EACH student preparing for the sacrament should select a patron saint, and will be confirmed using the name of that saint (A.K.A., your Confirmation Name). The saint should be carefully selected and should display some of the virtues that the student admires and will try to follow in his/her life.
There are so many saints. How can I choose one? Some students already know who they will choose for their patron saint. It might be the saint whose feast day is on their birthday or the saint who is patron of the profession they aspire to in the future. If you have no idea, read through some mini-biographies of different saints to find one who speaks to you. NOTE: there are several levels in the canonization process. You may choose someone who has been declared a Saint or a Blessed by the Church. You may not choose any who have only been declared Servants of God or Venerable.
The research paper: You must use three sources to gather information about your saint (books, encyclopedias, Catholic websites - you may NOT use Wikipedia as a source). You MAY NOT copy information from a source and paste it directly into the paper. If you need help on how to research and prepare a report, please ask!
Potential sources: www.catholic.org/saints/, http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/,
http://www.catholiccity.com/encyclopedia/saints.html, www.newadvent.com
The Basic faith Test is a MANDATORY exam given to students to test their knowledge on key tenets of their Catholic faith.
The material on the test includes:
Students must pass this test with a score of 70% or better before promotion to the 8th Grade/Year 2 of Confirmation preparation.
If a student scores less than 70%, he/she will have an opportunity to retake the test. Students MUST retake the exam NLT July 30, 2021. Retest/makeup test dates will be determined and posted by March 28, 2021.
Study guides are in the red folder so the students can begin preparing NOW. Although the catechists do review the material throughout the year, we do NOT teach to the test. The students must put in individual effort and prepare outside of class in order to show an understanding of the material and a readiness for the sacrament of Confirmation. To help with this, students will receive weekly reviews beginning in January (either on paper or via a google form to be completed and submitted online). You will also receive links to Quizlets to help review definitions and categories.
Assistance in studying for the exam can be given by the RE Office. Contact Diana Roets, Sacramental Coordinator, at [email protected] or call 540-659-5705.
Parents/sponsors are encouraged to assist the children study for the exam. Students who make an honest effort have never had any difficulty passing the exam.
The Office of Faith Formation at the diocese has recently provided parishes with Standards of Learning for Religious Education at all grade levels. They have included a comprehensive Confirmation Exam. We will provide this exam to students in August to be completed at home and returned by the end of September. Students are encouraged to work on this exam with their sponsor. We feel compelled to utilize this tool the diocese has provided because most often the students do not remember the material from the Basic Faith Test after 6 months have passed. Completing this exam (open notes, google, sponsor, parent) allows the student to refresh their memory and be prepared to answer any questions about their Faith that the bishop may ask them.
Students are required to perform a total of FIFTEEN (15) service hours. This total is half of the service hours normally required in light of the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. The remaining 15 hours are being replaced by three (3) research projects/papers.
Service hours are intended to form the student through opportunities to perform the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Our Lord, Jesus Christ, spent his life serving others. If we are to be a true follower of Christ, we must be willing to serve others and expect nothing in return.
Submission of the Name of Sponsor is due 1/26/2022
Submission of Letter of Eligibility (Sponsor letter) is due 4/24/2022
The Role of Confirmation Sponsor
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the role of the Confirmation sponsor is to, “Continue to help the candidate along the road of Christian life, to safeguard and develop the grace given at Baptism and now sealed with the Holy Spirit.” (CCC. 1320)
The role of the Confirmation Sponsor involves much more than simply standing behind the Candidate as the bishop confirms. It is the beginning or the continuation of a lasting relationship of mentoring and guidance.
The prayers and support of the Sponsor are an important part of preparation for Confirmation, and helps the Confirmation Candidate live his or her baptismal promises both before and after Confirmation.
The Diocese of Arlington requires parishes to conduct two (2) retreats for students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The first retreat is in Year 1, and we normally take the students for a day of prayer and reconciliation at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. in the spring. The Shrine is closed to tours at this time due to COVID. We will have a retreat, but it has not been planned out yet. Most likely it will be conducted within house here at St. William of York.
The second retreat is in the fall, prior to Confirmation. It will be in-house here.