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Confirmation
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The Sacrament of Confirmation
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For further information please contact Mary Garlow, Director of Faith Formation at [email protected] or call 248-647-6068.
About The Celebration of Confirmation
Confirmation strengthens baptism and leads to a greater communion in the Eucharist. These three Sacraments form a unity and together are the Sacraments of Initiation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Confirmation is not a sacrament of Christian maturity marking a rite of passage into adult faith. It is not a decision point for youth to decide if they intend to be Catholic for life. Baptismal grace is free and unmerited and does not need ratification (CCC 1308).
At OLQM, Confirmation normally takes place in the spring of eighth grade. Preparation for the Sacrament aims at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit’s actions, gifts, and biddings (CCC 1309). In particular, we strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the universal Church but in particular to the parish community of faith.
Confirmation Preparation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a Personal Pentecost which sends us on mission. Building upon the instruction received in the OLQM School or Religious Education department, the Confirmation program at OLQM provides opportunities to grow in knowledge of the faith, reflect on what it means to be a fully initiated Catholic and engage in the workings of the parish and Church.
Children who have not been in religious education classes consistently through grade 7 will not be able to enter into the Confirmation program in Grade 8 without a makeup program. Please contact Mrs. Garlow in the Faith Formation Office to discuss your child’s formation needs.
Adolescent Spirituality and the Role of Parents
As they grow, young people naturally enter a questioning phase in their spiritual development. Properly respected, this phase can ultimately lead to the internalizing and owning of the faith. Understanding that parents and families play the most important role in faith formation, the Confirmation preparation program is specifically designed for unified involvement and support at every level. We invite parents to be involved in outreach projects, family formation events and liturgical celebrations. These shared experiences reinforce the importance of living the Catholic Faith.
Confirmation Ministry Requirements
Ministry projects help Confirmation Candidates understand what it means to be an active member of the parish and how Christ works through us, his disciples. These projects, coordinated through the Office of Christian Service and other outreach opportunities, are designed to evangelize, help youth discern God’s plan for them and allow Confirmation coordinators to assess the Candidate’s understanding of and desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
During preparation, confirmation Candidates are asked to participate in a minimum of 2 - one time commitment projects or activities such as listed here and one project that requires repeated commitment.
A theological reflection form will be handed in following the one time commitment activities.
Candidates must fill out the reflection thoroughly and return it to the RE office within one (1) week of the project. The reflection sheet becomes part of their confirmation folder and is the method used to record participation in the event.
Please note that attendance at each of these projects or gatherings is expected from beginning to end.
One time commitment (choose 2 different options)
Lunches of Love Project
Donut Sunday Service
Christmas Gift Sorting
SOS, St. Pat’s Senior Center, St. Christine’s
Intergenerational Family project
Rebuilding Together
Repeated Commitment (choose 1)
Catechist Aide
Sunday School Aide
Altar Server
Solanus Casey Doorkeepers (with family)
Independent Ministry (with family)
Rosary (Sundays during Advent or Lent)
Please watch the bulletin for additional opportunities
Retreat
Confirmation candidates are expected to participate in a retreat. Either a parent or sponsor will attend this retreat with their candidate.
Baptismal Certificates
The Sacrament of Baptism is the gateway to all other Sacraments. In order to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, baptisms of all candidates must be verified. If the candidate was not baptized or did not receive First Communion at OLQM, please provide a copy of their baptism certificate.
Chosen to be Sent Confirmation Journal
The Confirmation journals for each candidate will be distributed at the parent//candidate meeting. The journal will help Candidates to reflect with their parents on the Sacrament of Confirmation, how God is active in their lives and how they will use their gifts and talents to grow in their faith and share it with others. Journals should be completed and ready to turn in to the FF office by March 11. Lost journals will be replaced at a cost of $5.
Charism Discernment
Each candidate will take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory prior to attending one of the two options for the Charism Workshop. The inventory will show them how God is working through them by means of charisms in order to reach others. A parent will need to attend the charism workshop with their child.
Confirmation Sponsors
The selection of a Confirmation sponsor is an important part of the Sacrament. Remember these guidelines when choosing a sponsor: A qualified sponsor is a Confirmed, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church over the age of 16. Parents may not be sponsors since it is their role to raise their children in the faith and a sponsors role is to assist in this endeavor (Canon Law #874) and to ensure the Confirmed person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations inherent in this Sacrament (Canon Law #892).
Interviews
Candidates will take part in an interview with a member of the Pastoral staff before Confirmation. These interviews will take place in peer to peer setting and give insight into the Candidates understanding and desire for the Sacrament. Confirmation journals need to be complete and turned in prior to the interviews.
Communication: Keeping Informed.
Please keep an eye on the OLQM bulletin for information regarding program events and opportunities.
Mary Garlow, Director
Bridget Cavanaugh, Administrative Assistant
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Contact Us
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Mrs. Mary Garlowmgarlowolqm-parish.orgDirector of Faith Formation and Evangelization -
Ms. Bridget Cavanaughbcavanaugholqm-parish.orgFaith Formation Secretary
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