CONFIRMATION PROGRAM INTRODUCTION Grades 8 9 Program Requirements

CONFIRMATION PROGRAM INTRODUCTION Grades 8 & 9 Program Requirements St. Martha’s Church East Providence, Rhode Island

Confirmation Class Opening Prayer Fill the Hearts of Your Faithful In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and we shall be created and you will renew the face of the earth. O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant that by that same Spirit we may be ever wise and rejoice in His consolations. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Amen. 2

A Review of the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook of Course Requirements • • Calendar/Schedule Class Attendance Note Books Quizzes, Tests and Exams Mass Attendance Sponsors Service Project Hours Saint Name: Research Paper 3

2020 -2021 4

Confirmation Program Handbook • Take this handbook home with you and keep it in a safe place. • It contains all information, dates and forms for the entire year of Confirmation II. • Guard it with you life!! Even if it blows out of your hand on the way home and it goes out into the street in front of a speeding bus…jump out in front of the bus to save the handbook! 5

Calendar for Confirmation II (Second Sheet – Yellow) • Calendar for Confirmation Classes 2020 -2021 • • September 4, 2020 September 11, 2020 September 18, 2020 September 25, 2020 No Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 October 5, 2020 October 12, 2020 October 19, 2020 October 26, 2020 October 30, 2020 November 6, 2020 November 13, 2020 November 20, 2020 November 27, 2020 December 4, 2020 December 11, 2020 December 18, 2020 December 25, 2020 Class 4 No Class 5 Class 6 Class 7 Class 8 Class 9 Class 10 No Class 11 Class 12 Class 13 No Class • • • • Classes Start Next Week Classes Begin Columbus Day Weekend All Sponsor Certificates Due Sponsor Parent Workshop after class 7: 00 Thanksgiving Day Weekend Penance/Confessions Christmas Vacation 6

Confirmation Program Handbook General Parish Information (White – Page 1) St. Martha’s Church 2595 Pawtucket Avenue East Providence, RI 02914 (401) 434 -4060 2020 - 2021 Confirmation Program Handbook Parish Staff Rev. David E. Green, Pastor Rev. Mr. Dominic P. Di. Orio, Deacon Assistant & RCIA Mr. Matthew J. Burns, Director of Religious Education Mr. Anthony Prattico, Parish Secretary-Bookkeeper Mass Schedule Daily Mass Monday-Saturday Sunday Obligation Saturday Vigil Sundays 9: 00 am 4: 00 pm 8: 30 am 11: 00 am 5: 00 pm (September to May) etc. 7

Class Attendance • All Students Must Attend All Classes – The only excuse would be if you are dying! – Be prompt for class (don’t be late). – Be attentive and listen – Take notes 8

Classroom Behavior • All Students must conduct themselves with respect, manners and quiet. > Cell phone use is not permitted, nor texting. > Students found using cell phones will have their phones taken from them. > If Father Green has to speak a third time to correct your behavior, there will be a phone call to parents/guardians. > If the bad behavior persists the student will be dismissed from this year’s program and may resume it next year. 9

Classroom Behavior • • • There is no chewing of gum or candy allowed. Limit one restroom visit. Face masks must be worn. One person per table. Sanitize your hands. Cough or sneeze into you elbow. 10

From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook Class Attendance • CLASSES: • SEPTEMBER - APRIL: Classes for Grade 8 will consist of twenty-four (24) one hour sessions with the students in the classroom on Sunday evenings 6 -7. 11

Notebooks • Each student will be given a notebook – Your name is on the front cover! – Take notes on what is being taught. – Very often I will tell you what is important to take down in your notes. – Any and all material you write in your notes will be yours to use for tests and exams. – All tests and exams will be OPEN NOTEBOOK. – Notebooks will be collected and graded from time to time for content. 12

1 3 Notebook s • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook NOTE BOOKS AND JOURNALS: A complete learning experience involves study, prayer, open discussion and active involvement. To help the students to study and know their faith, each student will keep important notes of each class in a Note Book which will be provided for them. To help the students pray and reflect upon what they have studied, learned and discussed and each student will keep a Journal as part of the Note Book. Time and reflection questions will be given periodically during class for students to written in their Journals. Participation in class discussions and the asking of pertinent questions are encouraged, expected and welcomed throughout the entire course of study.

1 4 • Noteb ooks From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook NOTE BOOKS AND JOURNALS: Keep your notebooks neat and clean. Do not scribble, doodle or put graffiti on the cover, inside the cover or on any page of the notebook. Upon inspection, if doodling is found, it will result in the loss of 5 points on the next exam.

Chapter 6: Made by God Ø Even though God has revealed himself to us in and through Jesus, people still ask the questions of life. Ø They are the questions about God AND about people. Who are we? Where do we come from? Why are we here? Ø As we try to figure out and understand the nature of God we also try to figure out our own human nature. (Here is a typical slide from a class presentation) Students must date and title their notes as above. This gives you quick access to references. It keeps your information organized. 15

How to take notes!! Students must date and title their notes as above. This gives you quick access to references. It keeps your information organized. 16

Taking Notes During Class N O I T A NTI = TA S B U ANS TR If and when something appears in the PPP in BOLD and UNDERLINED and CAPITAL letters followed by an equal sign (=) … …be sure to get it down in your note book. These are key words and their definitions. I will also alert you to when something should go in your notes. 17

Quizzes, Tests and Exams • Quizzes, Tests and Exams will be given. – Everything and anything you put in your notes you may use to answer the questions of those quizzes, tests & exams – Learning method: • You hear it and listen to it • You write it • You look it up and you read it • You write it again in your answer 18

Quizzes, Tests and Exams • From the Official 2020 - 2021 Confirmation Handbook QUIZZES AND EXAMS: Students will be required to take and pass periodic Quizzes and Exams during the preparation program this year. These Quizzes and Exams will reflect the material covered in class. Students will be advised in advance of all tests. All quizzes and exams for grade 9 are in "open notebook" format. 19

Mass Attendance • All Students Must Attend Mass on the Weekends – Students should consider attending the 5: 00 pm Mass on Sunday nights as a class. – This is right before class begins at 6: 00 pm. – Students will be coordinated by Fr. Green to take part in this Mass: • To do the readings • To serve Mass • To take up the collections • Bring up the gifts 20

Mass Attendance • From the Official 2020 - 2021 Confirmation Handbook MASS PARTICIPATION: #123 The parish Confirmation program includes education in Liturgy, with the candidates sharing liturgical study and actual planning for their own Masses. (Guidelines for the Administration of the Sacraments, Diocese of Prov. 1886, page 9) WEEKLY ATTENDANCE AT MASS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST!!!! Sign-In Sheet Regular Mass attendance every weekend is also a requirement for the Confirmation Program and is also in accord with keeping the 3 rd Commandment. NB: Sign-in sheets have been discontinued. 21

Sponsors • From the Official 2020 - 2021 Confirmation Handbook SPONSORS: Each student must choose a Sponsor. The choice of a Sponsor for Confirmation is a very important one. It is an honor to be chosen as a Sponsor, but there is much more to the role than just the honor. The following should be some innate qualities in your Sponsor. 22

Sponsors • From the Official 2020 - 2021 Confirmation Handbook 1) The Sponsor witnesses to his/her faith, prays and attends Mass and the Sacraments on a regular basis 2) A Sponsor is a real friend; someone whom a candidate can trust and confide in; someone who is ready to give advice when asked; someone who is "there" when the candidate needs them. 3) A Sponsor is a guide, a good "listener" who is ready to give advice when asked; one whose experience as a practicing Catholic is an invaluable source for helping the candidate to make decisions about their own life as a Catholic. 2 3

Sponsors • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook 4) A Sponsor takes an interest in the program which the candidate is following and will be ready to accept the invitations they are extended to take part in the special liturgies celebrated during the preparation period. 5) A Sponsor knows the candidate well enough to say before the entire parish community, when the time comes, that they are someone who is choosing freely to be confirmed and is ready for Confirmation. 2 4

Sponsors • From the Official 2020 - 2021 Confirmation Handbook SPONSOR CERTIFICATES: Grade 9 A Sponsor Certificate is provided by the CCD Program for each student to present to their Sponsor. Each Sponsor must fill in the appropriate information about themselves on the top half of the form. It will then be necessary for the Sponsor to take the Sponsor Certificate to their own pastors who must fill out the additional required information on the form. These are the GREEN forms in this packet. These Certificates must be returned to Fr. Green On October 29, 2020. 2 5

Sponsor/Parent Workshop • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook SPONSOR/PARENT WORKSHOP: #126 Parents and Sponsors are to be carefully instructed throughout the year(s) on the meaning & theology of the Sacrament of Confirmation. #127 Prior to actual selection of a sponsor, both candidates and parents should be instructed on the role and responsibility of a sponsor. This catechesis should occur early in the parish program for sacramental preparation. (Guidelines for the Administration of the Sacraments, Diocese of Prov. 1886, page 11) 26

Sponsor/Parent Workshop • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook SPONSOR/PARENT WORKSHOP: There will be a Sponsor/Parent Workshop scheduled during the program year to serve the purpose of instructing and informing Sponsors and parents of their part in the preparation of the candidate for Confirmation. The date of this Meeting: Sunday, November 1, 2020 , 7: 00 pm in the Church (directly after class) Students may attend but are not required. 27

Sponsors • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook Confirmation Sponsor Requirements (Candidate should give this guideline page to the Sponsor they choose) Choosing a Sponsor 1. The sponsor of a Candidate will act as a “guide, ” helping to direct the Candidate’s faith journey. 2. The sponsor should be a good listener, a person who the Candidate can trust, and someone who will provide comfort, consolation, and advice in times of crises or doubt. 3. A sponsor should have known the Candidate over the years that he/she has been maturing. 4. The role of the sponsor extends beyond the Confirmation liturgy, and well into the Candidate’s life of faith. 5. Sponsors often lead by example, witnessing by their own life how one can live as a Catholic Christian in the 21 st century. ETC. 28

Sponsors • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook (the green sheet) 29

Service Project Hours • More information will be coming on this requirement. (See the student handbook). • Being a committed Catholic means we put our faith into practice; loving our neighbor. • Each student will perform a 25 hours of service to others. 30

Service Project Hours • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook SERVICE PROJECTS and SERVICE PROJECT TIME SHEETS: #121 The parish program includes a service project experience of at least twenty-five (25) hours, directed and evaluated by a parish staff field person (Fr. Green). (Guidelines for the Administration of the Sacraments, Diocese of Prov. 1886, page 11) 31

Service Project Hours • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook A Service Project is an organized experience in which the candidate reaches out beyond him/herself to help another person. It is an answer to the Gospel challenge to love our neighbor as Jesus loves us. It seeks no personal repayment of any kind. A Service Project is faith in action. Candidates must complete 25 hours of service over the course of the school year. Suggestions for Service will be provided to each student along with a Service Project Time Sheet (to record their service projects, hours and be signed by the person(s) for whom they have served). These are the BLUE forms in this packet. These forms are due March 28, 2021. 32

Suggestions for Service Project Hours q • • • q q q q Ministries at 5: 00 pm Sunday Masses. Lectoring (Doing the Readings & Prayer of the Faithful) Serving the Mass Taking up the Collection Nursing Home Visits I have contacts at both Hattie Ide Chaffee and Eastgate Nursing Homes here in East Providence. Contact Fr. Green if you are interested. Serving/Waiting on tables at Parish Dinners Helping with Fish and Chips Friday Nights During Lent Washing pots and pans for Malassadas Weekend Helping our Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Organize a food drive Help stock the shelves of the food pantry Join the Society as Junior Members Thanksgiving Baskets Assembling and Delivering Help to decorate the church at Christmas Time Become a member of a Youth Choir we are about to form. Organize your classmates in some worthwhile project you create Help set up and tear down class room walls between class days. 33

Service Project Hours Tracking Sheet (Blue Sheet) 34

Parish Service is a must! • All students must participate in at least two or all opportunities for service at parish events. 35

Saints Name: Research Report • • Each student will pick a new name; usually the name of a favorite saint. • When Jesus called people to follow Him and serve with Him He often changed their names to show the newness of life to which He called them… – Simon He renamed Peter – Saul He renamed Paul You will research your favorite saint; learn more about how they followed the Lord & why they are a great example to you. 3 6

Saints Name: Research Report • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook SAINT RESEARCH PROJECT & CONFIRMATION NAME: As part of the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation a student may choose a new name to be added to the name given to them at baptism by their parents. The name that is to be chosen must be the name of a Catholic Saint (e. g. St. Joseph, St. Theresa, etc. ) or a notable person from the Old Testament (e. g. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Moses etc. ). The Saint or Biblical person should be someone whom the candidate admires and tries to imitate. The Saint then becomes a special patron and a friend of the candidate for life. A candidate may wish to take the same name given to them at baptism. This is an option. In either case, the candidate is asked to do a special Research Project on the Saint or Biblical Person. They are due March 14, 2021. 37

Evaluations • From the Official 2020 -2021 Confirmation Handbook EVALUATIONS: Each student will be finally evaluated before receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. All aspects and requirements of the program, from start to finish, will be considered in making these final Evaluations. While no candidate can be denied the sacrament, they can be delayed or deferred until next year if they are found to be uncooperative, disinterested, and/or unprepared. #125 Evaluations should attend to all program components and the candidate's own personal development. (Guidelines for the Administration of the Sacraments, Diocese of Prov. 1886, page 11) 38

Questions and Answers 39

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