2015-2016CONFIRMATION

Hand Bookfor

Candidates and Parents“It is not enough for parents and teachers to send our children off on the exploration alone. We are invited to join them, to renew our own faith, to sharpen our own commitment. We

are challengedto take a look at the connections between what we say to them and what we actually do.”

At Home with the Sacraments–Confirmation,by Peg Bowman, Twenty-Third Publications

Confirmation preparation is coordinated throughSt. Emily’s Office of Religious Education.

All requirements outlined in this hand book apply to students from

St. Emily School, St. Emily REL ED Program &St. Thomas Becket REL ED Program.

CONTACT INFORMATION St. Emily REL ED Office 847-299-5865

Coordinator – Catherine Crino ccrino@stemily.org St. Emily Youth Ministry Office 847-544-5090 Coordinator – Annette Mika amika@stemily.org St. Thomas Becket REL ED Office 847-296-9051 Coordinator - Renata Sosin rsosin@stbmp.org

1

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXPECTATIONS ………………………………………………………….… Page 4UNDERSTANDING CONFIRMATION ….………………………… Page 5THE ROLE OF SPONSORS ……………………………………….……. Page 6MASS ATTENDANCE …………………………………………………… Page 6REPORT & FORMS ………………………………………………………. Page 7SPONSOR’S LETTER OF ELIGIBILITY ………………………….… Page 7SPONSOR REPORT ………………………………………………..….… Page 7PATRON SAINTS …………………………………………………………. Page 8CONFIRMATION NAMES ………………………………………….… Page 9UNDERSTANDING SERVICE ………………………………………… Page 10SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS ……………………………………………… Page 11PARISH SERVICE ………………………………………………………… Page 12MARGINALIZED SERVICE …………………………………….……… Page 13

ELDERLY/NURSING HOME VISITS ……………………. Page 13FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN ……………..….….… Page 13

CATHOLIC CHARITIES ………………………………………….……… Page 14TUESDAY NIGHT DINNERS …………………………….… Page 14FOOD PANTRY, CLOTHING ROOM …………………… Page 14PRODUCE MOBILE ……………………………………….…. Page 15NEW HOPE PROGRAM …………..………………………. Page 15BAKE SALE ……………………………………………………… Page 16NEW HOPE CHRISTMAS PARTY ……………….……… Page 16

LETTER TO THE PASTOR ……………………………………………… Page 16SACRAMENT PREPARATION FEE ………………………………… Page 16RETREAT ………………………………………………………………….… Page 17ON THE DAY OF CONFIRMATION …………………………..…… Page 17ENROLLMENT FORM COMMITMENT..………………………… Page 18CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES ………………………….…. Page 19

PLEASE NOTE: NEW PAPERWORK SYSTEM All paperwork will be managed with a packet system for groups of reports or forms that are to be turned in at the same time. The reports will be in manila envelopes, labeled with the contents and the final date for completion and return. This is the only way that paperwork will be accepted in 2015-2016.

3

CANDIDATES FOR CONFIRMATION ARE EXPECTED TO WILLINGLY: Attend Mass on Sundays Receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation regularly Attend and participate in all meetings, events, classes, retreats, masses or any other

date/time your presence is required as part of this preparation process Turn in all reports, letters, and other paperwork on time Choose an appropriate SPONSOR according to Church guidelines Research and choose a meaningful PATRON SAINT Schedule and complete all required SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS on time

PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO WILLINGLY: Attend Mass on Sundays Receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation regularly Be involved with your child in every aspect of this process, offering support,

encouragement and enthusiasm See that your child is present at all times that they are required to present Help your child complete and turn in all paperwork on time Help your child choose an appropriate sponsor and a meaningful patron saint Help your child schedule, participate in, and complete all service assignments on time Participate with your child in at least one of their Catholic Charities and/or Feed My

Starving Children service assignments

WE ARE HERE TO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE CANDIDATES TO TAKE A DEEPER LOOK AT WHAT IT MEANS TO:

live your faith in ways that are relevant in today’s society develop an awareness of the presence and the actions of

the Holy Spirit in your life discover your own unique gift and God’s will for you to

share that gift with others see yourself as an active and essential member of your

parish community

4

UNDERSTANDING CONFIRMATION

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Since Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist form a unity, it follows that “the faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time, for without confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete.” CCC #1306

THAT MEANS:The Church expects all baptized Catholics to be confirmed at some point in their lives in order to complete their full Christian initiation into the Catholic Church.

The Code of Canon Law states: “To receive confirmation licitly outside the danger of death requires that a person who has the use of reason be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew the baptismal promises.” Can. 889 §2.

THAT MEANS:To receive confirmation legitimately unless a person is dying requires that a person who is capable of making reasonable decisions receives appropriate education on the sacrament of Confirmation, sincerely desires to receive confirmation of their own free will, and is able to respond “yes” when the bishop asks him or her to renew their baptismal promises.

PRACTICAL THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONFIRMATIONIT DOES NOT make you "an ADULT in the EYES of the CHURCH.”IT IS NOT a graduation or an 8th grade social event for friends. IT IS NOT a family tradition. IT IS NOT an end to your religious education.

CONFIRMATION IS A CONVERSIONIt is a CHANGE in how you see yourself and how you feel about yourself as a Catholic Christian.It is a TRANSFORMATION in how you live your faith for the rest of your life.It is an OPPORTUNITY to choose how you want to become an active participant in your parish..It is YOUR DECISION to accept responsibility for nurturing your own faith life.It is a CELEBRATION of the Holy Spirit’s presence in YOU.

UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF SPONSORS

5

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. To emphasize the unity of the two sacraments, it is appropriatethat this be one of the baptismal godparents.” CCC #1311

WHO CAN be a SPONSOR?The Code of Canon Law tells us:Can. 874 §1. To be permitted to take on the function of sponsor a person must:

1/ be designated by the one to be baptized [confirmed] . . . and have the aptitude and intention of fulfilling this function; (be chosen by you and have the ability and intention of assisting your parents in raising you in the Catholic faith)

2/ have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the diocesan bishop has established another age, or the pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just cause; (be at least 16 years old)

3/ be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has already received the most holy sacrament of the Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with the function to be taken on; (be a confirmed Catholic who has received First Eucharist and has an active prayer life, attends mass and receives the sacraments regularly)

4/ not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately imposed or declared; (not have a penalty imposed by the law of the Church such as excommunication)

5/ not be the father or mother of the one to be baptized. (be someone other than a parent)

WHO SHOULD be a SPONSOR? Look for: someone who attends Mass and receives Communion regularly someone who is active in their parish someone you look up to as a role model for how to live as a Catholic someone you know whose faith MATTERS in their life every day

PARISH REQUIREMENT RE: MASS ATTENDANCE Attending Mass is not optional; it is required. Candidates cannot possibly be prepared to receive Confirmation if they do not participate in Mass and the Eucharist every weekend. Parental support is critical here, simply for transportation. Parents who may not be committed to attending Sunday Mass at this time are urged to consider this to determine the priority within the family that will be placed on the preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation.INFORMATION PACKET FOR REPORTS & FORMS

6

ALL CANDIDATES will receive an INFORMATION PACKET – an envelope containing four reports, labeled with the contents and the final date for completion and return. INFORMATION PACKETS MUST BE RETURNED BY NOVEMBER 15, 2015.

INFORMATION PACKET 1. Sponsor’s Letter of Eligibility from their home parish 2. Sponsor Information Report 3. Patron Saint Report 4. Confirmation Name Report

MISSING or INCOMPLETE PACKETS will indicate that a candidate is unwilling or unable to participate fully in the preparation for Confirmation and will jeopardize his or her eligibility to receive the sacrament. Should this occur, a meeting with the candidate, parents, CRE and Pastor or Associate Pastor will be scheduled to review the situation.

LAST DAY TO TURN IN INFORMATION PACKETS IS NOVEMBER 15, 2015INFORMATION PACKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER NOVEMBER 15, 2015

SPONSOR’S LETTER OF ELIGIBILTY Due November 15, 2015New this year, St. Emily Parish policy will request affidavits from the sponsor’s home parish to verify that they have been confirmed and are practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church. You will find a letter to the sponsor explaining this process. You should give this letter to your sponsor ASAP in case they run into any difficulties in trying to obtain this affidavit. Explain the importance of getting it back to you in time to put it in your INFORMATION PACKET. The SPONSOR’S LETTER OF ELIGIBILTY must be included in the INFORMATION PACKET when returned to the REL ED Office by NOVEMBER 15, 2015.

SPONSOR REPORT Due November 15, 2015Candidates - when you decide who you will ask to be your sponsor, have this report with you when you ask him or her so that you can fill out as much information as possible right away (parents, please assist with contact information.) Give your sponsor the letter from the packet immediately and mark the date you did this in the place provided on your Sponsor Report. The SPONSOR REPORT must be included in the INFORMATION PACKET when returned to the REL ED Office by November 15, 2015.

CHOOSING A PATRON SAINT Due November 15, 2015

7

Years ago, those being confirmed were instructed that they had to choose a different name to be called by for their Confirmation, but it had to be the name of a Catholic saint who they wanted to adopt as a special heavenly patron, or to honor a saint for whom they had a special devotion, and who they wanted to serve as their guide and protector for the rest of their lives. The purpose was purely instructional, to help candidates develop their understanding of, and reliance on, the Communion of Saints. This practice was not Church doctrine or Canon Law. It was a “custom” that originated in the United Kingdom and is practiced in the United States, Germany and Poland.

Unfortunately, over the years, the custom lost its saintly connection as young people began to choose trendy or silly names out of nowhere. In keeping with the original purpose to help young people learn about our Catholic saints, each of you is to research and choose a saint who you would like to be your PATRON SAINT for the rest of your life. You should choose someone whose life inspires or influences you in such a way that you feel a personal connection with him or her. You might want to start by looking for the patron saint of your name, birth date, a hobby you love, or a career you’re interested in.

When you have chosen a saint, you will complete a PATRON SAINT REPORT explaining a little about that saint’s life in your own words (no Wikipedia, please) and the reasons why you chose him or her. It is perfectly acceptable for females to choose a male saint or for males to choose a female saint. The PATRON SAINT REPORT must be included in the INFORMATION PACKET when returned to the REL ED Office by NOVEMBER 15, 2015.

CONFIRMATION NAMES Due November 15, 2015

8

When you were baptized as a baby, your parents were asked, “What name have you given this child?” When you are confirmed as a teenager, your sponsor will present you to the bishop by name. This is where the “Confirmation name” comes in. Today the Catholic Church urges candidates to use the same name given at Baptism for your Confirmation as a way to emphasize the “initiation” connection between Baptism and Confirmation. If you choose to use a saint’s name, your decision must be based on the appropriate parameters.

Many people believe that Confirmation is an appropriate event to honor a relative, living or dead, by choosing their name as a Confirmation name. That is incorrect; Confirmation is not an appropriate event. The birth of a child is an appropriate event to honor someone by legally passing on their name to a child of the next generation, and possible a generation beyond that. Now that is a way to honor someone’s memory. Confirmation names are not legal names. No one is ever called by their Confirmation name except on that one day, and only by the bishop who anoints them.

The only reason for choosing a different name for Confirmation is if it is the name of your Patron Saint. Those are the only two options you have – YOUR NAME or YOUR SAINT’S NAME. If someone you know and love has truly been an inspiration in your faith life and a great Catholic role model, then look for the Patron Saint of his or her name. After you have completed your Patron Saint Report, you will decide if you want to be introduced to the bishop by your own name or your saint’s name.

On the day of Confirmation, the bishops ask that candidates wear name tags with their “Confirmation names” in big, bold print. They often assume all are saints’ names. Because of that, we will distinguish names by putting “SAINT” in front of the name if you choose your saint’s name. If you choose your own given name, that will be all that is printed. Please remember that you should be proud to be introduced to the bishop by whichever name you choose.

You will complete the CONFIRMATION NAME REPORT indicating your final decision. Those who do not complete and return this report ON TIME will automatically give up any choice in this matter, BUT will still be required to choose a patron saint and complete that report. The CONFIRMATION NAME REPORT must be included in the INFORMATION PACKET when returned to the REL ED Office by NOVEMBER 15, 2015.

MISSING or INCOMPLETE INFORMATION PACKETS will indicate that a candidate is unwilling or unable to participate fully in the preparation for Confirmation and will jeopardize his or her eligibility to receive the sacrament. Should this occur, a meeting with the candidate, parents, CRE and Pastor or Associate Pastor will be scheduled to review the situation.

LAST DAY TO TURN IN INFORMATION PACKETS IS NOVEMBER 15, 2015INFORMATION PACKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER NOVEMBER 15, 2015

UNDERSTANDING SERVICE

9

WITNESS (noun) 1. somebody who gives evidence after seeing or hearing something, 2. a public statement of strong Christian beliefsWITNESS (verb) 1. to experience important events or changes, 2. to be a sign or proof that something happened, 3. to prove or be evidence that something is true

When you receive Confirmation you are empowered by the Gift of the Holy Spirit to witness your faith to the rest of the world by your words and actions. What you say and what you do is evidence of what you believe - that Jesus Christ lived and died for us. How you live your life is proof of how Jesus wants us to live, a sign that we are carrying on his work here on earth – by serving God and others. When you ask to be confirmed, it means that you understand and accept the responsibility of living as a fully-initiated member of the Catholic Church.

THE REASON candidates are required to participate in service work before receiving Confirmation is not to earn the sacrament. Our goal is for you to:

develop a service consciousness, an awareness of the need to serve others discover your God-given gifts and talents discover God’s plan for you to use those gifts to give back to Him and others be exposed to a number of different types of service work to help you accomplish this.

Therefore, we have chosen a MINIMUM of eight specific SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS that we believe will provide an adequate variety of options to accomplish this goal, when combined with other independent volunteer service. All candidates are required to complete the following eight service assignments in the next eight months, APRIL 15 – DEC 15, 2015.

SERVICE REPORT PACKETS Due December 31, 2015ALL CANDIDATES will receive a SERVICE REPORT PACKET – a manila envelope containing eight SERIVCE REPORTS, one for each specific service, labeled with the contents and the final date for completion and return. SERVICE REPORT PACKETS must be returned with all eight reports enclosed by December 31, 2015.

10

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTSTO BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER 22, 2015

Full details for each service are outlined on the following pages in numerical order.

1. PARISH SERVICE

2. VISIT THE SICK AND ELDERLY IN NURSING OR RETIREMENT HOMES

3. FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN packing event, #1

4. FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN packing event, #2

5. CATHOLIC CHARITIES TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER

6. CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOOD PANTRY, CLOTHING ROOM, or OTHER ON-SITE SERVICE

6a. PRODUCE MOBILE (at ST. EMILY)

7. CATHOLIC CHARITIES BAKE SALE (at ST. EMILY)

7a. DONATE HOMEMADE BAKED GOODS

7b. WORK AT BAKE SALE

8. CATHOLIC CHARITIES CHRISTMAS PARTY (at ST. EMILY)

8a. GIFT SHOPPING and WRAPPING

8b. WORK AT CHRISTMAS PARTY

8c. DONATE A GIFT FOR A CHILD or FOOD FOR THE PARTY

INDEPENDENT SERVICECANDIDATES ARE EXPECTED TO PURSUE, ON THEIR OWN, A VARIETY OF SERVICE WORK OVER THE NEXT YEAR AND TO RECORD IT ON THE INDEPENDENT SERVICE LOG WHICH WILL BE REVIEWED WITH YOU AND YOUR TEACHER, CRE OR PASTOR IN FEBRUARY, 2016.

PARENTS: IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU CHECK YOUR EMAILS REGULARLY IN ORDER TO PASS ON INFORMATION ABOUT SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES TO YOUR CHILDREN. If you are not able to do this, you will need to give us permission to email your child directly at an email address that can be seen by them and supervised by you. 1. PARISH SERVICE Do before December 22, 2015Parish ministries are often in need of additional volunteers to help with events or activities. These opportunities are usually published in the bulletin or announced at weekend masses. Candidates must search out, and participate in, AT LEAST ONE parish service opportunity.

11

Altar ServingMany of you may already be participating in this service to your parish. If you have been showing up on-time whenever you’re scheduled, getting a sub if you cannot serve, stepping in anytime you see a server is needed, and declining any gift for serving at a wedding or funeral, you can definitely use this as your parish service requirement.

Short-term parish serviceIf a parish organization contacts us about a service opportunity, we will notify you of the details and contact information, but you cannot always depend on that to happen. Therefore you are responsible to find a parish service opportunity where you can volunteer. (i.e. Welcoming Ministry, Parish Picnic, Rummage Sale, St. Vincent DePaul Clothing or Household Collections, Advent, Christmas, Lent or Easter activities)

Long-term Faith Formation service with parish childrenIf you enjoy working with children, there are many opportunities for you to volunteer, but these positions are more committed than just a time or two. For the sake of young children, it’s important to have continuity to grow comfortable with a person. The following volunteer positions are coordinated through REL ED. Contact Joan Kobylski at 847-299-5865 or jkobylski@stemily.org

St. Emily Vacation Bible School Assistant Crew Leaders are needed for one week, AUG 3-7, 2015 from 8:30am-12:30pm to have tons of fun with children in grades K - 5th (plus 1 day for training and 1 day to help set up)

St. Emily Liturgy of the Word for Children Helpers are needed approximately one Sunday per month, at the 9:30am Mass from SEPT-MAY, assisting the leader with children’s Gospel activities.

St. Emily Sunday School Helpers can volunteer for a month (or more) to help 3, 4, & 5 years old on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30 am.

REL ED Class Room Assistants This is a full school year commitment. Volunteers are very much needed to help teachers in grades 1-3 for three Wednesday evenings a month from Sept 16, 2015 - April 20, 2016. There are two class sessions to choose from, either 4:30-6:30 pm or 6:30-8:30 pm.(It may be possible to volunteer for one semester. Please speak to Joan Kobylski about this.)

SERVICE TO THE MARGINALIZED SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS # 2 – 8 are designed to give candidates adequate exposure to serving the marginalized community. Marginalized people are individuals or entire communities of people who are blocked from, or denied full access to, various rights, opportunities and resources that are normally available to others; people or groups of people who are relegated

12

to the fringes of society, put in a powerless or unimportant position (on the outside, like a book – not in the main story but off to the side in the margin) and often, just forgotten. Exclusionary forms of discrimination may apply to people with disabilities, minorities, seniors, the poor, homeless, etc.

2. Visiting Sick & Elderly in Nursing Homes Do before December 22, 2015This does not mean going to grandma’s and grandpa’s house for Sunday dinner. This is about giving your time and attention to lonely or forgotten sick and/or elderly people. Candidates and parents may choose where and when you want to visit and what you want to do. You can call a nursing or retirement home and ask about their regular activities and individual volunteer opportunities (parents need to provide supervision) or you can join a special planned event that a facility may need help with like a picnic or Grandparent’s Day.

3. AND 4. Feed My Starving Children Do before December 22, 2015This is a GREAT service opportunity for the whole family. Candidates are required to volunteer for TWO packing events. Register online at www.fmsc.org to schedule your family or groups of families and friends at any time that is convenient for you. The closest facilities are Schaumburg and Libertyville. Our REL ED Board also has 30 reserved spots on each of the dates below at Schaumburg. If you would like to sign up for one of those, please CONTACT CASSANDRA BUSSE cassandrabusse@sbcglobal.net. Saturday, April 25 - 7:00pm - 9:00pmWednesday, June 10 - 8:00pm - 9:30pm Thursday, July 9 - 6:00pm - 7:30pmSaturday, Sept. 26 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm Friday, October 23 - 8:00pm - 9:30pmSaturday, November 21 - 4:30pm - 6:30pm Friday, December 11 - 6:00 - 7:30pm

The Schaumburg facility has shifts from 9am – 9pm, Monday – Saturday. Their address is:1072 National Parkway, Schaumburg, IL 60173 Phone: 847-519-9614Age and Chaperone Requirements : Minimum age for volunteering is 5 years old K-2 grade: 1 student to 1 adult 3-6 grade: 3 students to 1 adult7-9 grade: 4 students to 1 adult 10-12 grade: 5 students to 1 adult

CATHOLIC CHARITIES BACKGROUNDIn 2012-2013, CATHOLIC CHARITIES at 1717 Rand Road in Des Plaines was chosen as the primary location for candidates’ service to the marginalized in our local communities. This facility assists adults, teens, children and seniors who are in need of food, clothing, healthcare, housing, legal assistance, counseling and much more. St. Emily Parish has a very strong bond

13

with this particular location, due to long-standing support from our Youth Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul Society and our Religious Education Program.

5. CC Tuesday Night Dinners Do before December 22, 2015This facility provides dinner EVERY Tuesday (and Thursday) night of the year for 75-100 adults and children who need a meal. Each week, a different parish provides the food and volunteers to serve. Teens from St. Emily’s Youth Ministry volunteer every Tuesday night. TWO 8th grade candidates can volunteer to serve each Tuesday, between May 5 & Dec 22. There are 33 Tuesday nights X 2 candidates = 66 spots to sign up. Each candidate can only choose ONE date and you must schedule it online (directions below.) DO NOT SHOW UP without scheduling. DO NOT SCHEDULE without showing up. You will not have a second chance. You will receive a computer generated reminder about one week before your scheduled date, sent to the email address you used when you registered.

TO SIGN UP ONLINE for a TUESDAY NIGHT DINNER: Copy and paste the following link into your browser and follow directions as indicated.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4eaea82ba2fb6-catholic Candidates should arrive at Catholic Charities, 1717 Rand Road, Des Plaines by 5:30 pm

and check in with Annette Mika or the security guard in the lobby; you should be done by approximately 7pm.

There will be NO spots reserved AFTER Dec 22. Candidates who would like to volunteer again should CONTACT ANNETTE MIKA at St. Emily YM Office – 847-544-5090 – amika@stemily.org

6. CC Food Pantry, Clothing Room or misc. Do before December 22, 2015You must CONTACT DENISE YONKERS at Catholic Charities directly to inquire if and when help is needed in the food pantry, the clothing room or with other miscellaneous jobs and schedule your time with Denise. Denise occasionally sends email requests for help when they are short-handed. I will forward those emails to you. DO NOT REPLY TO ME. If you are able to volunteer – CONTACT DENISE YONKERS – 847-376-2101 – dyonkers@catholiccharities.net

6a. CC Produce Mobile Do on June 11 or November 12, 2015The Greater Chicago Food Depository brings a semi-trailer of fresh produce for the needy in our neighborhoods to a different parish each month. Candidates help with unloading the truck, setting up produce tables, distributing food and carrying it to a guest’s car. The truck is scheduled to come to St. Emily on JUNE 11, 2015 and NOVEMBER 12, 2015. CONTACT ANNETT MIKA at St. Emily YM OFFICE – 847-544-5090 – amika@stemily.org

14

7. & 8. CATHOLIC CHARITIES NEW HOPE PROGRAM INFORMATION Catholic Charities’ New Hope Apartments Program provides transitional housing for homeless families with dependent children. Through the combination of housing and supportive services, clients are encouraged to build strong community relationships, raise healthy children and participate in the program fully in order to overcome any future challenges. Catholic Charities has approximately 18-20 apartments spread out through the northwest suburbs for families who qualify for this program. The Christmas season can be an especially difficult time for these parents. Some may be faced with the decision of putting food on the table or presents under the tree.

The REL ED Office sponsors a Christmas party as a class service project for ALL Confirmation candidates to work together as a large community to give these families an afternoon of fun and friendship. We organize a BAKE SALE one weekend in November at St. Emily to help candidates raise money to buy Christmas gifts for the children and supplies for the party.

The night before the party, we accompany a group of teens and moms to the store where they pick out a fun gift for each child coming to the party (and a set of warm mittens, hats, and scarves). We come back to St. Emily to wrap and label everything. On the day of the CHRISTMAS PARTY (a Saturday afternoon in December) candidates and parent volunteers decorate the parish hall, prepare and serve a warm, hearty lunch and homemade desserts, mostly donated by candidates and their parents, with plenty of extra food to send home with each family. We have music, bingo, arts and crafts, games and prizes. We have a Santa’s Secret Shop where every child can pick out a little gift to give their moms and dads on Christmas morning and the highlight of the day is a visit from Santa to pass out the children’s presents!

7. Bake Sale On November 21, 20157a. Donate home baked goodsEVERY candidate is expected to bake and donate homemade cakes, pies, breads, cookies, brownies, cupcakes, or candy. The more you bake, the more we sell! DROP OFF donations at the Parish Hall on Saturday, Nov 21st between 3 – 5pm or at the REL ED Office on Friday, Nov 20th.7b. Bake Sale Helpers On November 21 & 22, 2015After all the masses in St. Emily Parish Center – need parents and teensfor pricing, wrapping, organizing, restocking, selling & helping parishioners Saturday – Set-up from 3-6pm, Sell and clean up from 6-7pm (4 parents and 4 teens)Sunday – 7-9am, 9-11am, 11am-1pm, 530-730 pm (2 parents and 3-4 teens)

8. Catholic Charities Christmas Party On December 12, 2015Full details and sign-up will be published in November.8a. Shopping and Wrapping On December 11, 20153-4 hours, 6:30 pm until finished – need 4 moms, 6 boys, 6 girls for shopping; need extra moms for wrapping8b. Party Helpers On December 12, 2015

15

4 hours, 12:00 Noon until 4:00pm 8c. Gift and Food Donations (Food - December 12, 2015) (Gifts - BEFORE December 5, 2015)For candidates who cannot attend the related events. Gifts must be received BEFORE we do the shopping. Food donations are accepted before or on the day of the party.

MISSING or INCOMPLETE SERVICE REPORT PACKETS will indicate that a candidate is unwilling or unable to participate fully in the preparation for Confirmation and will jeopardize his or her eligibility to receive the sacrament. Should this occur, a meeting with the candidate, parents, CRE and Pastor or Associate Pastor will be scheduled to review the situation.

LAST DAY TO TURN IN SERVICE REPORT PACKETS IS DECEMBER 31, 2015SERVICE REPORT PACKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2015

LETTER TO THE PASTOR Due January 30, 2016All candidates will write a personal letter to the Pastor requesting the Sacrament of Confirmation, explaining what you have done to prepare and why you feel ready for this next step in your faith life. You will receive full instructions in class.

MISSING LETTERS will indicate that a candidate is unwilling or unable to participate fully in the preparation for Confirmation and will jeopardize their eligibility to receive the sacrament.

THE LAST DAY TO TURN IN THE LETTER TO THE PASTOR IS JANUARY 30, 2016LETTERS TO THE PASTOR WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER JANUARY 30, 2016

SACRAMENT PREPARATION FEE - $75 Due before November 15, 2015ALL ST. EMILY PARISH families are charged a Sacramental Preparation fee of $75 per candidate. This is budgeted and billed separately through St. Emily’s REL ED Office. It is NOT included in your regular school or REL ED tuition. If you choose to pay electronically through E-Giving, you may pay in full or schedule three payments of $25 each. If you choose to pay in full by cash or check (payable to St. Emily Religious Education) please submit your payment to the REL ED Office by NOVEMBER 1, 2015. (This does not apply to ST.THOMAS BECKET FAMILIES.)

JANUARY 16, 2016ALL candidates, including those from St. Thomas Becket Parish, who have demonstrated their sincere desire to be confirmed, are required to participate in a one-day retreat as the

16

culmination of their preparation. This retreat is designed and presented by St. Emily’s Religious Education Office and Youth Ministry. It is a day meant to be a positive, memorable experience for all candidates. There will be presentations by speakers and/or groups. There will be time for serious discussions and questions and private time for prayer or reflection. There will be music, food, fun and laughter.

This is currently scheduled to be held at St. Emily Parish on Saturday, JANUARY 16, 2016 (Martin Luther King holiday weekend) beginning at 9am and will end at 6pm with the celebration of St. Emily’s 5pm mass. The mass is a mandatory part of the retreat for candidates. Location may change to an offsite facility. The date will remain the same. Families will be advised no later than August 1, 2015.

CANDIDATES WHO INTENTIONALLY CHOOSE NOT TO ATTEND THE FULL RETREAT WILL BE ASSUMED TO HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO BE CONFIRMED.

Candidates who do not attend this retreat due to an unexpected illness or emergency on that day will need a parent’s assistance to find another parish holding a Confirmation Retreat before MARCH 5, 2016 and contact them to ask if they may participate in that retreat. Immediately afterward, the candidate will be required to submit a brief written summary of their experience to Mrs. Kobylski, Coordinator of Religious Education at St. Emily Parish.

ON THE DAY OF CONFIRMATION SPONSORS and CANDIDATES MUST ARRIVE 30 minutes before mass is to begin. PHOTOGRAPHY and VIDEOGRAPHY is prohibited in church BEFORE or DURING the mass. PROFESSIONALS will be hired to record the entire liturgy. Each candidate will receive a professional DVD and a 5” X 7” photograph taken as they are anointed by the bishop.

APPROPRIATE ATTIREMALE candidates AND sponsors should wear dress pants, a dress shirt, a tie, and dress shoes. Jackets and suits are optional. NO athletic shoes or hats.FEMALE candidates AND sponsors should wear a modest, tasteful, dressy outfit.NO tight or clinging leggings, skirts, dresses, or tops; NO dresses or skirts SHORTER than one hand length above the knee; NO bare shoulders or midriffs; NO tops that are low cut, strapless, or have spaghetti straps. Be prepared with a shawl, shrug, or sweater.

ENROLLMENT FORMAll 7th graders and their parent/s will be presented with a CONFIRMATION ENROLLMENT FORM to complete and turn in immediately following the Information Meeting if they choose to begin the preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Undoubtedly, you will be faced with conflicts and challenges over the next year, certainly with schedules for outside activities, if nothing else. How you handle those conflicts and challenges will be an indication of the priority each of you place on this sacrament. Below is a copy of the Agreement sections that candidates

17

and parents were asked to read and sign, committing to participation outlined in this hand book and as explained at the Information Meeting held in April, 2015.

COPYCOMMITMENT TO FULL PARITICIPATION IN PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION

*CANDIDATES AND PARENTS MUST READ IN FULL BEFORE SIGNING BELOW.By signing this form, PARENTS and CANDIDATES acknowledge that:

___each of you has discussed the significance of this sacrament with each other___each of you has attended the required Information Meeting and understand all that was presented to you and agree to read the remainder of the Confirmation Hand Book in full ___each of you agree to fulfill the guidelines and requirements as outlined in the Hand Book___CANDIDATE has expressed a genuine desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and agrees to be present at, and participate in, all required events, meetings, activities, classes, etc.___PARENT/S agree to support your child as he/she prepares for Confirmation and that you and/or your child will be present at all required events, meetings, activities, classes, etc.___REL ED STUDENTS & PARENTS understand and agree to the requirement for consistent and continued attendance in the full REL ED Program through April 20, 2016.

SPONSOR DINNER & CANDIDATE ENROLLMENT CEREMONYCandidates, sponsors and parents are invited to a presentation and dinner, followed by the Candidate Enrollment Ceremony at the 6:00 pm mass. The date is not confirmed yet at the time of this printing, but will be either November 1st or 8th. There will be a wonderful motivational speaker to share an awesome Confirmation presentation. Unfortunately, the speaker is not confirmed at the time of this printing either. Please watch for more details to come very soon.

IMPORTANT DATES

NOV. 1 or 8, 2015 SPONSOR DINNER & ENROLLMENT CEREMONY

NOV. 15, 2015 ST. EMILY $75 SACRAMENT FEE DUE TO REL ED OFFICE

18

NOV. 15, 2015 LAST DAY TO TURN IN INFORMATION PACKET

NOV. 21/22, 2015 BAKE SALE (for CC NEW HOPE Christmas Party)

DEC. 11, 2015 GIFT SHOPPING & WRAPPING (for CC NEW HOPE Christmas Party)

DEC. 12, 2015 CHRISTMAS PARTY (for CC NEW HOPE Families)

DEC. 31, 2015 LAST DAY TO TURN IN SERVICE REPORT PACKET

JAN. 16, 2016 CONFIRMATION RETREAT (9am-6pm) Mandatory attendance for all candidates

JAN. 30, 2016 LAST DAY TO TURN IN LETTER TO THE PASTOR

MAR. 3, 2016 ST. EMILY CONFIRMATION REHEARSAL, 7-8pm in ChurchMandatory for candidate and sponsor (or parent)

MAR. 5, 2016, 11am ST. EMILY CONFIRMATION OR TBD by Archdiocese in JulyMAR. 6, 2016, 2pm

19