Session #22 - CONFIRMATION

I – What is Confirmation? (Decision Point: pgs 244 & 245)

·      It is one of the seven sacraments. A “sacrament “ is “encounter with Jesus Christ” (pg. 244), which helps us to grow spiritually. Each sacrament gives us graces we need in order to live the life Jesus asks us to live.

·      REVIEW: there are seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Annointing of the Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders.

o   The first three of these are called “Sacraments of Initiation”, which (as the name indicates” helps us get started in our Christian life.

·      When you were baptized, the Holy Spirit planted the seeds of your gifts. And your parents and godparents made promises on your behalf to nurture your relationship with God and His Church.

·      When you are confirmed, the Holy Spirit will be unleashed in your life and these gifts that were given to YOU will grow and help you throughout your life. It will especially help you live out the life mission/calling that God has given YOU.

II – The Power of Preparation (Decision Point: pgs. 248 – 250)

·      How do you prepare for big events in your life? Do you start months before the big day or do you leave it to the last minute? Does it depend?

·      The preparation for Confirmation is a process. It walks you through not only the basic teachings of our Church, but it also encourages you to build a personal relationship with Jesus (especially through prayer).

·      Here are some of the steps we encourage you to take as you get ready for this big day (next year):

o   Reconciliation – when was the last time you went to confession? The sacrament of Reconciliation provides us with the opportunity to get rid of those things (SIN) that are getting in the way of our relationship with Jesus, and start fresh.
We all have things that can get in the way of us growing into the best version of ourselves. The version God wants us to be so we can also live our best life! Check this out for steps regarding this sacrament:

o   Prayer – as we have talked about throughout this year, prayer is our conversation with God. And just like we do with our parents and the people we love, we should talk to God EVERY DAY!
In one of our earlier classes, we talked about the “Prayer Process” (remember your prayer journal?). If you need a refresher, you can see page 102 in your textbook. Prayer is such an important and powerful tool in our lives, that some saints have called it “oxygen for the soul”.
If you are finding prayer/praying difficult, start with your basic prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be), which I gave you as well. The important thing is that you START and have at least a couple of minutes everyday where you talk to God about your day, your dreams, your fears, or simply a quick hello!

III – How Will Confirmation Change You? (pgs. 254-255)

·      As I shared at the beginning of this lesson, the Holy Spirit has already placed gifts in you when you were baptized. I also shared that when you are confirmed, the Holy Spirit will be unleashed in your life – opening TONS of different possibilities.

·      HOWEVER – this also depends on you. One of the points we have discussed is free will. God does not force you to have a relationship with Him – but He is ALWAYS wanting, calling, and willing to speak with you.

·      Change comes when we are willing and open to the Holy Spirit and the graces He wants to bestow upon us. When we open up to the Holy Spirit, life changes and we are able to live life in a different and amazing way!

 

 

IV – When the Day Comes and What Comes Next…

·      When your Confirmation day comes, we (yes, WE) will all rejoice and celebrate. It will be an important family and Church affair. Some of you will even have dinners/parties to celebrate such an important occasion!

·      Pages 258 and 259 of your textbook gives you a brief overview of what to expect during the Rite of Confirmation. The parish, family, and friends will witness how YOU will answer the Bishop’s questions about your faith. YOU will confirm your belief in God and His Church.

·      WHAT ABOUT AFTER? Will this become a beginning or an end for you? God wants you to think of this as a great beginning. But this comes down to you and the decision you make.

HOMEWORK (due on 4/11/21)
- Answer questions on page 267 in your Decision Point textbook.
- In your Bible, read the Gospel of John, chapter 20, verses 19-31