CONFIRMATION

1. CONFIRMATION Level 1 Parent Orientation

2. Why do you want the Sacrament of Confirmation for your teen? • (Go to YouTube & search for “Chris Stefanick on Kingdom Building for CHOSEN: Your Journey Toward Confirmation” to watch a 2 minute sample video from the curriculum we will be using)

3. Email Address: confirmation@saintkateriparish.org Confirmation Website: www.skconfirmation.org (was www.bkconfirmation.org) Confirmation Office Phone Number: 661-296-3180 Ext 7908

4. The Goal for Confirmation Preparation is Discipleship Discipleship means to make a conscious decision to follow Jesus in the midst of His church and to direct one’s life with this always in mind. In other words, our goal is to help the teens served by High School Confirmation develop a personal relationship with Jesus that affects how they live their life on a daily basis.

5. The Confirmation Sacrament is a celebration of our faith in the Holy Spirit. After Baptism, along with the Eucharist, it completes the baptismal graces and fully initiates the baptized as an adult member of God’s adopted family. • High School Confirmation Prep is intended to bring about conversion in the hearts of teens so they see Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life and therefore come to the Sacrament with hearts properly disposed to receive it.

6. Who is invited to participate in High School Confirmation Prep Level 1? * Teens entering 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall of 2014 * 9th, 10th, or 11th graders can complete their 2nd year of preparation in High School Confirmation * 12th graders will complete their 2nd year in Adult Confirmation * Weekly mass attendance is expected of students enrolled in High School Confirmation Prep

7. Format 2 Sunday sessions per month Teens meet in the hall at 4pm promptly 4-4:30pm Large group session where catechesis is covered via video, review games and live speakers Small group sessions 4:35-5:15pm Mass 5:30-6:30pm (teens escorted to sanctuary by their facilitator)

8. Small Group Structure & Discipleship • Each small group will have 7 teens (ideally), 1 adult facilitator and 1 Confirmed Teen Peer Leader • Small groups stays the same for whole 2 year process • Team & trust building games/activities designed to build community within the small group • Trusting dynamic within the small group is essential for a teen’s journey to discipleship

9. Additional Elements • Welcome to Confirmation Prep! on Saturday, June 14 at 4:45pm (Youth mass & then Life Teen Freshman Welcome BBQ on patio after) • 1 Retreat Experience per year • Christian Living • Attendance at 1 or more of Triduum masses during Holy Week • Reconciliation (at Penance Services or weekly offered) • Confirmation Preparation Rites during mass • Life Teen always open on Saturday evenings to teens • Discernment Interview 1 time per year • Sponsors • Parent & Sponsor Formation Sessions

10. Catechesis The Goal of Catechesis is to bring about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. • Saint Kateri High School Confirmation has adopted a new curriculum with this goal in mind • “CHOSEN: Your Journey Toward Confirmation” • www.AscensionPress.com • Video Driven “Plug & Play” • Leader Guide available to check out or view in the Confirmation office • DVD’s available to view in Confirmation office by appointment • Students receive their own CHOSEN resource to keep and use as reference & personal journal for whole 2 year process • Parent and Sponsor Guides from CHOSEN are excellent resources and provide “Conversation Starters” (available for purchase through the Confirmation office)

11. Scripture • Students will each receive a personal copy of the New American Bible at the Rite of Promise on November 16 • Same version of Scripture that is read at mass • Facilitators will guide them during small group time on how to find the readings they will hear at mass in their bible

12. Confirmation Prep Welcome • Saturday, June 14 4:45-5:15pm • Information & Forms needed to begin Christian Living over the summer will be covered Ex: VBS • Volunteering for Vacation Bible School would fulfill 1 Christian Living Experience • All teens invited to Youth mass at 5:30pm • Parents please attend mass w/teen • Life Teen Freshman Welcome BBQ on the patio immediately following mass

13. Retreats • 1 Weekend Retreat per year of Confirmation Prep • Luggage drop off for retreat is Thursday, October 23 6pm-7:30pm in Hall 3 • Medications are checked in at retreat drop off on Friday at 5:30pm • A pizza dinner will be provided at Saint Kateri during retreat drop off • Teens all ride on buses to retreat center: Salvation Army Camp Mt. Crags 26801 Dorothy Dr, Calabasas • Retreat Contract will be part of registration packet • Teens return for Wrap Up with parents in the hall about 2 pm • Wrap Up will last about 45minutes

14. Christian Living * Each teen asked to participate or serve in 5 different ministries throughout the year. * Purpose is to provide opportunities to explore some of the 50+ ministries offered at our parish * One page worksheet to be completed for each of the 5 experiences will be available on the website with the goal of finding out who the ministry serves and how that ministry helps others in their lived relationship with Christ * Options available year round will be posted on the website and one time options emailed blasted to all Level 1 Confirmation families as they arise * 2 of the 5 will be completed in the already established Level 1 schedule * Level 2 students will join a ministry to fulfill Christian Living component

15. Holy Week/Triduum • All teens attend at least 1 of 3 of the following Triduum masses • 1. April 2 7-8:30pm Mass of the Lord’s supper with washing of feet • 2. April 3 1pm Good Friday Mass including Veneration of the Cross • 3. April 3 7:30pm Good Friday Mass including Veneration of the Cross • Teens that attend training on March 22 3-4pm may serve during the Triduum and to fulfill a Christian Living • FYI Hart District Spring Break is Monday, April 6-Friday, April 10

16. Reconciliation • Sacrament of Reconciliation is crucial to preparing for a properly disposed heart when receiving the Sacrament • Level 1 Teens will be encouraged to start frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation after their February 22 session “Why tell my sins to a priest? The Healing Power of Confession” • Teens may attend Reconciliation during an Advent Penance Service, Lenten Penance Service or Confession times offered weekly at local parishes

17. High School Confirmation Rites • 1st Time offered at Saint Kateri as part of High School Confirmation in our new Church • Rite of Promise during Sunday 5:30 mass after Confirmation session on November 16 • Sponsor presence requested as they are part of the rite • A parent may stand in for a sponsor for Rites only, not the Confirmation ceremony • Opportunity for public commitment to Confirmation Journey • Opportunity to connect candidates to wider parish community and for the parish community to show their loving support

18. Discernment Interviews • Designed to help confirmandi, aka teens in the Confirmation preparation process, to discern where they are in their relationship with Jesus, their readiness to continue on the Confirmation Preparation journey and the ministry in the parish to which God may be calling them • Scheduled in 20 minute intervals on April 14, 15 or 16

19. Confirmation Saint • Teens encouraged to find a saint that inspires them personally • Teens will be asked to complete a report about their saint over the summer between Level 1 and Level 2 • Teens will be able to declare a Confirmation Saint Name

20. Life Teen • The most prolific youth ministry in the Catholic Church • Life Teen is separate from Confirmation but open to all Confirmandi • Teens can bring their friends, all high school students are welcome • Participation in Life Teen is highly encouraged • Leads teens closer to Christ by participating in lively youth masses and offering a fun, teen-centered community in which to grow in faith • Saint Kateri Youth Mass is every Saturday at 5:30pm • Following the Youth Mass, Life Teen ministers and CORE members lead “Life Nights” that start with a yummy dinner • Life Nights Themes are either faith-building, social or deal with current teen issues • Is a drop in program, after registering for the first night of attendance teens are welcome to come as often or as little as works for them • 2 Inspiring retreats offered each year, one in the summer & one in the winter • Current 8th graders are eligible to attend Life Teen Retreat this July • Check out their website for more info: www.bkym.org or the Life Teen International site www.lifeteen.com

21. Choosing a Sponsor • The best sponsor is someone that is truly excited about their Catholic faith and wants to share it with your teen • Must be 18 years old and a Confirmed, practicing Catholic • May be male or female • May not be a parent • Eligible to receive the Sacraments and expected to receive Holy Communion at the Mass of Confirmation • Sponsors are asked to commit to being in regular contact (weekly ideal) with their candidate so they can share their faith, answer questions and discuss the Confirmation journey. Text, skype, email, snail mail, social media, phone calls, etc are all valid avenues • Sponsors are asked to commit to attending 3 Parent & Sponsor Formation Sessions • Sponsor guides from CHOSEN are available for purchase through the Confirmation office

22. Confirmation Preparation is a Family Journey • Parents asked to commit to attending 3 Parent & Sponsor formations • Parent and family members’ attitudes greatly affect their teen’s experience • Confirmation Preparation provides the time and space for teens to explore and decide what they believe in so they can experience the invitation to Jesus’ call personally. • This invitation and opportunity to make faith in Jesus and His Church their own will only be effective if your teen is supported by you prayerfully, vocally and physically • Momentum, frequent participation, is crucial to growth in faith and understanding therefore regular attendance needs to be a family priority

23. Parent & Sponsor Formation • 4:15-5:15pm in the Sanctuary 3 times during the year during your teens’ Confirmation session • September 14, November 16 and February 22 • Covers some of the same topics Level 1 teens are exploring • Videos from CHOSEN curriculum will be used (you will see some of the videos your teens will see!) • Designed to encourage conversations & interaction with your teen as well as inspire parents & sponsors • If unable to attend all three, attendance at a Level 2 Parent & Sponsor Formation Session is requested or attending another parish wide formation opportunity. Check page 7 labeled “FORMATION” in the Saint Kateri bulletin for parish wide opportunities • Parents will be asked to sign a covenant committing to Formation attendance as part of registration process • Sponsors will be asked to sign a covenant committing to Formation attendance and frequent contact with their candidate at the November 16 session (same day as Rite of Promise)

24. The Confirmation Program Needs Volunteers How can you help? • Become a facilitator-this ministry will not happen without facilitators • Office Help (days, weekends or evenings) • Set Up before sessions • Audio Visual help during sessions • We provide training. All we need are willing hearts to commit their time! Please email us confirmation@saintkateriparish.org if you are interested.

25. Registration • Opens April 23, 2014 • Cost is $300.00 – all materials and level 1 retreat costs are included in registration fee • Payable by check

26. Registration cont’d Items needed to gather BEFORE starting the online registration process • Baptismal Certificate • First Communion Certificate • Sponsor’s name and email • Emergency Contact information • Health Insurance Information • Print out a copy of the Level 1 Schedule and make sure our scheduled meet times will work for your family(available on the registration page at www.skconfirmation.org)

27. How to register • Go to our website • www.skconfirmation.org • Click on REGISTRATION • Click on the link for Level 1 • Enter registration access code SKCL1 (code is case sensitive, be sure to use all capital letters) • Enter registration information as prompted • Print out all materials as prompted and mail them to Saint Kateri Confirmation office along with full payment • You will receive an email confirming submission of registration once paper work and payment has been processed your registration is complete.

28. Frequently Asked Questions • What if I do not have a sponsor committed to my teen by November 16? Parents may stand in for sponsors during a rite, but are asked to find a sponsor no later than Level 1 Discernment Interviews in April • What if I cannot find a sponsor? Email the Confirmation office at confirmation@saintkateriparish.org and we will try you find someone in the parish to match with your teen • Can I request that my teen be placed with a friend in their small group? Yes, there will be a space for that on the registration form. Your friend’s request must match up with your own friend’s request. Please use honest discretion when deciding to request a friend in your teen’s small group. Only request a friend if you truly believe it will help your teen experience transformation on this Confirmation Preparation journey. Do not request one if that relationship will be a distraction or cause for your teen to not bond with others in their small group. We will provide ample time and fun opportunities at the beginning of Level 1 (especially on retreat) for small groups to get to know each other.

29. FAQ’s cont’d • What if we are attending mass as a family earlier in the weekend, does my teen have to stay for mass? No. A parent may retrieve their teen from their facilitator in the sanctuary before mass. We hope you will choose to attend the Sunday 5:30 mass when your teen does, but we also strongly encourage attendance at the 5:30pm Saturday Youth Mass (with Life Teen available after!) We are thrilled to offer lots of options for mass attendance here at Saint Kateri. • What are some other ways to fulfill the Christian Living component? Christian Living is new so we are still meeting with the ministry leaders in order to fully integrate the component. Some more examples of Christian Living we hope to be able to offer are: serving at mass as an usher/bringing up the gifts/greeting, attending a session of a Life Teen bible study, trying out being in the choir or band at mass, helping decorate the sanctuary with our Environment ministry, assisting as a “peer leader in training” during a Monday night Jr. High Edge volunteer, assisting in an elementary or Little Church RE classroom, serving at Sunday Hospitality, helping in the Gift Shoppe, etc.

30. FAQ’s cont’d • What if I am unable to afford the $300 registration fee right now? We do have payment and reduced fee options. Please email the office at confirmation@saintkateriparish.org to request an fee reduction application. • What if my teen misses a session? Can they make it up? Not really. There will not be a make up lesson provided. The teens’ CHOSEN resource does have a summary of the main points covered during each lesson. There is really no way to replicate the small group discussion experience, which is where we anticipate the most transformative experiences during Sunday meetings. However, the CHOSEN videos are very engaging. If your teen misses a session, we hope to offer a way for the videos segments to be viewed at a later time. As of right now, we have not established a format in which to provide this. • What if we discontinue during the year, do we get a refund? If the Confirmation office is notified at least 1 week before the retreat, we can refund $200. 2/3rds of the registration fee goes directly to retreat costs. The rest go to material costs that are expended or budgeted for based on the number of enrolleesat the close of registration

31. FAQ’s cont’d • How many sessions can my teen miss and still remain in the program? This question would need to be answered on a case by case basis. Humans get sick, grandmas turn 100 and teams earn their way to national championships. In other words, there are certain events in life that are unavoidable or so special that one must not miss them. When important events like these conflict with a meeting time, we ask that you just let your teen’s facilitator know. If a teen misses a session and we have not heard from them, we will follow up to make sure all is well. If a teen misses more than that, we will also follow up and try to help your family discern if the Confirmation preparation we are offering is able to meet the needs of your teen and family schedules. If your teen will be committing to something during the 2014-15 year that will frequently conflict with the scheduled meetings, we ask you to either wait to start the preparation process another year or look into the Confirmation processes offered at the other parishes in our area.

32. FAQ’s cont’d • What if my teen has to miss part or all of the retreat? Teens need to attend the whole retreat. Arriving late, leaving early or missing a portion diminishes the experience for your teen and the others in their small group. If you already know your teen will not be able to attend the retreat for Level 1 on October 24-26, please reconsider registering for Level 1 this year. The goal of High School Confirmation is discipleship. Building a strong bond of trust within each small group is crucial towards reaching that goal. The main goal of the Level 1 retreat is to create that bond, regular attendance at small group will merely be able to keep that bond going. If your teen is not part of the original bonding experience with their small group, obtaining it otherwise will be extremely difficult. • What if my teen has special needs? If your teen has special needs, please be sure to indicate it on the registration form. We do adapt to the needs of the individual teen and the more communication that can happen between the Confirmation team and parents, the better we can serve them.

33. FAQ’S cont’d • What sort of formation or experience do you require of the facilitators and peer leaders? All of our facilitators and peer leaders are volunteers. All adult volunteers are fingerprinted and Virtus trained. While some of the facilitators are experienced, meaning they have facilitated for Confirmation before, many of them will be volunteering for the first time. We do provide training for our facilitators and peer leaders over the summer in leading small groups and helping others along in their discipleship journey that is geared specifically toward helping teenagers. We also meet with our facilitators and peer leaders once a month during the school year to touch base on how their small group sessions are going and provide additional formation.

34. Thank you for attending Have a blessed evening