The Church of the Epiphany
Confirmation Program
HowtoUsethisDocument:
ThispacketofinformationisintendedforConfirmationCandidatesandtheirparentsand
sponsors.Candidateswillformallyreceivethispacketofinformationatthefirstsessionof
Confirmation,butthedetailswithincanbefoundontheConfirmationpageontheparishwebsiteIf
youhaveanyquestionsorconcernsregardingthisinformationyoucancontactEricDuffy,High
SchoolYouthMinister,[email protected]
TableofContents:
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SchedulefortheCurrentYear–Page2-3
ConfirmationGuidelines–Page4
ConfirmationExpectations–Page5
AttendancePolicies–Page5
WeatherPolicies–Page5
RetreatDetails–Page6
E3:HighSchoolYouthNightDetails–Page7
SponsorDetails–Page8-9
HomilyReflectionDetails–Page10
ServiceComponentDetails–Page11
DiscipleshipRoadmapDetails–Page12
PatronSaintSelectionDetails–Page13
LetterofIntentDetails–Page14
BaptismalRecordsForm–Page15
UpdateswillcomemainlyviaemailandupdatestotheparishwebsitepageforConfirmation.
Parishwebsite:www.epiphanymn.org
ConfirmationWebpage:www.epiphanymn.org/confirmation
1
EpiphanyConfirmationSchedule2016-2017
ContactPerson:EricDuffy-HighSchoolYouthMinister-Email:[email protected]:763.862.4333
Website:www.epiphanymn.org/confirmation
Date
Session
Sun:9/25
“WhyamIhere?”andtheDiscipleship
Roadmap1on1
Sun:10/2
“Whatmakesmehappy?”
DiscoveringGodastheSource
Sun:10/9
“WhatisyourstoryGod?And,HowdoI
knowGodisreal?”
SalvationhistoryandDivineRevelation
Sun:10/16
“WhoisJesus?”
UnderstandingDivineRevelation
**DueDateforFIDEIRegistration**
Sun:10/23
NoConfirmation
Sun:10/30
“WhybeCatholic?”
WhatdoesitmeantobeCatholic?
Sun:11/6
SupportSystem
AnightwithSponsors
Sun:11/13
“WhereamIgoing?”
TheLastFourThings
11/18–11/20
Sun:11/27
Sun:12/4
Sun:12/11
Checkpoint!
(Dec.18)
Sun:12/18
Sun:12/25
Sun:1/1
Sun:1/8
Sun:1/15
Sun:1/22
FIDEI–HSRetreatforallHighSchoolers
(NoConfirmationon11/20)
NoConfirmation
“HowdoIgetthere?”
PoweroftheSacraments
“WhendidmyJourneybegin?”
SacramentsofInitiation
Bythistimeyoushouldhave:
•
FirstServiceEventIn
•
FirstE3:HSAttended
•
RetreatPicked
•
FirstHomilyReportin
“WhytellmySinstoaPriest?”
HealingPowerofConfession
NoConfirmation
NoConfirmation
“WhoistheHolySpirit”
ThirdpersonoftheTrinity,Gifts,Sealed
andSent.
NoConfirmation
“WhydoIhavetogotoMass?”
EncounteringJesusintheEucharist
NotetoParent/Guardian
IntroductiontoConfirmationatEpiphany.AtleastoneParent
attendsthisSession.Candidateswillcompletethediscipleship
roadmapandhavea1on1ConversationwithaCatechist
Whatreallymakesushappy?We’lltakealookatmanyofthe
thingssocietysaysmakeyouhappy,andseewheretruehappiness
comesfromandwhatwecandotoattainit.
HowdoweknowthatGodexistsandwhyisitimportanttohavea
relationshipwithhim?We’llunderstandhowGodhasmadeHis
truthknowntotheworldandwhythatisimportant.
Jesusissomuchmorethenanimageinapaintingorevena
Crucifix.HeistheRisenLordGodandoneofthepersonsofthe
Trinity.WithoutJesuswehavenothingandConfirmationwouldbe
pointless.
MEAWeekend
We’lltalkaboutwhybeingCatholichelpsustobethebestversion
ofourselves,andwhatwecandototrulyfindouridentityinJesus
Christ.(Helpyourcandidatepickasponsor.)
OnthisnightSponsorswillbeengagedwiththeircandidateby
hearingaspeakerguidethemonhowtoutilizethistimeof
preparation.Sponsor(orparentifnecessary)mustattend.
SponsorInformationSheetDUE
Whathappensafteryoudie?We’lltalkaboutHeaven,Hell,and
Purgatoryandtherealitiesofeach.We’llhearhowtoliveourlives
withapurpose.
(CompletestheretreatcomponentforConfirmation)
ThanksgivingWeekend
Tonightwewillbetalkingaboutthepowerandpurposeofthe
Sacramentsandhowtheyareakeypieceinthelifeofadisciple.
Confirmationisthefinalsacramentofinitiation.We’lllookatwhat
thesacramentsofinitiationareandhowthepoweroftheEucharist
andgiftofourBaptismaresoimportantasaConfirmedCatholic.
Wewilllearnhowwecanbechainedbyhabitsofsinandhow
goingtoreconciliationregularlycantrulysetusfree.
ChristmasBreak
NewYear’sDay
WhyistheHolySpiritsuchanimportantpartoftheSacramentof
Confirmation?We’lllookatthethirdPersonoftheHolyTrinityand
seehowarelationwithhimisessential.
MLKWeekend
WeoftentreattheHolyMasslikewedoamovieatthetheatre,ifit
isn’texcitingenoughwe…fallasleep.Onceweunderstandthatthe
massisthemostpowerfulthingonearthwebegintoseeitina
wholenewlight.
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Sun:1/29
Sun:2/5
Sun:2/12
Sun:2/19
CheckPoint!
(Feb.26)
“WhatdoesitmeantosayIdo”
HolyMatrimony
NoConfirmation
“Who’sCalling?”
HolyOrdersandVocationalDiscernment
“Areyoutalkingtome?”
GettingtoKnowGodthroughPrayer
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•
•
th
Sun:2/26
Sun:3/5
“WhoisMary?”
MeetingtheMotherofGod
Sun:3/19
Everyrelationshipneedscommunicationandthisiseventruerfor
ourrelationshipwithGod.Prayerishowwecanspendtimewith
God.
PickSaintnameandindicateitontheDataforParishRecordsform(reportdueon/beforeApril24 )
TurnedinnewlyissuedbaptismalCertificate(ifnotbaptizedatEpiphany)andtheDataforParish
Recordsform.
SecondHomilyReportDue
SecondServiceEventin
“WhyWait?”
God’sPlanforLoveandSex
Sun:3/12
HolyMarriagesandfamiliesarethebedrockofourworld,our
country,andourChurch.We’llseewhatthewords“Ido”really
meanandhowHolyMarriageshaveincrediblepower.
SuperBowl
DoyouknowhowtolistentoGod?Howdoyouknowwhenheis
callingyoutobeapriest,religious,marriedperson?
NoConfirmation
“WhatwouldJesusdo?”
TheBeatitudes
We’llbetalkingabouthowimportantthegiftofoursexualityreally
isandhowwecanuseittobringglorytoGod.Inadditionwe’ll
covermaterialthatismandatedbytheArchdioceseforthe
protectionofyouth.
HowcanMary,theMotherofGod,beonewhoprotectsandhelps
usinourfaith?HowcanweentrustourprayerstoHer?We’lltalk
abouthowarelationshipwithMaryisthequickestwaytoherSon.
SpringBreak
JesusisourLordandhehasgivenuswaystolive,acodetofollow,
sothatwecanbewithHim.We’lltalkabouthowlivinglike
disciplesismorethenjustfollowingabunchofrules.
Sun:3/26
“DoIhavewhatittakes?”
BuildingVirtue
Howcanwebuildvirtue?Whatarethevirtuesthemselvesandhow
canwelivebythem.We’lltalkabouthowlivingvirtuouslyhelpsus
inmakingdecisionsandlivingourlivesasdisciples.
Sun:4/2
“HowdoIbuildthekingdomandwhere
doIgofromhere?”
TheJourneyContinues…
WhathappensafterConfirmation?Howarewechangedbythe
Sacramentandwhatarewecalledtodo?
Sun:4/9
DiscipleshipRoadmap1on1’s
CheckinginonFaithDevelopment
TonighteachteenwillbeassignedatimetomeetwithaCatechist
totalkabouthowtheirfaithhasprogressedthisyearin
preparationfortheSacramentofConfirmation.
NoConfirmation
Easter
Sun:4/16
4/21–4/23
CheckPoint!
(April30)
CREDO–HSRetreatforallHighSchoolers
(NoConfirmationon4/23)
Bythistimeyoushouldhave:
•
GoneonaweekendRetreat
•
SecondE3:HSAttended
•
LetterofIntentDue
Sun:4/30
ConfirmationOrientationand
Reconciliation
Sat:5/6
ConfirmationSacrament
(CompletestheretreatcomponentforConfirmation)
We’lltaketimetodaytogooverwhatConfirmationatthe
CathedralofSt.Paulwillbelikeandthenhaveachancetogoto
Reconciliation.ParentsandSponsorsshouldattend.
10amattheCathedralofSt.Paul
OtherVERYImportantDates:
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ConfirmationMakeupSessions:April9thandApril30thfrom4-5:30pm
(followedbyConfirmationat6:45pm-8:15pm)
SacramentofConfirmationatSt.PaulCathedral:SaturdayMay6that10am
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Important Information and Guidelines
DearParents,
TheCatholicChurchstatesthat“Parentshavethefirstresponsibilityfortheeducationoftheirchildren”(CCC
2223).DuringthistimeofpreparationforthegreatSacramentofConfirmationtheresponsibilityofeducation
isstillveryimportantonthepartoftheparent.Youeducatetheminthefaithbythewayyouliveyourlivesas
passionateCatholics.ConfirmationisacelebrationoftheongoingpoweroftheHolySpiritwhoisaliveinour
hearts.ThisistheHolySpiritthatyourchildreceivedatBaptism.IntheSacramentofConfirmationthegrace
ofBaptismisdeepenedandgiftsoftheHolySpiritarebestowedandintensified.Itisourintentionthatall
youngCatholicsreceivetheencouragementtodefendandproclaimthefaith.Thankyouforworkingtogether
withusinthisyearofpreparation.
WaystoassistyourCandidateinpreparation:
1. AttendMass!
2. Prayforandwithyourcandidateeveryday.
3. TalkaboutyourexperiencewithConfirmationinyourlife.Bepositiveandaffirmingabout
theprocesstheyareengagingin.
4. Helptheminselectingasponsor.
5. HelptheminselectingapatronsaintfortheirConfirmationname.
6. Makesureimportantandrequiredexperiencesarecompletedbythetimeindicatedonthe
calendarandthatthenecessaryonlinedocumentsareturnedin.
GuidelinesforthereceptionoftheSacramentofConfirmation:
1. RegularparticipationandattendanceatSundayMass(Thisisanobligationandprivilegefor
allCatholics)
2. AnappropriateunderstandingoftheCatholicChurch.Thecandidateshouldunderstandand
reflectthetruthofChristintheirlife.
3. AfirmdeterminationtoliveaChristianlifetothebestoftheirability.Thecandidateshould
bestrivingtobeadiscipleinallaspectsoftheirlife.
4. AnappreciationoftheimportanceoftheLiturgyandWorshipoftheChurch.Thecandidate
shouldunderstandtheimportanceofapersonalconversionofheart.
5. FaithfulparticipationintheConfirmationpreparationprogram(largegroups,smallgroups,
retreats,serviceexperiences,youthministryexperiences,etc.).
6. Acommitmenttofurtherfaithformationbythecandidateandtheirparentsorguardian.
Receptionofthissacramentisabeginning!Confirmationisnottheend,butonestepinour
lifelongjourneytoholiness.Thecandidatemustbewillingtobeactivelyinvolvedinparish
lifeafterConfirmation.
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ExpectationsforCandidatesintheConfirmationPreparationProgramatEpiphany:
1. RegularparticipationintheSundayLiturgy
a. SundayMassisnotoptionalforanyCatholic.ThecelebrationoftheEucharististhe
sourceandsummitofourfaithanditisvitaltothepreparationoftheSacramentfor
CandidatestogotoMasseveryweekandbeactiveparticipants.
2. SessionAttendance
a.
CandidatesareexpectedtobeateverysessionofConfirmationandtostaytheentiretime.
Thispreparationprogramislimitedintime,becauseofthiseverysinglesessionand
componentisvital.
b. Candidatesareallowedatotaloftwoabsences.Athirdwillresultinaconferencewiththe
parents,candidate,andprogramleadertoassessthecommitmenttothereceptionofthe
sacramentatthistime.
c. AnymissedsessionmustbeprecededbyaphonecalltotheAttendanceLineat763-8624337.Ifacandidateismissing,andtheConfirmationCoordinatorhasreceivednoprior
notice,contactwiththeparentswillbemadetoascertainthereasonfortheabsence.
d. EmergencyAbsences:
i. Circumstancesforemergencyexcusedabsenceswillbeconsideredonacase-bycasebasis.Ifanyofyourabsencesfallintothiscategory,pleasecontactthe
confirmationcoordinatortodiscusswhattodo.
e. InclementWeather:
i. CancellationswillbepostedontheEpiphanywebsite,www.epiphanymn.org
ii. AsConfirmationoccursonSundays,notduringtheschoolweek,faithformation
staffwillconsidersevereweatherandadeterminationwillbemadeastowhether
ornottocancel.Ifacancellationoccursaneffortwillbemadetocommunicateas
suchusingemailandwebsite.
f. Make-upSessionsarescheduledonthefollowingtimes.Candidateswhomisssessions
duringtheyearmayattendamake-upsessiontocatchuponcatechesis.
i. ConfirmationMakeupSessions:
1. Sunday,April9from4-5:30pm
2. Sunday,April30thfrom4-5:30pm
3. BaptismalCertificateandRecordsForm(RefertotheBaptismalRecordsforminthegold
section)
a. Duetothenatureofsacramentalrecordsintheparish,perarchdiocesan
regulations,eachcandidateisrequiredtoprocureanewlyissuedrecordoftheir
baptismfromthechurchtheywerebaptized.Childrenwhowerebaptizedatthe
ChurchoftheEpiphanydonotneedtogetanewlyissuedrecordandsimplyonly
needtoindicateassuchonthebaptismalrecordsform(inthegoldsection.)
b. BoththenewlyissuedBaptismalCertificateandtheDataforParishRecordsForm
areduebyFebruary26th,2017.
TheConfirmationSacramenttakesplaceonSaturdayMay6th,2017at10:00am
attheCathedralofSt.Paul
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Retreat Details
WhatareRetreatsatEpiphany?Aretreatisanextendedtimeawayforthedistractionsofeverydaylifetospendtime
withGod.Onaretreatyouwillhavetalks,smallgroup,andprayerjustlikeatanyConfirmationorE3session,howeveron
aretreatthesecomponentsareextendedandintensifiedtogiveparticipantsthebestopportunitytogrowclosertoGod.
AnyHighschoolstudentingrades9-12areinvitedtoattendtheE3:HSFIDEIorCREDOretreats.Anapprovedweekend
longretreatisapartoftheprogramforConfirmationcandidatestohelppreparethemfortheoutpouringofHolySpiritin
sacramentofConfirmation.
TheChurchoftheEpiphanyConfirmationprogramrequiresthateachCandidateattendatleastoneweekend
longretreatintheiryearofConfirmationpreparation.
Belowaretheoptionsavailableforretreats.
1. E3:HSFIDEIRetreat
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Date:November18th-20th2016
Times:5:00pmFridaythroughApproximately3:30pmSundayYoumustattendthewholeretreat
(timessubjecttochange)NodinnerisprovidedonFriday,eatbeforehand!
Registrationcanbefoundatwww.epiphanymn.org/e3_hs_retreats
Cost:$130.NotincludedinConfirmationFee.Norefunds2weekspriortotheretreat.
Location:CampOnomiainOnamia,MN
Leadby:HighSchoolYouthMinisterandE3:HSCoreTeamwithotheradults.
2. E3:HSCREDORetreat
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Date:April21st–23rd2017
Times:5:00pmFridaythroughApproximately3:30pmSundayYoumustattendthewholeretreat
(timessubjecttochange)NodinnerisprovidedonFriday,eatbeforehand!
Registrationcanbefoundatwww.epiphanymn.org/e3_hs_retreats
Cost:$130.NotincludedinConfirmationFee.Norefunds2weekspriortotheretreat.
Location:CampOnomiainOnamia,MN
Leadby:HighSchoolYouthMinisterandE3:HSCoreTeamwithotheradults.
3. NETRetreats(WomenofWorth,aWomen’sRetreat,andForVirtue,Men’sretreatareincludedhere)
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Date:VariousthroughouttheYear(SeeNETWebsiteforDates)REGISTERASAPastheywillfillup.
Times:7:00pmFridaythrough2:00pmSundayYoumustattendthewholeretreat
Registrationcanbefoundbygoingtowww.netusa.org/confirmation
i. RegistrationanddetailsarehandledbytheNETstaff.
Cost:$145NotincludedinConfirmationfee.
Location:TheNETCenterinWestSt.Paul,MN
Ledby:NETMissionaries(Youngpeopleages18-28fromaroundtheUnitedStates.Somearefrom
othercountries.)NETwillsendtheConfirmationCoordinatoranoticewhenyouattendoneoftheir
retreatssotheConfirmationCoordinatordoesnotneedprooffromyouunlessyouattendaretreatnot
onthislist.
ImportantNotesRegardingRetreats:
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TheConfirmationCoordinatormustfirstapproveanyretreatyoufindthatisnotlistedaboveinordertofulfill
thiscomponent.
TheE3:HSFIDEIandCREDOretreatsarenotjustforConfirmation.Theintentionsoftheretreatsareto
encourageallHighSchoolyouthtoattendifable.TheretreatwillstillreinforcetheConfirmationpreparation.
DependingonthespaceofthefacilitytheremaybealimittothenumberthatcancomeontheE3:HSRetreats.
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E3: High School Youth Night Details
WhatareE3:HSNights?E3:HSisYouthMinistryNightsjustforhighschoolteensonWednesday
nightsOctober-Mayfrom6:15-7:45pm.LedbytheHighSchoolYouthMinister,andtheadultCore
Team,E3HSnightsarehighschoolyouthnightsbasedontheLifeteenmodelandcurriculum,with
theGather–Proclaim–Break–Sendmodel.Eachnightwillfeatureafungatheringactivity,music
andprayer,atalkwithacatecheticaltheme,andatimeforsmallgroupdiscussion.
o
E3:HSSchedule
§ Sept–21,28
§ Oct–5,12,19,26
§ Nov–2,9,16,30
§ Dec–7,14,21
§ Jan–11,18,25
§ Feb–1,8,15,22
§ Mar–8,15,22,29
§ April-5,12,19
§ May–3,10
WhatistheConfirmationComponent?Whileallteensingrades9-12shouldattendE3:HSYouth
Nights,wespecificallyaskthatConfirmationcandidatesreflectontwooftheirexperiencesofthe
nights.ThisisdonebygoingtotheConfirmationpageontheparishwebsiteandclickingonthelink
thattotheonline(confidential)formandfillingoutthequestions.TheConfirmationCoordinator
willreviewthesereflections.
WhyshouldConfirmationCandidatesattendthesenightsalso?WhiletheConfirmation
programishighlycatecheticalandaimedtowardformingteensintostrongdisciples,theE3:HS
youthministryprogramstrivestowardthesamegoalwhilespendingmoretimebuildingstrong
relationshipsbetweenadultCOREmembersandfellowteens.InadditiontheE3:HSnightsprovide
anopportunitytodelveevenmoredeeplyintocatecheticalsubjects.Confirmationisagreatspring
boardforlifelongdiscipleship,E3:HSdeepensandcontinuesthisdiscipleshipfortherestofhigh
schoolhelpingtoprepareteensfortherestoftheirlives.
7
Sponsor Details
WhatisaSponsor?IfyouhaveeverattendedaConfirmationceremony,youhaveseenanadultwhostandsbehind
thecandidatewithahandontheirshoulderastheyareanointed,buttheroleofasponsorgoesfarbeyondasimple
gestureofsupport.Didyouknowthatthewordsponsorcomesfromthesamerootwordas“responsible”?A
Confirmationsponsorissomeonewhomyoulookuptoasarolemodelinfaithandwillbetheretosupportyouspiritually
before,duringandafteryoureceivesthesacrament.Inessence,yoursponsorismeanttoactasaspiritualguideand
friendinyourfaith.
ChoosingaSponsor
Thatbeingsaid,choosingyoursponsorisanimportanttask.Don’tjustchoosesomeonebecausetheyarefunorbecause
theyhaven’tdoneityet.Chooseyoursponsorbecauseyouknowthattheywillhelpyougrowinyourfaiththis
yearandbecausetheywillcontinuetosupportyou.
Herearesomegoodquestionstoaskasyouconsiderchoosingyoursponsor:
•
•
•
•
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•
Whoinmylifehasmadeanimpactonmyfaith?
Isthispersonresponsible?
Isthispersonmature?
Doeshe/shepracticehis/herCatholicfaithactivelybyattendingMassatleastweekly?
Doeshe/shepracticehis/herCatholicfaithactivelyinthewaythathe/shelivesandacts?
DoItrusthim/her?
AretheywillingtoreadandadheretotheSponsorGuidebook?(SeeSponsorActivityTwo)
TheArchdioceseofSt.Paul–Minneapolishasspecificrequirementsforallsponsors:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Thesponsormustbeanactive,participatingCatholicwhohas
beenConfirmed
Sponsormustbeatleast16yearsofage.
Heorshemaynotbethecandidate’smotherorfather.Itis
desirable,butnotmandatory,thatthebaptismalsponsor
(godparent)alsobethesponsoratConfirmationtoshowtheclose
connectionofthetwosacraments.
Thesponsorshouldbeapersonwhoisprayerful,open,dependable,
lovingandiscomfortablesharinghisorherfaithwithyoung
people.
ThesponsorshouldbesomeonewhoisawitnesstoChristandto
theimportanceofaCatholicChristianlifestylebyhisorherwords
andactions.Apersonwhowillbeasupportandexampletothe
candidateashe/shemovesthroughperiodsofcrisis,questioning,
anddiscernment.
DatesForSponsors:
Nov6th–AttendthisConf.
Session.
April30th–AllSponsor
ConversationsDueand
attendConf.session
May6th–Confirmation
Sacrament.
Onceyouhavechosenyoursponsor,makesuretofilloutonlineSponsorinformationformontheConfirmationPageon
theparishwebsite.ThismustbedonebyNovember6th2016.
SponsorGuidebook:EachSponsorwillbegivenasponsorguidebookthatistoolinhelpingthemtoencourageand
prayerfullysupporttheircandidate.OnApril30thweexpectthatthesponsorandcandidateshouldhavehadeachof
thethreeconversationsoutlinedintheguidebookfortheprepyeartime.
Includedinthissectionisapagedescribingthesponsorguidebookandtheconversations.
8
Sponsor and
Candidate Conversations
Doneallyear.
Conversations
completedbyApril30th,
2017
ActivityContext:AtoolgiventoConfirmationSponsorsthisyearisaguidebooktohelpthemintheir
role.ThebookposesseveralconversationsthattheCandidateandSponsorshouldhaveduringthe
preparationyear.Theseconversationscanbehugemomentsofconversionforthecandidateand
canhelpsponsorstobetterknowwheretheircandidateiscomingfrom.
WhattoDo:
1. Sponsorsaskedtobereadingandreflectingontheguidebookthroughouttheyear.
2. Occasionally sponsors should be having the conversations posed in the book with
candidates,eitheronthephoneorinperson(thoughinpersonispreferable).
3. Toward the end of the year candidates should have completed first three conversations
withtheirsponsor.
Note:thefourthconversationintheguidebook,entitled,“Mystagogy”isforafterconfirmation
andcannotbeusedasareflectionforthecandidate.
ThethreeconversationsposedintheSponsorGuidebookthathappenduringpreparation…
1. “TheWay”–OntheRoadtoDiscoveringChrist
2. “TheTruth”–EncounteringtheLightofChrist
3. “TheLife”–ChoosingUltimateHappiness
9
Homily Reflection Details
MassAttendance?GoingtoSundayMassandHolyDayMassisnotjustarequirementfor
confirmationbutforeveryCatholic.ThemostimportantthingwedoasCatholicsisnotonly
attend,butparticipateintheMass–fully,actively,andconsciously.Theproblemisthatwe
haveallfoundourselvesdistractedduringtheMass–focusingonthebabycryingbehindus,what
wearedoingafterMassisdone,wonderingwhywearenotstillsleeping–andwemissthefactthat
JesusiscomingtousnotonlyintheWord,butphysicallyintheEucharist.MassisHeavenonearth!
Still,manyCatholicscomplainthatthey“don’tgetanythingoutofMass.”Theproblemisthat
wecomplainwithouthavingputanythinginourselves.
ThiscomponentisdesignedtohelpusfocusduringtheMass.Twiceduringtheyear,duringthe
homily/sermongivenbythepriestordeacon,takenotes.Whenyougethomefillouttheform
onlineatwww.epiphanymn.org,undertheYouthandAdultFaithFormation,thenunderHigh
SchoolyouthclickonConfirmation.
Submitthemassoonasyoudothem–youdoNOThavetowaituntiltheduedate.Thefirstisdue
nolaterthanDecember18thandthesecondisduenolaterthanFebruary26th,butcanbeturned
inassoonasyouhavecompletedthem.ThereportsmustcomefromtwoseparateMasses.
PLEASENOTE:REPORTSMUSTCOMEFROMACATHOLICMASS.
Thereportscanbesubmittedonlineat:www.epiphanymn.org/confirmation
WhenwereceiveHolyCommunion,
weexperiencesomethingextraordinary–
ajoy,afragrance,awellbeingthatthrillsthe
wholebodyandcausesittoexalt.
(St.JohnVianney)
10
Service Component Details
WhydowedoserviceinConfirmation?InaworldofiPods,supermodels,andfastcarsitiseasyandseemsnormalto
liveonlyforourselves.However,Godcallsustosomethingmore.Byourbaptism,wearecalledtoserveGodandone
anotherandtoliveoutsideofourselves.Wearecalledtolivethefaiththatweclaim.Scripturesays,“faithwithoutworks
isdead”(James2:26).JustasGod“provedHisloveforus”(Romans5:8)bysacrificingHimselfontheCross,wetoocando
thesameforHimbysacrificingourtime,talent,andtreasureinactsofservice.
PartoftheConfirmationProgramistocompleteanumberofserviceexperiences,butourhopeisthatyoudon’tjustfill
outtherightformsorchecktherightboxes.Rather,wehopethatyouwillgainadeeperinsightintotheheartofJesus
ChristandwhatitmeanstoliveasaCatholicChristianinservicetoothers.
ServiceExperiences
Eachconfirmationcandidatewillberequiredtocompleteaminimumof2differentservice
experiences.Aserviceexperiencecanbecategorizedasfollows:
•
•
•
•
Directservicethatisnon-compensatedandnon-credit
Isatleast1hourinlength(excludingtraveltime)
IntheserviceofTheChurchoftheEpiphany
Or;Intheserviceofanoutsideorganizationworkingtopromotehumandignityin
accordancewithCatholicSocialTeaching.
TheCatholicChurchhasarichsocialtradition.ReadingtheActsoftheApostleswillshowyouthatsincethefirstdaysof
theChurchshehasbeenconcernedwithcareforthepoor,vulnerable,andservingtheneedsofthecommunity.Whatis
commonlyknownas“CatholicSocialTeaching”has7distinctthemes.
Therefore,serviceexperiencesmustfallunderoneofthefollowing7themesofCatholicSocialTeaching:
•
Protectsthelife/dignityofthehumanperson
•
Nurturescommunity,family,orparticipationinsociety
•
Safeguardsbasichumanrights
•
Servesthepoorand/orvulnerable
•
Protectsthedignityandrightsofworkers
•
Createssolidarity
•
Caresfortheenvironment
(SharingCatholicSocialTeaching:ChallengesandDirections.USCCB.1998.)
Notesontheservicecomponents:
•
•
Uponcompletionofeachserviceexperience,thecandidateshouldfilloutaservice
experiencereflectionform.Thereflectionformscanbesubmittedonlineat:
www.epiphanymn.org/confirmation
Ifthereisaquestionwhetheranexperiencewillcounttowardthisrequirement,pleaseask
theConfirmationCoordinator.
11
Discipleship Roadmap Details
WhatisaDisciple?ADiscipleisafullydevotedfollowerofJesusChristourLord.Atrue
discipleisonewhoisintentionally,throughtheirownfreewill,livingoutthesethemes:
-
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GrowingintheBasicsoftheChristianLife(Readingthebible,prayingdaily,receivingthe
sacraments,opentotheHolySpirit,buildinguptheircharacter,participatingin
stewardship,andsharingthegoodnews.)
DevelopedaHeartforGod
ValuescommitmenttoGodoverothercommitmentsandpriorities
WhatistheRoadmap?Ouraiminthepreparationyearistoguidecandidatesintheirfaithtoa
placewherediscipleshipispossible,thusallowingthemtobestreceivetheHolySpiritinthe
SacramentoftheConfirmation.Becauseofthis,itisbestpracticetoallowthecandidatestoassess
themselvesonwheretheyareontheRoadtoDiscipleship.HereisaconciseformoftheRoadmap
usedinConfirmation:
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(Stage1)Listener:AnindividualwhohearsthemessageoftheGospelbutisnotyetopentohearinghowthe
messageappliestotheirlife.Theymayevenknowalotaboutthebibleandthefaithbutthereisnotyet
opennesstoconversionorchangeinlife.
(Stage2)OpenListener:AnindividualwhohearsthemessageoftheGospelandisseekingtohearmoreabout
howthemessageappliestotheirlife.Theyarewillingtobeopenabouthowtheycouldchangeandhowthat
changemaybettertheirlife.
(Stage3)TrueConvert:AnindividualwhohasapositivechangeinattitudetowardJesusChrist,anegative
changeinattitudetowardsin,makesacommitmenttoJesus,anddesirestogrowspiritually.
(Stage4)GrowingChristian:AnindividualengagedindevelopingarelationshipwithGodthroughprayer,
sacraments,scripture,andastrengtheningofvirtue.
(Stage5)Disciple:AnindividualwhoisgrowinginthebasicsoftheChristianlife,developingaheartforGod,
andiscommittedtomakingGodapriorityinlife.
(Stage6)DiscipleMaker:Anindividualwhoiscontinuingasadisciple,hasdevelopedaheartforGod’speople,
andiswillingtosacrificetohelpanotherindividualgrowintheirfaith.
Whendoesthishappen?AtthefirstsessionofConfirmation,Candidateswillbegiveninstructions
onthediscipleshiproadmapandallowedtocompleteaworksheetina1on1conversationsthatis
intendedforthemtoselfassess.BasedontheseroadmapstheConfirmationCoordinatorwillbetter
beabletocaterdiscussionquestions,presentationsandactivitiestoassistcandidatesingrowingon
thepathtodiscipleship.Nocandidatereceivesanykindofspecialtreatmentbasedonwhere
theyareontheroadmap.Theroadmapismerelyatooltohelpsmallgroupleaders,andthe
coordinatorbetterfacilitateconversionanddiscipleship.Everycandidate,nomatterwherethey
areontheroadmap,willalwayshavefarthertogo.UltimatelyourendgoalisHeaven!
DiscipleshipRoadmap1on1’s?AtthestartoftheyearonSeptember25thandneartheendofthe
year,onApril9th,CandidateswillhaveaoneononeconversationwithEpiphanyConfirmation
Catechists.Theseconversationsarelowpressure,andsimplyatimeforthecandidatetosharetheir
faith,whytheywanttobeconfirmed,andtoreassesswheretheyareontheroadmapto
discipleship.Moreinformationonhowtheseconversationswillbeemailedoutpriortothedate.
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Patron Saint Details
Explanation:ItisthedesireoftheArchbishopthateachcandidatehaveapatronsaintofwhich
theylearnaboutandaskintercessionsfromduringandafterConfirmation.AttheSacrament
candidateswillbereferredtoastheirsaint’snamesignifyingtheprofoundchangethattakesplace.
CandidateswillchoosetheirsaintpriortoFebruary26thandindicateitontheDataforParish
Recordsform.
Somanytimeswhenwethinkofsaintsthefirstthingwethinkofisahalo,butthetruthisthatsaintscan’tbe
reducedtopeoplewhowalkedaroundtheearthwithheadsthatglowed.Saintswereordinarypeople(like
youandI)thatlivedextraordinarylives.TheChurchsaysthatasaintissomeonewhopossessed“heroic
virtue”(CatechismoftheCatholicChurch#828).Saintsareheroesofthefaith!
EachcandidatewillbeaskedtotakeonthenameofoneofthesaintsatConfirmation.AtBaptism,
childrenarewelcomedindividuallyintoanewlifeinChrist.Becauseofthecloserelationshipbetweenthe
sacramentsofBaptismandConfirmation,itisperfectlyacceptableforcandidatestochoosetoaffirmthe
saint’snamegiventothematBaptism.Forexample,acandidatenamedNickmightwanttochooseSt.
Nicholas.WealsolookatConfirmationasatimeforthecandidatetoacceptastheirownthefaiththatwas
giventothembytheirparentsandgodparents.Forthisreasonitisalsoacceptableforthecandidateto
chooseasaintwhosenameisunrelatedtotheirgivennamebutwhoselifewillbeamodelandinspirationfor
themduringtheirlifeasaCatholic.Thesaintthecandidatechoosesshouldexpresssomethingofthe
candidate’sinner-self,anidealorgoaltheyaresettingforthemselvesasaCatholic,andshouldbeareflection
oftheirresolvetoliveasadiscipleofChrist.Thenamethatthecandidatechooseswillbethenamebywhich
theyareaddressedbytheArchbishopattheConfirmationceremony.
Saintinformationcanbefoundontheinternet.Belowareafewtrustedsites:
www.lifeteen.com
www.catholic.org
www.newadvent.com
http://saintcast.libsyn.com/(thisisapodcastwithsomefantasticinformation!)
NamesmustbedecidedonbyFeb26thand
indicatedontheDataforParishRecordsform.
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Letter of Intent Details
Explanation:CandidateswhowishtobeconfirmedmustsubmitatypewrittenLetterofIntentno
laterthanApril30th,2017.“LetterofIntent”isjustafancywayofsaying:“Putinaletter,toour
PastorFr.Dufner,whyyouwanttobeconfirmed.”Pleasetakethetimetocomposethisletter
carefully.Notonlydoesitgiveusachancetounderstandwhatyouhavegainedinyourformation,
butalsoallowsyoutoprocesswhatyouhavelearnedandhowyouhavegrownaswellaswhatyou
desiretoreceivefromthissacrament.Pleasebehonestandthoughtful.
AttheSacramentofConfirmationthePastorthenpresentstheCandidatestotheArchbishopand
vouchesfortheirreadiness.Theletterisoneofseveralwaystoassessreadinessforthesacrament.
TheLettermustbetyped,andin12pointfontTimesNewRoman,andoneFULLpagein
length,double-spaced.
PleasetouchonallofthefollowingpointsinyourLetter:
Explainthereason(s)youwanttobeconfirmed.
Whydoyouthinkyouarereadytoreceivethissacrament?
Explainoneaspectofthefaiththatbecameclearertoyouthroughthisprocess,andtellwhy
youbelieveitisanimportantaspectofourfaith.
• ExplainhowyouplantocontinuebeinganactivememberoftheChurchafterConfirmation.
• TalkabouthowyouaregoingtodefendyourfaithandwhyyouareCatholic
• IncludeinformationaboutyourPatronSaintforConfirmationandwhyyoufeelthat
Saintisyourpatron.
Alllettersmustbeprintedandsealedinanenvelopeaddressedasfollows:
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Pastor,Fr.ThomasDufner
ChurchoftheEpiphany
1900111thAveNW
CoonRapids,MN55433
Attn:ConfirmationLetterofIntent
LetterscanbehandedinatConfirmationsessionsormailedtotheparishofficeusingthe
addressabove.
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Data for Parish Records
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Pleaseprintclearlyandusecompletegivennames!
ConfirmationCandidate
First
Middle
Last
SaintName
DateofBirth
DateofBaptism PlaceofBaptism HomeAddress
Father’sFirstName
Mother’sFirstName
SponsorName
City/St
Father’sLastName
Mother’sMaidenName
TURNINBYFebruary26th,2017!
PLEASEINCLUDEANEWLYISSUEDBAPTISMALCERTIFICATEIFYOUR
CHILDWASNOTBAPTIZEDATEPIPHANY.
ToobtainanewBaptismalCertificate,pleasecalltheparishwherethebaptismtookplaceandask
themtosendanewcertificateto1900111thAveNW,CoonRapids,MN55433ATTN:SueLinville
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