CONFIRMATION EXPECTATIONS - Ascension Catholic Church

<strong>CONFIRMATION</strong> <strong>EXPECTATIONS</strong><br />

1. The sacrament of Confirmation completes initiation into the <strong>Catholic</strong> community. Students<br />

approach this sacrament with the encouragement and the support of their parents and family.<br />

From time to time, parents and family members will be asked to work with the confirmand<br />

on several assignments given during the time of preparation. Please be aware that this<br />

process is one which involves the confirmand and the family.<br />

2. The confirmand should be able to articulate tenets of his/her faith. The Nicene Creed, Gifts<br />

of the Spirit, Works of Mercy, Sacraments, etc. will all be part of the formation process.<br />

Through reading and discussion, a better understanding of these aspects of faith should begin<br />

to develop.<br />

3. There are WEEKLY Scripture reflections which are expected of the confirmands. These<br />

take about 15 minutes a week to complete and should be done in conjunction with regular<br />

Mass attendance. They are done at home by the confirmand with the help of his/her<br />

parents. The reflections are to be handed in at the monthly meetings.<br />

4. Confirmands are expected to learn and deepen their understanding of the Gifts of the Spirit.<br />

They are encouraged to develop a recognition and understanding of the action of the Spirit in<br />

their own life. To this end, each confirmand must complete activities including interviews,<br />

current event articles, and worksheets that demonstrate reflection and (personal)<br />

interpretation on what the Gifts mean in your life.<br />

5. The confirmand is expected to demonstrate connectedness with the Parish Community and<br />

the broader local and world community by being involved in some volunteer service<br />

commitment. The minimum expectation is 15 service hours. Students will be expected to<br />

write reflections on these experiences in order to demonstrate what they learned in regards to<br />

the Works of Mercy as well as how they spiritually benefitted from the service.<br />

6. The confirmand is expected to keep a “red binder” that will incorporate all the (written) work<br />

done as part of the Confirmation preparation process. Completion of this binder is a<br />

demonstration that the confirmand has thoroughly thought through all aspects of the<br />

Confirmation process and knows what they are committing to through the Sacrament.<br />

Sections will be: weekly Scripture reflections, the Gifts of the Spirit, service journal, and<br />

other activities.<br />

7. The confirmand is expected to attend 6 monthly meetings (December through May), one<br />

summer meeting with his/her sponsor, a Retreat held in the fall, a September meeting with<br />

his/her sponsor or parent and the Vigil on the night before Confirmation. He/she is also<br />

strongly encouraged to attend the Triduum services during Holy Week and the Easter Vigil.<br />

There are also additional prayer services.<br />

8. Confirmands must complete an interview with the Director of Religious Education ~6months<br />

into their formation. These will be scheduled in late May/early June. The purpose of the<br />

interview is to give the candidate a chance to discuss any doubts or concerns as well as<br />

present his/herself as someone prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The candidates<br />

will also be asked to evaluate their experience when the program is completed.<br />

9. The confirmand is expected to read and be responsible for the material and assignments<br />

given at the Confirmation meetings.

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10. The confirmand is expected to be responsible for his/her own communication with the<br />

Religious Education Office (with the help of parents, as needed) in regard to Registration<br />

forms, Baptismal information, payment of a retreat fee, selection of a sponsor and<br />

communication with that sponsor, and picking up any missed assignments.<br />

11. Confirmands and their families are responsible for hosting the Confirmation reception<br />

for the following year’s Confirmation candidates in October, 2014. This provides an<br />

opportunity to continue their service to the community. As fully initiated members, they are<br />

able to welcome the newly confirmed of our parish into full membership.