Dear Parents,                                                                                           September 14, 2018
 
Thank you for entrusting us to help you with the religious formation of your children.

The Confirmation program is a 2 year process according to the guidelines put out by the Archdiocese of Portland. There are a few things that we will require of your child/children.

Dear Parent/Guardian
The Sacrament of Confirmation is an amazing opportunity in our faith journey!  Through this Sacrament we are wholly initiated into the Catholic Church and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit which better enable us to live out our faith to the fullest.  With this milestone in our journey comes great responsibility and this sacrament should not be taken lightly.  Our Confirmation program is open to high school students age 13 -18. There is a $50 sacramental fee for Confirmation classes and materials.  We also ask that every student pay $50.00 towards the $160.00 cost for every Confirmandi attending the Mandatory Confirmation Retreat.  Listed below are the expectations required of the Confirmandi (those preparing for Confirmation) by the Archdiocese. We have a two year Confirmation requirement. To complete registration, please read through the expectations carefully.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime.

Katie Phelan
Youth Ministry Coordinator
(503)792-4231 ext 305
(503)929-3901
ym@shstl.com   

Confirmation Requirements
Both 1^st Year and 2^nd Year students planning to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation are expected to be actively involved in Sacred Heart-St. Louis’s parish community.
Active involvement includes, but is not limited to regular attendance to the following:

•        Regular Mass attendance – Confirmation initiates us into full membership with the universal and local church, insisting on a personal commitment to attend Mass each Sunday and Holy Days of Obligation; a willingness to contribute to the Eucharistic celebration by praying, listening, and singing.  
•        Youth Group
•        Youth Leader
•        Teen catechist for Wednesday evening for Grade School Faith Formation
•        Liturgical Ministry (choir, hospitality, altar server, etc.)

•Attendance at every class – Sundays from 11:15am-1:00pm – SEE CALENDAR
If they are unable to come to class on a Sunday please let me know ahead of time if at all possible. I will arrange for them to make up the material that was covered.

• Complete assignments – at each class Confirmandi may receive a short reading and/or discussion questions to go over.  Parents please help your student finish and bring assignments back to the next class.

•Service Projects – There are several service projects throughout the year.  involvement with these is expected.  On sunday, May 5, 2019is our annual Plant Sale and is MANDATORY for every student. (We teach that faith and works makes a complete and active Catholic.)

• Choose a Confirmation Sponsor – (Second Year only) a sponsor is someone who will support you in living the Christian life and will pray with and for you.  Due Oct 14, 2018.

• Turn in copy of Baptismal certificate to Katie Phelan at the Faith Formation Center by October 28th, 2018.

• Choose a Confirmation name & write a brief ‘why I’m choosing this Saint’ reflection - One of the traditional practices in the Church at the time of Confirmation is taking on a saint’s name.  Due January 13, 2019.

• Attend Confirmation Retreat – (Second Year only) at Father Bernard Youth Center (FBYC) in Mt. Angel November 30, 2018-December 2, 2018. (REQUIRED FOR ALL SECOND YEAR CONFIRMATION STUDENTS).  Parents- You will need to transport your child to and from the retreat at the Father Bernard Youth Center in Mt. Angel.  They must arrive by 7:00pm on Friday evening.  I need for everyone to help by providing snacks for the weekend.  Please let me know if you are unable to help with that.  We have 28 people attending.  The rest of the food is provided for the weekend.  The retreat concludes on Sunday morning with Mass at 11:00am and you are invited to join us. You may then take your child home afterwards.  

• Read the Gospel of Mark – presents a good basic understanding of whom Jesus is and his invitation to faith.  Due February 17, 2019.

• Letter to Archbishop Sample- indicating desire to be confirmed – goal is to help Archbishop Sample know a little about you as he prepares to celebrate this awesome sacrament.  Due March 3rd, 2019.

• Interview with Confirmation team – all confirmandi will set up time, during Lent, to meet with a member of the Confirmation team and be expected to know Apostle’s Creed, Seven Sacraments, Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, Ten Commandments, and Our Father to name a few.

• Written reflection on liturgical service – service is part of our call as Catholic Christians, after actively participating in at least 2 Masses/liturgies (altar server, choir, hospitality, etc.) for Sacred Heart-St. Louis Parish; a written reflection is required. Due March 17^th, 2019.

I NEED SOME HELP 
Drivers for activities throughout the year.  (If you are able to drive, I have a driver form that will need to be filled out)

Anyone willing to bring treats for the kids on the days we have class. We have about 60 kids in our program.  Chips, cookies, fruit, veggies, tamales, anything would be great!
 
Thank you all and God Bless,

Katie Phelan
Youth Minister
Sacred Heart-St. Louis Parish
605 7th St.
Gervais, OR 97026
Jr. High and High School Faith Formation (HSFF)
503-792-4231 I am in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:00am-3:00pm. 
ym@shstl.org

Jr. High/High School Faith Formation

"The most effective catechetical programs for adolescents are integrated into a comprehensive program of pastoral ministry for youth that includes catechesis, community life, evangelization, justice and service, leadership development, pastoral care, and prayer and worship. Such programs aim to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community; and to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person" (National Directory for Catechesis, p. 201).

For more information please contact Katie Phelan, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, at (503) 792-4231.