Program Overview
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Confirmation II
Important Dates...
Sacramental Paperwork due Jan 15, 2020
- Saint Name Form
- Sponsor Form
- Letter to Bishop
- Sacramental Records
Confirmation Retreat (choose 1)
- Saturday, Dec 14, 2019 at St. Mary
- Saturday, Feb 22, 2020 at St. John
St. Mary Candidate/ Sponsor Night
- Wednesday, April 15, 2020
St. John Confirmation Mass
- Sunday, October 6, 2019
- 5:00 pm Mass
- Rehearse Sat, Oct 5 10am - 2 pm
St. Mary Confirmation Mass
- Sunday, May 17, 2020
- 3:00 or 6:00 pm Mass
- Rehearse Fri, May 15
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Introducing our Faith Formation Staff...
(978) 251-8571/ 256-2374
Heather Hannaway, Director of Faith Formation, ext 226
Courtney A. Callanan, MA, Assistant Director of Faith Formation & Youth Minister, ext 227
Alana Buckley, Faith Formation Specialist, ext 212
Elaine Kindler, Faith Formation Coordinator, ext 216
Lynn Anne LaDuke, Faith Formation Coordinator, ext 240
Faith Formation Office Hours...
Monday - Thursday... 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | Office is closed on Fridays -
Sacramental Preparation...
In the Archdiocese of Boston, preperation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is a two-year process. Teens typically begin preperation their freshmen year of high school but are welcome to begin the process later if needed. In Chelmsford, St. Mary's holds a spring Confirmation and St. John's holds a fall Confirmation. Participation in parish sacramental preperation is required of all teens including those who attend Catholic schools. Those who have not recieved faith formation either through parish faith formation or Catholic schooling in the years leading up to Confirmation may be asked to participate in supplementary instruction as part of their Confirmation preperation process.
Curriculum...
Confirmation Prep uses Chosen: Your Journey to Confirmation by Ascension Press. Chosen brings together twelve of the most talented and inspiring presenters in the Church
today, and is filmed at more that fifty locations, Chosen is designed to capture the attention of our youth and present the faith to them in new and unexpected ways. The program seeks to connect with the hearts and minds of our young people on an intellectual, emotional, and spiritual level. Each week, teens will be engaged, challenged, and inspired as they are guide toward a deepening relationship with Christ and a life of committed discipleship. More information on the program can be found by clicking on the CHOSEN image (above).
Components...
Mass: As Catholics, we believe that the Holy Mass is the source and summit of our faith. Regular Mass attendance (i.e. at least every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation) is an expectation of our faith formation families. The Confirmation class timing is designed to be in conjunction (either before or after) with a Mass. However, families are welcome to attend any Mass that works for them and their schedule. Mass engagement is encouraged throughout the year through Mass Tickets and Mass Reflections.
Class: Confirmation meets approximately once a month during the faith formation year for a total of 8 classes. Classes are held in the Parish Hall. Youth are split into small groups that sit together at tables with adult facilitators. A lead teacher presents material to the large group which is reinforced and explored further in activities and discussion conducted in the small groups.
Deep Dives: A common component to all grade levels in family faith formation, Deep Dives are a chance for families to experience faith together through prayer, service, etc. A wide variety of Deep Dives will be offered throughout the year, allowing families to pick ones that fit with their schedules and interests. Confirmation Candidates are asked to complete AT LEAST 4 Deep Dives each year that meet the following requirements:- of the 4, 1 must be a Teaching Baptism (for Confirmation I)
- of the 4, 2 must be attended as a family
- for each Deep Dive completed, youth are asked to turn in a reflection sheet
Confirmation II Specific Components...
There a several additional requirements for teens in their final year of confirmation preperation which are outlined below. To the left, you can find a checklist to help you keep track.- Saint Name Selection (due January 15, 2020)
- Sponsor Selection (due January 15, 2020)
- Letter to the Bishop (Due January 15, 2020)
- Confirmation Retreat (December 14, 2019 at St. Mary OR February 22, 2020 at St. John)
- Canidate Sponsor Night (April 15 at St. Mary)
- Interview with Pastor
More information such as class schedules, make-up work directions, and the above referenced Confirmation II paperwork, etc. can be found on the Family Resources page...