Confirmation II

 

• Confirmation II 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 12-noon 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 for a $10.00 fee.  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. 

  * You must enter and exit the building through the entrance located at the Parish Hall on 2301 Zanzibar Rd.

   

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• Sponsorship

  A Confirmation Sponsor is a person willing to walk with and spiritually guide the Confirmand on their faith journey.  Choosing a Sponsor is left up to the Confirmand; a parent may not act as a Sponsor.  The Sponsor must be a fully initiated Catholic in good standing with the Church, and:

  * Be at least 16 years of age.

      * Parents can't be sponsors 

      * Must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation. 

      * If the Sponsor is married, they must have been married through the Catholic Church.

      * A  Sponsor must be chosen no later than November 30. 

      * Please visit the “Confirmation” link on our website and download a Sponsor Form.

 

• Lives of the Saints Reflection

  Reflect on the lives of saints and find an individual saint who stands out to you; someone you identify with and who you can look up to.  The name of this saint will be your Confirmation name.  You’re expected to type a report (1-page minimum) explaining why you chose this saint.  Cite at least 2 sources in either MLA or APA format.  This report is due to your Catechist no later than December 1. 

 

• Confirmation II Retreats 

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 are necessary.  We offer a retreat for Confirmation II students at Holy Cross retreat Center at 600 Holy Cross Rd, Mesilla Park, NM 88047(575) 524-3688

 

Overnight Retreat

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Overnight Retreat at Holy Cross Dropping off your students Saturday 12 at 7:00am at St. Raphael. 

We finish Sunday 13 parents and students at St. Raphael 5:00 Mass

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• Parent/Sponsor Meetings

  Certain times of the catechetical year will see parents/guardians and even Sponsors will be required to attend formation meetings called by the Director.  Meeting dates and times will be listed in advance on our website calendar.  Should you not be able to attend a meeting, you may risk missing pertinent information regarding important steps in the Confirmand’s Confirmation process.  It is important that you follow up with the Director regarding any information you may be missing. 

 

• Confirmation II Letter to Most Rev. Bishop Mark Seitz

  * Each Confirmation II candidate will write a letter to the Most Rev. Bishop Seitz about how they feel about their faith and where they see themselves in formation.  How has our program affected you as a Catholic?  Do you want to be a Catholic and why?  This is your opportunity to talk to our Bishop about you and your faith.

  * The letter must include the candidate’s full given name, complete mailing address, and contact number.  The letter must be typed and grammatically correct.

 

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

 

• Confirmation II 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.  Confirmand, you’re responsible for completing the diocesan required 20 service hours no later than April 19.  We recommend completing this requirement as soon as possible.  Any late submissions will not be accepted, effectively forfeiting the requirement.  Confirmation I students may exceed their requirement but any extra hours will not carry over to Confirmation II.  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.”  The Office isn’t responsible for hours volunteered. 

 

• Service Projects:

  Catechist-Aide

  Office Volunteer

  Utility-Aids

  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

  Dad / Son Gathering

  Walk for Life

  St. Vincent De Paul  

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

  Ester Vigil Preparation

  Easter Sunrise Mass

  Palm Preparation / Church cleaning