Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community

Confirmation Program

Student/Parent Handbook, 2020-2021

Student Name/s:________________________________________________________

Parent/Student Acknowledgement Form

This handbook provides you with the mission of Santa Maria de la Paz’s (“SMDLP”) confirmation

program and other critical information for the success of the program. The rules and regulations

contained in this handbook are all based on our mission and the relevant archdiocesan and canonical

standards.

Students, parents, catechists, administrators, and parish staff all have important roles to play in our

program. With so many people working together, problems may occur from time to time. The

policies in this handbook have been created to deal with these problems. Like laws, these policies

apply to everyone and they work only when everyone knows what they are.

This handbook lists the rules and policies for confirmandi in SMDLP’s confirmation program.

Please read them carefully. You need to know what they are because both parents and students will

be held to these standards. The program must have this acknowledgement form signed so that we

know you have read and understood the rules contained within this handbook.

Please initial the lines and sign on the back of this page and return it to the Director of Youth

Ministry or the parish office by September 13, 2020. A signed form must be a part of every

student’s record. Your signature means only that you have received this handbook and have had a

chance to read its contents. If you have any questions about this handbook, contact the Director of

Youth Ministry at 629-1328 or at ym@smdlp.org.

Please initial or check () each line indicating that you have read and understand the content:

___ I understand that my child is bound by the rules and requirements outlined in this

handbook.

___ I understand that the Confirmation Registration fee is $50.00 and that I will submit payment

by October 1, 2020.

___ I understand that I am required to provide a Baptismal Certificate issued within the last six

(6) months from the parish where my child was baptized, and that this IS NOT a photocopy

of the original.

___ I understand that my child can have only two (2) absences from the Confirmation Program.

___ I understand that if my child has more than two (2) absences, he/she is in danger of being

disenrolled from the Confirmation Program.

___ I understand that if my child arrives to class AFTER roll is taken, that he/she is considered

absent.

___ I understand that if my child is disruptive, uncooperative, or sleeps in class, the Director of

Youth Ministry will call me to advise me of this behavior.

______________________________________________________ __________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

______________________________________________________ __________________

Candidate Signature Date

2020-2021

Confirmation Program

Parent Handbook

Confirmation Mass: Sunday, May 2, 2021, 5:00PM

Dear Parish Family,

Welcome to the Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community’s Confirmation Program. I am excited to journey

with your family and your teen towards the Sacrament of Confirmation. In this registration packet you will

read about all the Confirmation and Youth Ministry Program that Santa Maria de la Paz provides to and

expects of your teen and your family. This is truly a special time of spiritual formation for your teen, one that

I hope will strengthen your entire family.

Our Confirmation Program reflects the recommendations of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe to incorporate a

comprehensive model of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. This includes emphasis on three

specific periods of formation:

The Period of Inquiry. This period focuses on the requirements for the Sacrament of Confirmation

and is designed to help teens and parents discern if they can commit to the preparation necessary for

the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Period of Evangelization. This period will re-introduce and deepen the candidates’

understanding of the basic tenets of the Catholic faith. It is a “new-evangelization” for the candidates

and an opportunity for continued conversion to Christ.

The Period of Mission. This period focuses on a growing relationship with Christ, a lively

interaction with the Holy Spirit, and a deeper understanding of the missionary call each candidate

received at Baptism.

As you continue ministering to your family, your parish, and the community, I ask you to be especially

faithful in these areas:

Attend Sunday Liturgy and Holy Days of Obligation

Support a parish ministry with the gift of your time

Be true to the Biblical call to tithe.

In addition to worshipping at Santa Maria de la Paz, your family has the opportunity to give your time, talent

and treasure to the many ministries this faith community has to offer. Opportunities to participate are not

restricted to Youth Ministry or Confirmation, but include all parish ministries such as Adult Faith Formation,

RCIA, Religious Education, ministers of hospitality, Art and Environment Committee, to name but a few. It

is your example that will have the greatest impact on the faith formation of your child.

In His service,

Tommy D. Baca

Tommy D. Baca

Director of Youth Ministry

Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community

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Mission Statement:

The Santa Maria de la Paz Confirmation program provides religious instruction and preparation for

the Sacrament of Confirmation to high school age teens. This program assists, directs, and helps

parents, the primary educators, with ongoing education in their children’s faith formation.

SMDLP’s Confirmation program supports the overall parish mission statement by forming the

children of our parish to:

Worship together united in common prayer and the celebration of life

Deepen their individual relationship with God

Be compassionate toward themselves and others

Become co-creators of a more just society

Be part of a loving family which values diversity of gifts

Honor the ministry of Mary as peacemaker

Confirmation Contact Information

Tommy D. Baca, Director of Youth Ministry

11 College Avenue

Santa Fe, NM 87508-9225

Office: 505-629-1328;

Fax: 505-473-1602

E-mail: ym@smdlp.org

Announcements

Consult the weekly Sunday bulletin for general information regarding the Confirmation Program.

The Sunday bulletin provides a means of communicating information about the program and should

be checked regularly.

When necessary, SMDLP uses Flocknote to contact teens and parents by text; therefore, if you or

your teen do not have a cell phone, please provide the number of someone who can give you and

your teen a message.

Admission

Admission is open to all high school aged teens. Your family must be registered at SMDLP, or if you

are not a member of our parish but want your child to receive sacramental preparation at SMDLP,

you must obtain a letter of permission from the pastor of the church at which you are registered. A

letter requesting permission from your parish is included in the candidate’s packet. You are welcome

to register at the parish office or after the Masses on the first two weekends of August in the

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gathering space after Mass. Proof of legal guardianship/adoption or written permission must be

obtained if you are not the parent of the candidate being registered.

Families Registered at Another Parish

If your family is registered at another parish, you must obtain a letter of permission from the pastor

of the church at which you are registered. A letter requesting permission from your parish is

included in the candidate’s packet. However, because you and your candidate have decided to

participate in the confirmation program here at SMDLP, your candidate must fully participate in

ALL SMDLP’s activities, including Sunday Mass attendance. If you and your family attend Sunday

Mass at your home parish, the candidate MUST STILL attend the 5:00PM Sunday Mass at SMDLP.

Also, your candidate must perform church service at SMDLP to receive church service

credit.

Confirmation Registration

The following items are required to register a teen in the Confirmation Program:

Completed “Santa Maria de la Paz Confirmation Registration” form1

Completed SMDLP Parish Registration form1

Completed Sponsor eligibility form (“Archdiocese of Santa Fe Affidavit of Eligibility for the

Ministry of Baptism or Confirmation Sponsor”)1

Completed “Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community Confirmation Program - Code of

Conduct” form1

Baptismal certificate issued within the past 6 months

Proof of attendance in high school level religious education class or currently enrolled (or

attending St. Michael’s High School).

Completed waiver2 for the Circle of Grace session IF you DO NOT want your teen to

attend. See “Circle of Grace” on page 4 for information about this session.

Completed “Handbook Parent/Student Acknowledgement Form” 2

$50 registration fee.3 Make check payable to “Santa Maria de la Paz Catholic Community”

and on the Memo line write “Confirmation fee for Candidate’s Name”.

All forms and fees are due on the day of registration.

Fee

There is a $50 non-refundable registration fee per teen registering for the Confirmation Program.

This cost goes primarily toward covering the materials and operational expenses incurred during

class sessions.

1 Included in Candidate’s Packet 2 Included in Parent’s Packet 3 Included in Parent’s check book, wallet, or purse

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YOU ARE NOT PAYING FOR THE SACRAMENT—SACRAMENTS ARE NOT FOR

SALE.

(This fee does not cover costs of the weekend retreat.) Our catechists are volunteers and are not

compensated for their work except through the grace of God.

When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, "Does not your

teacher pay the temple tax?" … (and Jesus replied) “But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in

a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple

tax. Give that to them for me and for you."

– Matthew 17: 24, 27

Sacramental Policies

High school aged teens participating in the Confirmation program must have one (1) year of 8th

grade or higher of high school religious education (or completed one year at St. Michael’s High

School).

Basic Requirements

The Archdiocese of Santa Fe requires parishes to comply with their Confirmation requirements;

however, the Archdiocese also allows each parish to design their own confirmation program.

Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be required to:

Complete a combination of community service and church service hours totaling thirty (30)

hours

Participate in the weekly 5:00PM Life Teen Sunday Mass

Attend one hour of Eucharistic Adoration on one First Friday in the fall and one in

the spring

Attend the youth Advent Holy Hour (December 4, 8:00PM) and Lenten Holy Hour

(March 5, 8:00PM)

Attend the weekend Confirmation retreat and the Candidate/Sponsor/Parent Lenten

Retreat

Write a report about the Saint whose name they chose for their Confirmation name

(due October 11, 2020)

Write a letter to the Archbishop (due April 11, 2021)

Circle of Grace

In accordance with Archdiocesan policy and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Directives, SMDLP holds a training session for both adults and teens. The Abuse Awareness

Workshop is designed for church employees and volunteers to assist them in preventing, spotting,

and reporting potential child abuse. All adults who volunteer within the youth program must attend

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the Abuse Awareness Workshop sponsored by the Archdiocese of Santa Fe or complete the online

VIRTUS training. If you would like to attend a workshop or VIRTUS training, please contact the

Director of Youth Ministry or call the Archdiocesan office for the Protection of Children and Youth

at (505) 831-8142.

It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him

to cause one of these little ones to sin.

– Luke 17:2

The children and youth session (Circle of Grace) teaches children to be safe, protect themselves, and

communicate potential dangers regarding abuse. You must determine whether or not you want your

teen to attend the session. If you do NOT want your teen to attend the training session, then you

must sign the release form (included in the candidate packet) that we will file with the Archdiocese

of Santa Fe.

The Circle of Grace Session for confirmation candidates is scheduled

for Sunday, September 20, 2020, at 3:00PM at the Social Center.

Conduct and Discipline

Our program strives to emphasize God’s love. However, we expect all students to behave in a

respectful and appropriate manner. Respect for classmates, teachers, staff, clergy, and church

property are a top priority.

Do not be deceived: "Bad company corrupts good morals."

–1 Corinthians 15:33

Time is very limited in our confirmation program and cannot be wasted disciplining disrespectful

students. Further, all of our catechists are volunteers and cannot and should not be expected to deal

with disrespectful, uncooperative, and/or disruptive students. We ask you to do your part to explain

to your teens the importance religious education plays in their lives. We cannot provide religious

education and formation without the cooperation and support of parents.

Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

–Proverbs 20:11

All candidates, their parents, teachers, teen helpers, and the Director of Youth Ministry are required

to sign a Code of Conduct that lists the rules of conduct by which they are expected to abide.

Included in the Code of Conduct are the disciplinary procedures that we’ll follow if needed. The

following is the Code of Conduct:

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Code of Conduct

1. All candidates, teachers, and anyone involved in the program, must respect everyone.

Disrespect will not be tolerated. See disciplinary procedure below.

2. Cell phones or any other communication device will not be allowed in the classes and will be

confiscated. If a phone is needed for emergencies, candidates can go to the office.

3. No weapons (knives, pocket knives, guns, etc.) may be brought on to church property.

4. Profanity, vulgar and racist language or behavior is not acceptable.

5. Candidates must be on time for class beginning at 3:00PM. They will be promptly dismissed

after the 5:00PM Mass. If a candidate arrives after 3:15PM, he/she will not be admitted to

class and marked absent. Please speak to school sports coaches about early dismissal from

practices.

6. For safety reasons, parents needing their son or daughter to leave early must send a note with

a phone number for verification. This will be verified the same evening.

7. Substance Abuse: Any candidate using, being under the influence of, or possessing illegal

drugs or alcohol will be dismissed from the program. No exceptions (zero tolerance).

Disciplinary Procedure

The procedure for disciplinary action is as follows. Four strikes and you’re out!

1st disciplinary instance: Candidate will be taken out of class and sent home. Parents will be called at the time of the

incident.

2nd disciplinary instance: Candidate will be taken out of class and sent home. Parents and candidate will be asked to

meet with the Director of Youth Ministry.

3rd disciplinary instance: Candidate will be taken out of class and sent home. Parent will need to attend class with

student for a specified amount of time, after meeting with the Pastor.

4th disciplinary instance: Candidate will be dismissed from the program and invited to return the following year.

Definition of Sexual Harassment/Sexual Violence

Any intentional brushing against, patting, pinching of another’s body; suggestive or obscene letters,

notes, invitations, comments; derogatory slurs, jokes, epithets; unwanted physical contact or

blocking movements; leering with sexual overtones; or the display of sexually suggestive objects,

posters, cartoons, or visual aids.

Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love,

faith, and purity.

– 1 Timothy 4:12

Sexual harassment and sexual violence are unlawful and grounds for immediate dismissal

from the Confirmation Program.

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Class Attendance

Teens must to understand the value of commitment if they are to begin to truly learn and grow in

their faith as children of God. As responsible Catholic parents, it is important to prioritize, meaning

that faith must come first! It must be more important than sports, birthday parties,

and time with friends. This is an essential value which must be passed on to our teen.

Train yourself for devotion, for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every

respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future.

– 1 Timothy 4:8

Please make sure your teen is on time and in attendance on a regular basis to classes. We fully

understand that life is full of interruptions—car trouble, illness, uncooperative coaches. If your teen

is unable to attend a class session or other confirmation-related function, call the Director of Youth

Ministry (629-1328).

Candidates are allowed only two (2) class absences, which will require extra 1 ½ hours extra of

community or church service for EACH absence. When the candidate misses the third class, the

Director of Youth Ministry will meet with the candidate and the parents to discuss any issue that

may be keeping the candidate from attending classes. If the candidate arrives to class after roll call,

the candidate is considered absent.

Parents and candidates are informed at the time of registration that (a) class attendance is mandatory

and (b) the time and day of the classes. If candidates aren’t able to attend all classes because of

homework, sports, or other extra-curricular activities, then they shouldn’t register for the program.

Candidates need to understand that Confirmation requires a serious commitment and effort,

otherwise there would be no need for a program and everyone can receive the Sacrament.

Because we take the Sacrament of Confirmation seriously, teens will NOT be excused from

classes (which are mandatory) or other mandatory activities to attend school functions

unless it will affect their academic grades, not sports playing time.

Teens may be required to perform extra community or church service, whether

the absence was excused or not.

If your teen is not present during roll call, either the Director of Youth Ministry or another

designated person will contact you to ask if your teen has a valid reason for not being in class.

Unfortunately, teens have in the past been dropped off for class by their parents but then leave with

a friend.

Tardy

The time we spend in sessions is short. Teens who are habitually tardy without an approved excuse

risk continuing in the Confirmation Program. If your teen will be late, please contact the Director of

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Youth Ministry (629-1328). We begin promptly at 3:00 with announcements and begin watching the

video for the class work. It is important for your teen to watch the video. If your teen is not present

during roll call, the candidate is considered absent and either the Director of Youth Ministry or

another designated person will contact you to ask if your teen has a valid reason for not being in

class.

Early Dismissal

Parents or guardians who find themselves in a situation which calls for the early release of a teen

from a confirmation class are asked to do the following:

1. Provide advance notification to the Director of Youth Ministry (office 629-1328; e-mail

ym@smdlp.org). This notification should include:

a. Name of teen

b. Date and time of early dismissal

c. Reason for early dismissal

d. Name of person to whom to release teen

2. Upon receiving permission for early dismissal of a teen, the parent, guardian, or caretaker

should pick up the teen from the Director of Youth Ministry or an appointed designee

(usually found in the gathering space).

a. Identification may be required! We WILL NOT release a teen to anyone who has

not been identified as the parent, guardian, or caretaker.

3. All teens leaving early must be signed out by an authorized person. The sign out sheets will

be with the Director of Youth Ministry. If the teen drives him/herself to confirmation

sessions, prior permission from the parent, guardian, or caretaker is required.

Student Safety

SMDLP is committed to creating a safe environment for everyone, but especially for the youth of

our parish. Adult volunteers are asked to help monitor all youth activity and report any suspicious

behavior immediately. In addition to calling you in the event that a teen is not present during roll

call, the Director of Youth Ministry and catechists will do the following in the case of a missing teen:

1. Make a brief yet thorough check of the church grounds.

2. Call you to inquire if you have the teen or know of the teen’s whereabouts.

3. If the first two steps fail in locating the teen, we will immediately call the Santa Fe County

Sheriff’s Department and inform them of the situation.

4. Always fill out an incident report and turn it in to the Director of Youth Ministry.

In the case of a child collapsing during confirmation sessions:

1. The classroom catechist immediately attends to the student, offering first aid where possible.

2. If the injury or condition appears life threatening, the catechist or the Director of Youth

Ministry will call 911.

3. After paramedics have arrived and attended to the child, an Archdiocesan incident report

will be completed and submitted to the Archdiocese.

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In the case of a child bringing a weapon on the church grounds:

1. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department will be notified immediately.

2. The student will be expelled from the program.

Student Supervision

Please be sure to pick up your teen promptly after the Life Teen Mass (ends about 6:15PM), or better

yet, attend Mass with them. Archdiocesan policy requires that at least two (2) adults remain with

teens. If you have not picked up your teen by 6:45PM, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department

will be notified and your teen will be turned over to protective custody.

Visiting the Classroom and Guest Speakers

No one is permitted to visit during confirmation sessions unless prior approval has been given by

the catechist and Director of Youth Ministry. If you want to visit a specific room, please make

arrangements at least one week in advance with the Director of Youth Ministry.

Catechists who wish to have a guest speaker or other person visit their classroom will make those

arrangements with the Director of Youth Ministry.

Weather Delays/Cancelations

Santa Maria de la Paz follows closure procedures of the Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), that

is, if SFCC cancels classes due to inclement weather, confirmation activities will also be canceled.

Every effort will be made to contact teens via Flocknote text message should a cancelation occur.

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Confirmation Retreat

The Archdiocese requires all confirmation candidates to attend a confirmation retreat. This gives the

candidates a chance to reflect on their lives and helps prepare them mentally and spiritually for the

Sacrament of Confirmation. Many of our former confirmation candidates had life changing

experiences at the confirmation retreat, and we pray that your candidate will also feel the power and

love of the Holy Spirit during the retreat.

Our Confirmation Weekend Retreat is September 25, 26, and 27 at

Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu

(To assure getting Ghost Ranch, we reserve the location one year prior to the retreat, so we

apologize if this weekend coincides with any homecoming weekends.)

Parents, please bring your son/daughter to Santa Maria de la Paz by 3:30PM on Friday, September

25. The bus will leave to Ghost Ranch at 4:00PM.

On Sunday, September 27, we will return to Santa Maria de la Paz around 4:30PM. Candidates and

Core team will meet at the Social Hall. The closing of the retreat is the Life Teen Mass at 5:00PM

during which we will have the Rite of Welcome. Sponsors are required to join their candidates

for Mass and the Rite of Welcome. Parents, please join us at the Mass.

There is an $80 retreat fee, traditionally paid by the sponsor. This fee is due by September 18,

2019.

Dress Code for Retreat Please have your teen bring comfortable, warm clothes and a warm jacket. Usually it is colder in

Ghost Ranch and keep in mind it could snow. Although we ask them to wear comfortable clothing,

we do expect them to be modest; no bare shoulder, no spaghetti straps or tight clothing. We need to

preserve a respectful and prayerful environment. Prescribed medications must be stored in a zip lock

bag and checked in with our confirmation teachers.

Below is a list of what your teen needs to bring for the retreat:

Sleeping Bags/Blankets/Pillow

Clothing for 3 days

Personal Belongings

Towels

Toiletries

Snacks to share

The following is a list of items you teen SHOULD NOT BRING:

Pagers, phones

I-Pods (only if they need it to fall asleep.)

Tobacco, Alcohol, or Drugs

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Worship, Prayer, and Service

Mass Attendance

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

2180. The precept of the Church specifies the law of the Lord more precisely: “On Sundays and other holy

days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass.” “The precept of participating in the

Mass is satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy

day or on the evening of the preceding day.”

We as Catholics are obligated to attend all Sunday and holy days of obligation Masses. Failure to

attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation (without a grave reason such as illness) is a

mortal sin!

Teens are required to attend all Sunday Life Teen Masses (5:00PM). If your teen cannot attend that

particular Mass, they are required to bring a bulletin from the church they attended SIGNED by

either the celebrating priest or a deacon. You, as parents, are encouraged to set a good example

by regularly attending Sunday Mass with your children and all holy days of obligation. Where

possible, we encourage you to also attend other prayer services (such as the XLT Praise and

Worship services, Novena to the Holy Spirit, and other Masses).

Missing Sunday Mass jeopardizes reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation!

Candidates are required to sign an attendance sheet after attending Mass. If a candidate misses Mass

regularly, the Director of Youth Ministry will meet with the candidate and the parents to discuss any

issue that may be keeping the candidate from attending Mass. Candidates do get sick, but constant

absence from attending Mass shows lack of commitment to the confirmation program. Even if

candidates are out of town on vacation or break, they should still attend Mass. Candidates should

still bring signed bulletins from churches where they attend Mass while on vacation.

Parents are encouraged to attend Mass with the candidate. Parents are the candidate’s first catechist;

parents need to set an example.

Candidates will sit in the front rows of the center pews. The community should see who the

candidates are, and the candidates should sit as a group to support each other. Candidates who have

other “home” parishes must also attend the 5:00PM Life Teen Mass at SMDLP.

Rationale: The candidate freely chose to participate in SMDLP’s confirmation program rather than

the program at his/her own parish, so he/she must follow the same rules and comply with the same

requirements as our own candidates.

Eucharistic Adoration Candidates are required to attend one (1) hour of Eucharistic Adoration at least once in the

fall (October–November) and once in the spring (January–April) on a First Friday or the

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following Saturday morning, with their parents and/or sponsors. Our Catholic faith revolves

around Christ’s full-presence in the Eucharist yet many of our teens have never attended a

Eucharistic Adoration. SMDLP has a Youth Holy Hour at 8:00PM on the First Fridays of each

month. Candidates can attend this hour with their peers or they can attend at a different time

depending on their schedule.

Advent Holy Hour and Lenten Holy Hour Candidates are required to attend the Advent Holy Hour and Lenten Holy Hour. Teens need

to prepare themselves for these liturgical seasons rather than just wait to see what Santa brings them

or just “giving up” something for Lent.

Parent/Catechist or Director Conferences

If you would like a conference with either the catechist or the Director of Youth Ministry, please

contact the Director for an appointment. Please refrain from attempting to meet with a

catechist unannounced or during class hours. Please address all concerns to the Director of

Youth Ministry. It is inappropriate to discuss problems with someone who is not authorized to

provide a solution. As a last resort, you may make an appointment to meet with the pastor.

Parent and Sponsor Involvement

Our confirmation program requires involvement of parents and sponsors. As the primary

educators and supporters of your children, it is necessary to always be growing in your faith!

Take to heart these words which I command you today. Keep repeating them to your children. Recite them

when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up.

– Deuteronomy 6:6-7

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

“The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate

substitute.” – CCC 2221

Children learn through example. If we aren’t attending Mass on Sundays, why should our children?

If we fail to actively participate in church activities (volunteering, continued faith formation,

stewardship), how can we expect our children to do so? Continuing education and formation is one

way to do so.

Parents and sponsors are required to attend an Adult Religious

Education unit.

There are several opportunities; beginning in September, Fr. Daniel will offer Adult Religious

Education units on Tuesday nights at 6:00PM in the Social Center.

Attending these adult religious education courses is a wonderful way to set an example to your

candidate.

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Church and Community Service As part of our obligation as Catholics, we are called to contribute our time, talent, and treasure to

our church and to others. Candidates are required to perform at least 30 hours of church and

community service. To share in this experience and to set a good example, sponsors are asked to

perform at least 10 hours of service (church and/or community), preferably with their candidate.

Serving others together creates a bond between you and your candidate. We’ve found that sharing in

this service experience has continued between the sponsor and candidate even after confirmation.

Church Service

All youth who have received their First Holy Communion are encouraged to volunteer in church

service such as altar servers, cross bearers, choir members, etc. If your candidate wishes to serve in a

ministry as part of their church service, they must attend two Sunday Masses—one in which to

serve and one to use as their Mass requirement. Unfortunately in the past, candidates have “double

dipped” by serving in a ministry for church service hours, then quit serving after completing the

required number of hours.

Participation in Parish Activities

You and your teens are encouraged to participate in all parish activities and programs. This is a part

of the ongoing formation parents need to instill in their children emphasizing our closeness as a

community of God’s people. Showing teens our love and caring helps them to further understand

Christ’s love and teachings. The following are some activities we may organize for the candidates to

participate in during the year.

Prepare and Serve Meal for Shelter

Candidates (and other youth of our parish) will prepare and serve a meal for the Interfaith Shelter

for a pre-determined day. This may require two-days; one day to prepare (cutting vegetables,

preparing other food), and the next day (day of meal) to actually cook the meal and deliver it. As will

be defined later, adults will do the cooking (to avoid any burns on the teens) but the teens can do

other cooking chores (cutting, spreading, mixing, etc.). This activity will count toward their

community service requirement.

Homework

Candidates are assigned two (2) written projects: a one-page report on the saint whose name they

choose for their confirmation name due October 11, 2021, and a letter to Archbishop Wester due

April 11, 2021. Please make sure your teen completes these assignments on time. If teens do not

complete these assignments by the due dates, you and your teen will be asked to meet with the

Director of Youth Ministry to discuss rectifying the situation.

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Confirmation Personnel

Fr. Daniel Balizan, pastor, is ex-officio the chief administrative officer of the Youth Ministry

and Confirmation program. He sets the policies of the Youth Ministry and confirmation

programs in collaboration with the Director of Youth Ministry and according to the norms

of the Archdiocese and all other relevant magisterial authority.

Tommy D. Baca, Director of Youth Ministry: Tommy is the delegate of the pastor and

responsible for enacting the mission and running the operations of the Youth Ministry and

confirmation programs.

Catechists: Our volunteer catechists teach the doctrine of the faith to the teens.

Teen Helpers: Teen helpers help the catechists in the classroom with lessons, individual

instruction, and other operational tasks.

Substitute Catechist: Substitutes will teach a class in the absence of the regular catechist.

Director of Youth Ministry’s Right to Amend

The Director of Youth Ministry has the right to amend this handbook for just cause. If amendments

are made, you will be given timely notification.

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2020-2021 Confirmation 2 Schedule

ALL EVENTS ARE MANDATORY

All events begin at 3:00 PM in the Social Center unless otherwise noted

August January

23: Registration – Parents and Candidates

30: Sponsor Session and Saints Presentation – Candidates and Sponsors, 3:30PM

1: Holy Day of Obligation MASS, Main Church 3: Class – Lesson 11 15 service hours due 10: Class – Lesson 12 17: No Class 24: Class – Lesson 13 31: Class – Lesson 14

September February

6: No Class 13: Class – Lesson 1 20: Class – Circle of Grace 25-27: Weekend Retreat, Ghost Ranch, Abiquiú

7: No Class (Super Bowl Sunday) 14: No Class 20: Candidate/Sponsor/Parent Lenten Retreat, 9:00AM – 3:00PM 21: Class – Lesson 15 Presentation & Rite of Enrollment Mass, 5:00PM, Main Church 28: Class – Lesson 16

October March

4: Class – Lesson 2 11: Class – Lesson 3 Saint’s Report due 18: Class – Lesson 4 25: Class – Lesson 5

5: Lenten Holy Hour, 8:00PM, San José Chapel 7: Class – Lesson 18 14: No Class 21: Class – Lesson 19 27: Mimes Rehearsal, 6:30PM, Main Church 28: Mimes Rehearsal, 3:00PM AND 6:30PM, Main Church 31: Tenebrae and Mimes Passion, 7:00PM, Main Church

November April

1: Class – Vocations (Lesson 17) 8: Class – Lesson 6 15: Class – Lesson 7 22: Class – Lesson 8 29: No Class

1: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7:00PM, Main Church 4: No Class 11: Class – Lesson 20 Letter to the Archbishop due and ALL SERVICE HOURS DUE 18: Class – Lesson 21 25: Class – Lesson 22

December May

4: Advent Holy Hour, 8:00PM, San José Chapel 6: Class – Lesson 9 13: Class – Lesson 10 20: No Class 25: Christmas Holy Day of Obligation MASS, Main Church 27: No Class

April 23-May 1, Novena to the Holy Spirit, 6:30PM, San José Chapel 1: Confirmation Rehearsal, 6:30PM, Main Church 2: Confirmation Mass, 5:00PM, Main Church. Arrive at 4:15PM at Social Center

NOTE: Candidates are required to complete one First Friday holy hour in the fall and one in the spring. Candidates may choose to attend the Youth Holy Hour at 8:00PM on a First Friday or they may spend a holy hour on their own. Sponsors are encouraged to accompany their candidate. On Sundays when there are No Classes, ATTENDANCE AT SUNDAY MASS IS STILL REQUIRED.

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Prayer for Your Confirmation Candidate

Holy Spirit, strengthen our children with your gifts of Wisdom,

Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the

Lord, so that they may serve the Father and all as a disciple of Christ.

Grant that they may grow into the fullness of the stature of Christ. Fill

them with the joy of your presence. Increase in them the fruit of your

Spirit. Help them to experience and trust your dwelling within, so that

they can count on your guidance today and every day.

Grant us the strength and faith to nurture them faith and prayer life.

Help us set the example of being a disciple of Christ.

Show us the way to help one another become better disciples of Jesus

Christ, sharing your love with our world and with each person we

meet.

Come, Holy Spirit!