unacceptable.  You will be required to submit your cell phone/device to your Catechist upon going to the restroom and you can pick it back up when you return. 

  * Please observe our security policy noted on our website.  You must enter and exit the building through the entrance located at the Parish Hall on 2301 Zanzibar Rd.

  * Be open and receptive to any additional directives issued by the Religious Formation Office.

 

• Confirmation I Retreat 

• A retreat is a great time to leave the worries and stresses of daily life behind and talk to God directly in your own way.  Not only are retreats helpful, but they’re necessary.  We offer a retreat for Confirmation I students in November.   Retreat dates and times are available from your Catechist and will be posted on our website.  If you can’t attend our retreat, you must find another Confirmation I-level retreat offered at another parish as this is a requirement of all Confirmation I students. 

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• Confirmation I Letter to the Pastor Pablo Matta

  * Each Confirmation I candidate will write a letter to Pablo Matta about how they feel about their faith and where they see themselves in formation.  Do you want to continue on into Confirmation II?  This is your opportunity to talk to our parish pastor about you and your faith.

 

• Confirmation I Service Projects

  The Diocesan Requirement is 20 service hours to enable students to become good stewards. Parents & Sponsors are encouraged to join teens for the completion of their service requirement.   You will have the opportunity to choose from a list of service projects.  Growing and maturing as a person in the Catholic faith necessitates putting teaching into action.  Serving others is arguably the most important thing a good Catholic can do.  Confirmandi, you’re responsible for completing the diocesan required 20 service hours no later than April.  We recommend completing this requirement as soon as possible.  Any late submissions will not be accepted, effectively forfeiting the requirement. Letters from our office regarding hours completed are available upon request during the month of April.  Students must document hours on Student Service Trackers, available for download on our website under “Service Projects.” Only 8 hours per year are accepted outside of our Parish.

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• Service Projects:

  Catechist-Aide

  Office Volunteer

  Teen Ministry Wednesday Services                 

  Passion play       

  Luminarias Project                      

  Summer Bible Camp             

  Knight of Columbus Projects

  Reception Ministry (Nativity, 1st communion, Confirmation, and registration session) 

  Mom/ Daughter tea

  Walk for Life

  St. Vincent De Paul  

  Liturgy: (Music Ministry, Hospitality/Usher Ministry, Altar Server Ministry, Lector Ministry, etc. )

  Easter Vigil Preparation

  Easter Sunrise Mass

  Palm Preparation / Church cleaning