1. Level 1 Parent Orientation
CONFIRMATION
Level 1
Parent Orientation

2. Why do you want the Sacrament of Confirmation for your teen?

3. Confirmation Website: www.skconfirmation.org
Address:
Confirmation Website:
New Website coming Summer 2015:
Confirmation Office Phone Number:
Ext 7908

4. The Goal for Confirmation Preparation is Discipleship
Discipleship means to make a conscious decision to follow Jesus in the midst of His church and to direct one’s life with this always in mind. In other words, our goal is to help the teens served by High School Confirmation to develop a personal relationship with Jesus that affects how they live their life on a daily basis.

5. The Confirmation Sacrament is a celebration of our faith in the Holy Spirit. The graces received through this Sacrament are intended for individuals wanting to serve through Evangelization, sharing Christ with others, and Martyrdom, dying to self for others and Christ.
High School Confirmation Prep is intended to bring about conversion in the hearts of teens so they see Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life and therefore come to the Sacrament with hearts properly disposed to receive it.

6. Who is invited to participate in High School Confirmation Prep Level 1?
* Teens entering 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall of 2014 * 9th, 10th, or 11th graders can complete their 2nd year of preparation in High School Confirmation * 12th graders will complete their 2nd year in Adult Confirmation (please contact Youth Director if you are enrolling a 12th grader)

7. Catechesis
The Goal of Catechesis is to bring about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Saint Kateri High School Confirmation has adopted a curriculum with this goal in mind
“CHOSEN: Your Journey Toward Confirmation”
Every teen receives their personal copy of the CHOSEN book to use for all two years
Video Driven “Plug & Play”
Leader Guide available to check out or view in the Confirmation office
DVD’s available to view in Confirmation office by appointment
Students receive their own CHOSEN resource to keep and use as reference & personal journal for whole 2 year process
Parent and Sponsor Guides from CHOSEN are excellent resources and provide “Conversation Starters” (available for purchase through the Confirmation office)

8. Sunday Format 2 Sunday sessions per month
Form 4-6:30 (includes 5:30 Mass)
Teens meet in the hall or in their small
group space by 4pm promptly
May be dropped off as early at 3:45pm
Small groups will view video curriculum together & discuss
Mass 5:30-tees go to Mass with their small group
Parents must facilitator in advance or send a note with teen if they are leaving early
No pickup between 5:30pm and 6:30pm so our facilitators can attend Mass with their teens

9. Small Group Structure & Discipleship
Each small group will have 8-9 teens (ideally), 1 adult facilitator and 1 Confirmed Teen Peer Leader
Small groups stays the same for whole 2 year process
Team & trust building games/activities designed to build community within the small group
Trusting dynamic within the small group is essential for a teen’s journey to discipleship
There is a field on the registration form to request up to 2 friends in the small group (can usually guarantee at least 1 friend but often 2)
friend request must go both ways, each must request the other on the registration form

10. Retreats 1 Weekend Retreat per year of Confirmation Prep is required
Level 1 Retreat is October 9-11, 2015 Attendance is required. If a teen knows in advance they are not available that weekend, please contact Youth Director as soon as possible.
Luggage drop off for retreat is Thursday, October 8 6pm- 7:30pm in Hall 3
Medications are checked in at retreat drop off on Friday October 9 at 5pm
A pizza dinner will be provided at Saint Kateri during retreat drop off
Teens all ride on buses to retreat center: The Oaks Retreat Camp in Lake Elizabeth
Retreat Contract will be part of registration packet
Teens return for Wrap Up with parents, family & sponsors in the hall about 2 pm on Sunday, Oct 11
Wrap Up will last about 45minutes – usually includes video

11. Scripture
Students will each receive a personal copy of the New American Bible during Level 1
Same version of Scripture that is read at mass
Facilitators will guide them during small group time on how to find the readings they will hear at mass in their bible

12. Additional Elements Parish Life & Service
Participation in 1 or more of Triduum masses during Holy Week
Reconciliation (at Penance Services or weekly offered)
Rite of Welcome in November
Discernments in the Spring
Sponsors
Parent & Sponsor Formation Sessions
Life Teen

13. Parish Life & Service
Each teen asked to participate or serve in 5 different ministries throughout the year.
Purpose is to provide opportunities to explore some of the 50+ ministries offered at our parish
Reflection questions to be completed for each of the 5 experiences and turned in at discernment in the Spring
1 of the Reflection Questions is something they have to ask of someone that actually serves in the ministry they are visiting
Can be started over the summer. Check out the Parish Life & Service Page of the website
Options available year round will be posted on the website and one time options ed blasted to all Level 1 Confirmation families as they arise
Level 2 students will join a ministry to fulfill Parish Life & Service

14. Holy Week/Triduum
All Confirmation teens are asked to attend at least 1 of the following 3 Triduum services. L1 students that attend the training and serve during a Triduum service can use that experience towards Parish Life
1. Thursday, March :30pm Mass of the Lord’s supper with washing of feet
2. Friday, March 25 1pm or 7:30pm Good Friday Mass including Veneration of the Cross
Serving at one of the Triduum services would count toward Parish Life & Service

15. Reconciliation
Sacrament of Reconciliation is crucial to preparing for a properly disposed heart when receiving the Sacrament
Level 1 Teens will be encouraged to start frequenting the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Teens may attend Reconciliation during an Advent Penance Service, Lenten Penance Service or Confession times offered weekly at local parishes
Local Parish Schedule SK: Sat 3:45-5pm, OLPH Sat 8:45-10am & 3:30-4:15pm, St. Clare Sat 9:30am & 4:30pm)

16. High School Confirmation Rites
Rite of Welcome during Sunday 5:30 mass on November 15 (tentative)
Rite of Enrollment in Spring of Level 2
Sponsor presence requested as they are part of the Rite
A parent may stand in for a sponsor for Rite of Welcome
Opportunity for public commitment to Confirmation Journey
Opportunity to connect candidates to wider parish community and for the parish community to show their loving support

17. Discernments
Scheduled in 20 minute intervals over 3 weekdays in the Spring
To “discern” in the context of the Church is to search to know God’s will for your life, in a particular situation or in making a particular decision, etc.
Discernment is like a muscle that needs to be used to grow strong
Designed to help in the Confirmation preparation process to discern where they are in their relationship with Jesus, their readiness to continue on the Confirmation preparation journey & what ministry in the parish to which God may be calling them

18. Choosing a Sponsor
The best sponsor is someone that is truly excited about their Catholic faith and wants to share it with your teen
Must be 16 years old and a Confirmed, practicing Catholic
May be male or female
May not be a parent
Eligible to receive the Sacraments and expected to receive Holy Communion at the Mass of Confirmation
Sponsors are asked to commit to being in regular contact (weekly ideal) with their candidate so they can share their faith, answer questions and discuss the Confirmation journey. Text, skype, , snail mail, social media, phone calls, etc are all valid avenues
Sponsors are asked to commit to attending 3 Parent & Sponsor Formation Sessions

19. Parent & Sponsor Formation
1st one will be Sunday, September 27 at 6:45pm in the Church. It will be the 1st night of “Liberate” a 3 night parish wide event on the Mass that allows for small group sign ups after if you wish to continue to explore encountering God through the Mass & connect with others in the parish
Designed to encourage conversations & interaction with your teen as well as inspire parents & sponsors
Attend with your teen
Check in with your teen’s facilitator so they can meet you!
Dates for 2nd & 3rd Parent & Sponsor Formations will be released August 11

20. Life Teen The most prolific youth ministry in the Catholic Church
Leads teens closer to Christ by participating in lively youth Masses and offering a fun, teen-centered community in which to grow in faith
Saint Kateri Youth Mass is every Saturday at 5:30pm
Following the Youth Mass, Life Teen ministers and CORE members lead “Life Nights” that start with a yummy dinner
Life Nights Themes are either faith-building, social or deal with current teen issues
Is a drop in program, after registering for the first night of attendance teens are welcome to come as often or as little as works for them
2 Retreats offered each year, one in the summer & one in the winter
Current 8th graders are eligible to attend Life Teen Retreat this July & Life Nights starting w/Freshman Welcome June 6
Check out their website for more info: or the Life Teen International site

21. Confirmation Saint
Teens encouraged to find a saint that inspires them personally
Teens will be asked to complete a report about their saint over the summer between Level 1 and Level 2
Teens will be able to declare a Confirmation Saint Name that the Bishop will use when conferring their Sacrament

22. Confirmation Preparation is a Family Journey
Parents asked to commit to attending 3 Parent & Sponsor formations
Parent and family members’ attitudes toward session, retreat & Mass attendance greatly affect their teen’s experience
Confirmation Preparation provides the time and space for teens to explore and decide what they believe in so they can experience the invitation to Jesus’ call personally.
This invitation and opportunity to make faith in Jesus and His Church their own will only be effective if your teen is supported by you prayerfully, vocally and physically
Momentum, frequent participation, is crucial to growth in faith and understanding. Therefore regular attendance needs to be a family priority
If a teen misses a session, not only do they miss out, but it negatively affects their small group as well.

23. The Confirmation Program Needs Volunteers
How can you help?
Become a facilitator
Office Help
Set Up before Sunday sessions
Help deliver luggage to retreat center on Oct 9!
Audio Visual help during sessions
Please see a member of the Confirmation team after the meeting if you are interested

24. Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a sponsor committed to my teen by November 16 for the Rite of Welcome? Parents may stand in for sponsors during a rite, but are asked to find a sponsor no later than Level 1 Discernment Interviews in April
What if I cannot find a sponsor? the Confirmation office at and we will find someone in the parish to match with your teen
Can I request that my teen be placed with a friend in their small group? Yes, there will be a space to request up to 2 friends (can usually guarantee at least 1) on the registration form. Your friend’s request must match up with your own friend’s request. Please use honest discretion when deciding to request a friend in your teen’s small group. Only request a friend if you truly believe it will help your teen experience transformation on this Confirmation Preparation journey. Do not request one if that relationship will be a distraction or cause for your teen to not bond with others in their small group. We will provide ample time and fun opportunities at the beginning of Level 1 (especially on retreat) for small groups to get to know each other.

25. FAQ’s cont’d
Are teens expected to attend Sunday 5:30 Mass? Yes, attendance at the Sunday 5:30 Mass is part of the regular Confirmation session. We also encourage our Confirmation families to sit with their teen’s small group to help build community the other families, their facilitator and their peer leader. Weekly Mass attendance is expected for preparation of the Confirmation Sacrament. On the weeks your teen does not have Confirmation, they can attend any of the 6 Masses we offer. Of course, we highly encourage teens to attend the Saturday 5:30 Youth Mass (and Life Teen right after!)
What are some other ways to fulfill the Parish Life & Service experiences? Some examples of Parish Life & Service are: serving at mass as an usher/bringing up the gifts/greeting, attending a session of a Life Teen bible study, trying out the choir or band at Mass, helping decorate the sanctuary with our Environment ministry, assisting as a “peer leader in training” during a Monday night Jr. High Edge volunteer, assisting in an elementary or Little Church RE classroom, serving at Sunday Hospitality, helping in the Gift Shoppe, helping with Health Ministry blood drive, helping the Respect Life ministry. There is link to a list of ministries they can serve in year round on our website under the Parish Life & Service Tab. Your teen can even start Parish Life over the summer!

26. FAQ’s cont’d
What if I am unable to afford the $300 registration fee right now? We do have payment options. Please the office at to request a payment form. If you are in financial hardship, please to see if we can assist with partial sponsorship.
What if my teen misses a session? Can they make it up? If a teen misses 2 or less sessions, the make-up can be done at home with a parent of sponsor by completing the “Watch It” section and a “Challenge of the Week” and turning it in to their facilitator. If a teen misses more than 2, we ask that they set up a time for they and their parent or sponsor to meet with the Youth Director.
What if my teen needs to leave early? When there is an occasional conflict, a parent may retrieve their teen early from the session. However, a parent must the facilitator or send a note with their teen letting them know when their teen will be picked up. If a parent is retrieving their teen from a Confirmation session early, they must do so before Mass begins at 5:30 so our volunteers do not miss Mass waiting for you/providing supervision.
What if we discontinue during the year, do we get a refund? If the Confirmation office is notified at least 3 weeks before the retreat, we can refund $200.

27. FAQ’s cont’d
How many sessions can my teen miss and still remain in the program? This question would need to be answered on a case by case basis. Humans get sick, grandmas turn 100 and teams earn their way to national championships. In other words, there are certain events in life that are unavoidable or so special that one must not miss them. When important events like these conflict with a meeting time, we ask that you just let your teen’s facilitator know. If a teen misses a session and we have not heard from them, we will follow up to make sure all is well. If a teen misses more than that, we will also follow up and try to help your family discern if the Confirmation preparation we are offering is able to meet the needs of your teen and family schedules. If your teen will be committing to something during the year that will frequently conflict with the scheduled meetings, we ask you to either wait to start the preparation process another year or look into the Confirmation processes offered at the other parishes in our area.

28. What if my teen has to miss part or all of the retreat
What if my teen has to miss part or all of the retreat? Teens need to attend the whole retreat. Arriving late, leaving early or missing a portion diminishes the experience for your teen and the others in their small group. If you already know your teen will not be able to attend the retreat or might need to leave early, please let us know right away. We will do our best to work it out, however, we may have to ask you to reconsider registering for Level 1 this year.
What if my teen has special needs? If your teen has special needs, please be sure to indicate it on the registration form. Additionally, please call, or speak to us in person to bring your teen’s needs to our attention. We do adapt to the needs of the individual teen and the more communication that can happen between the Confirmation team and parents, the better we can serve them.

29. FAQ’s cont’d
What sort of formation or experience do you require of the facilitators and peer leaders? All of our facilitators and peer leaders are volunteers. All adult volunteers are fingerprinted and Virtus trained. We are very excited to share that we are now able to provide more in-depth training experiences for our facilitators and peer leaders over this spring and summer in leading small groups and helping others along in their discipleship journey that is geared specifically toward helping teenagers. We will also meet with our facilitators and peer leaders once a month during the school year to touch base on how their small group sessions are going and provide additional formation.

30. Registration Opens Wednesday, May 13 by end of day (6pm)
Cost is $ – all materials and level 1 retreat costs are included in registration fee
$250+ of the cost goes directly to retreat expenses
Payment plans accepted!- for a payment plan form
Checks or money order accepted via mail. Cash, check, money order or credit accepted in the parish office

31. Registration cont’d
Items needed to gather BEFORE starting the online registration process
Baptismal Certificate
First Communion Certificate
Emergency Contact information
Health Insurance Information
Print out a copy of the Level 1 Overview w/important dates (available on the Level 1 home page at and make sure the SK Confirmation Prep program will work for your family before you register.
Double check the date of the retreat Oct 9-11 to make sure your teen can attend

32. How to register Go to our website: www.skconfirmation.org
Click on the “REGISTRATION”
Click on the link for Level 1
Enter registration access code SKCL1 (don’t forget to enter this in the FIRST field)
Enter registration information as prompted
Click the box that says “Save Information”
Then Click “Submit Registration”
You will receive an confirming submission of your online registration that includes instructions and links to the forms needed to complete your registration
Follow instructions in the , print the forms, sign them and return them to the St. Kateri parish office via mail or in person.

33. Parish Mission To Hear Jesus call to be His Disciples
To Give our lives entirely over to Jesus
To Share in Jesus’ redemptive mission

34. Thank you for attending
Have a blessed evening