2.5 year program
Grades 9-10
Confirmation celebrated in fall of Grade 11
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 the final Sacrament of Initiation into the Catholic Church.
CONFIRMATION PREPARATION PROCESS
Confirmation preparation is the process by which teens begin to take on the responsibility of thier 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. Youth Ministry is different than the primary religious formation 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.
Caring Groups are 10-12 teens and two adult leaders who journey together for 2 years. They meet formally 10 times a year on Sunday nights from 5-6:45pm using a combination of video based instruction, small group activties, speakers and interactive workshops.
FAITH EXPERIENCES
God created us to know Him, love Him and serve Him so we can be happy with Him forever. Confirmation is not a graduation but rather a commissioning to start this journey. Part of preparation is experiencing the service of mercy and justice that Jesus did throughout his life as well as the sacraments, liturgies and rituals of the Church he created.
Each year, Confirmation Candidates are asked to find one faith experience in three different areas.
- Parish or Diocese service
- Community service
- Liturgical/spiritual experience
The Youth Ministry office and Caring Group leaders will offer options in all three 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. Familes are encouraged and welcome to join in as well.
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 10th graders. The date will be publicized well in advance. If a teen is unable to attend, they 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 group.
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. Because we only meet 10 times, we ask that absences to Caring Group meetings be limited to only one per year and that the Sophomore retreat date is solidly on everyone's calendar. For our part, the parish and the Youth Ministry office will work hard to keep the process meaningful, engaging and relevant.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
9th Grade
- Rite of Welcoming
- 10 Caring Group Meetings
- 3 Faith Experiences (individual or with a group)
- Sponsor exploration and selection
- Patron Saint exploration
10th Grade
- Rite of Enrollment
- 10 Caring Group Meetings
- 3 Faith Experiences (individual or with a group)
- Confirmation Retreat (required by Diocese)
11th Grade
- Mass of Introduction
- Reconciliation
- Rehearsal
- Confirmation with Bishop Sweeney (usually a Tuesday night in early October)
For questions, contact:
Shannon Civetta, Youth Minister
973-895-4224 x 108
973-979-7864 cell
scivetta@resurrectionparishnj.org