FROM BAPTISM TO CONFIRMATION
At Baptism, parents and Godparents spoke for their children, promising to raise them in the Catholic faith. The Church recognizes that parents are the primary educators of their children in matters of faith and morals. Our world is full of distractions and detours that can easily set a young person on the wrong path. Nothing can take the place of a strong faith in God: not friends, money, sports or education. It is our faith that gives us our identity and our direction in life. Confirmation is a vital Sacrament of Initiation for our teenage parishioners.


CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROCESS
Confirmation preparation is the process by which teens begin to take on the responsibility of their own faith formation.  Meanwhile, parents and sponsors support and encourage them to prioritize activities and people that will help them become all God has created them to be.  This formation is different than the primary religious education classes to date. The goal is for young teens to transition from being taught what to believe, to exploring their own beliefs and choosing a personal relationship with Christ lived out in service/ministry to others.

"Caring Groups" are 10-12 teens and two adult leaders in a 2-year formation process. 

• Year I “Caring Groups” will use the 8 sessions of “Gifted With The Spirit” from Pflaum Publications. 
• Year II “Caring Groups” will use the 8 sessions of “Confirmed in the Spirit” from Loyola Press. 
• ALL CANDIDATES will attend the 11:00 a.m.  SUNDAY MASS immediately followed by the Formation sessions which will end at 1:00 p.m.

SERVICE EXPERIENCES
God created us to know, love, and serve God so we can be happy with God forever. Confirmation is a commissioning rather than a graduation to start this journey.  Part of preparation is experiencing the service of mercy and justice that Jesus lived throughout his life, as well as the Sacraments, liturgies and rituals of the Church he established.  

During this High School Confirmation process, Candidates are asked to participate in 3 Christian Service areas:

Two in the category of: Parish/Diocese service or ministry experience

One in the category of: Community service experience 

The Youth Ministry office and Caring Group leaders will offer options in these areas throughout the year.  We suggest teens work together, however we recognize that schedules and interests differ so families are welcome to find experiences that best fit your teen. Families are encouraged and most welcome to do this together.


CONFIRMATION RETREAT
The Diocese of Paterson requires that all Confirmation Candidates attend at least one retreat during their 2 year preparation.  Resurrection will provide a local option for Year II candidates. The date will be publicized well in advance.  Those who are unable to attend, will have to work with the office to find another option at a different parish.  This may not be ideal for many candidates. We recommend that every effort be made to prioritize the retreat created for our young parishioners.


COMMITMENT
We ask that parents and teens take the Confirmation preparation process seriously as we believe that the benefit of a strong faith life is nothing short of peace and joy in this life and eternal happiness in the next. For our part, the parish and the Confirmation office will work diligently to keep the process meaningful, engaging and relevant.
​​
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
 
Year I

• • Rite of Welcoming
  • 10 Caring Group Meetings
  • Service Experiences (individual or with a group)
  • Sponsor exploration and selection
  • Patron Saint exploration ( optional choice of taking a saints name)

Year 11

• • Rite of Enrollment
  • 10 Caring Group Meetings
  • Service experiences(individual or with a group)
  • Confirmation Retreat (required by Diocese) with the Sacrament of Reconciliation

  
Year III

• • Final catechetical session with Sunday Mass
  • Rehearsal "Mass of the Holy Spirit"
  • Confirmation with Bishop Sweeney (usually a Tuesday night in early October)

Students who attend Catholic High School will receive their Theology and Formation, Service Ministry, and Retreat as part of their experience at the Catholic High School. Students will not be listed in Religious Formation/Confirmation Caring Groups at Resurrection Parish. Their name will be put on our ""Catholic School list" and we will keep you informed as to their celebration of Confirmation here at Resurrection as a Junior and get you the forms for preparing the Confirmation certificate and the option of choosing a "Confirmation Saint's name."

For questions, contact:
Linda Magistro; Confirmation Coordinator
973-452-3768
[email protected]