Confirmation Preparation and Beyond
Tools and Ideas for Preparation for the Sacrament Please consult the Diocese of Youngstown "Directory for Catechesis" section C-4 regarding the guidelines regarding Preparation For and Celebration of Confirmation. Questions should be directed to the Office of Religious Education. Items on this page are meant to complement the diocesan policy and resources provided by that office. On YouTube: + BustedHalo.com/Paulist Ministries has a catchy and brief video that provides a great overview for youth and their parents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt32SyDWuW8#t=54 + 24-minute video on the Gifts of the Spirit from "Mysteries of the Church" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-L7JCsBb_uc ---------------------------- St. Mary's Press offers online resources in addition to their print ideas, such as: + Gifts of the Holy Spirit worksheets: http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/4566/ or http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/7237/ + An activity with real life scenarios wherein participants consider how the Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit can help http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/6205/?page=1 + A Powerpoint presentation on Grace http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/6002/ + A short "test" of your knowledge of Confirmation that can be given at the beginning of formation (I think this would be fun with parents and sponsors as well!) http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/resource/6181/ + Pentecost activities and prayers in their Liturgical Resources http://www.smp.org/resourcecenter/category/Pentecost/17/ ------------------------ "The Christian faith is, above all, conversion to Jesus Christ, full and sincere adherence to his person and the decision to walk in his footsteps....
This "Yes" to Jesus Christ, who is the fullness of the revelation of the Father, is twofold: a trustful abandonment to God and a loving assent to al that he has revealed to us." (General Directory for Catechesis, p. 47 (c) 1997, Liberia Editrice Vaticana) |
Beyond the Celebration
Confirmation, along with Baptism and First Eucharist, is a Sacrament of Initiation....not a graduation or completion of something, but the beginning.... Once fully initiated, we are to be led "deeper into the Christian life, celebration of the sacraments, prayer life of the Church and her (the Church's) missionary activity." (National Directory for Catechesis, page 50.) How does your faith community do this? By inviting the fully initiated into service and learning. LITURGICAL MINISTRIES: * Cantor/choir * Lector (Reader) * Usher/Ministers of Hospitality * Those older than 16 years of age can be trained to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist CATECHETICAL SUPPORT: While catechists, chaperones and event drivers must be over age 21 and in full compliance with the Diocesan Child Protection Policy (see < http://youngstownoyyam.weebly.com/1/post/2014/02/the-youngstown-diocesan-child-protection-policy-steps.html > for more on that), teens can be trained to assist with:
YOUTH MINISTRIES: Participants and peer leaders for all your programming to, by, with and for adolescents -- catechesis, evangelization, prayer and worship, community life, service and justice, advocacy, and leadership development.... all done in classrooms, on retreats, at socials, on service trips, at conferences and conventions. Some "youth groups" are also helpful for some parish communities. Look around at other pages on the blogsite for more ideas on YM. Read about some Effective Youth Ministry Models as described by the Center for Ministry Development at: https://cmdnet.org/item/effective-youth-ministry-practices-and-models LARGER PARISH INVOLVEMENT: This is the ultimate goals for Confirmation and Youth Ministries -- to have the faithful involved and participating! WHERE can you see teens being invited in for meaningful participation?
These lists are NOT exhaustive, but intended as springboards for your creative thought.... imagine the possibilities! |
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