what is confirmation?
Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed." CCC 1285
information
About
The Pre-Confirmation program offers religious formation for teens ages 12 and 13 that want to enrich their faith before getting to the Confirmation program at the age of 14.
CLASS TIMES
9:20 am - 1 pm (Includes Noon Mass.)
Pre-Confirmation Retreat
The True Love Waits Retreat is offered to the students at the Pre-Confirmation level.
Confirmation I Class-day Guidelines
* Be present for all 15 classes; class starts at 9:20am. Gaining proper spiritual formation is contingent upon full class participation. More than 2 absences are considered excessive unless excused due to illness or some type of emergency. Sporting and/or school events are important, but if they conflict with class time, it is up to you, the Confirmand, to make the proper arrangements and decide what use of your time is most important to you. We recommend that you let your coaches, teachers, coordinators, etc., know your Sunday schedule ahead of time. Sporting and school events are not considered emergencies and are not excusable absences. More than 3 unexcused absences will result in being dropped.
* Be present for Sunday Mass at 12-noon following formation classes. The Catholic mass is a very special time according to Pope Francis, one that gives you the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Christ and how they apply to you. All classes typically sit together at Mass.
* If you plan on being absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to notify your Catechist and the Religious Formation Office. You don’t want to fall behind and make-up work is a requirement.
* You’re required to wear the St. Raphael Religious Formation polo shirt each time you attend class. Dress modestly; screen print t-shirts, torn jeans, mini-skirts, pajamas, and short-shorts are not allowed. Low hanging jeans exposing undergarments are not allowed. If you arrive to class improperly dressed, you will be sent to the office to be sent home and that will count as an unexcused absence.
* Be present for Sunday Mass at 12-noon following formation classes. The Catholic mass is a very special time according to Pope Francis, one that gives you the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Christ and how they apply to you. All classes typically sit together at Mass.
* Hall roaming is prohibited. Any additional time spent out of class under the guise of using the restroom is unacceptable. You will be required to submit your cell phone
/
device to your Catechist upon going to the restroom and you can pick it back up when you return.
* Students need be on time and prepared to participate with his/her book and materials. In case of late arrival, stop by the office before going to class.
* All cell phones and electronic devices must be left alone and silenced during class time and especially at Mass. You will be asked to stow your device if you’re caught using it. If you must take a call due to an emergency during class, please notify your Catechist. Any device may be confiscated by your Catechist if it interferes with their lesson. You may retrieve any confiscated devices from the Religious Formation Office. All proceeds go directly to the parish and affiliated charities.
* Hall roaming is prohibited. Any additional time spent out of class under the guise of using the restroom is unacceptable. You will be required to submit your cell phone
/
device to your Catechist upon going to the restroom and you can pick it back up when you return.
* Please observe our security policy noted on our website. You must enter and exit the building through the entrance located at the Parish Hall on 2301 Zanzibar Rd.
* Be open and receptive to any additional directives issued by the Religious Formation Office.
Confirmation I Retreat
A retreat is a great time to leave the worries and stresses of daily life behind and talk to God directly in your own way. Not only are retreats helpful, but they’re necessary. We offer a retreat for Confirmation I students in January 17 & 18. Retreat dates and times are available from your Catechist and will be posted on our website. If you can’t attend our retreat, you must find another Confirmation I-level retreat offered at another parish as this is a requirement of all Confirmation I students.
Confirmation I Retreat Fee
Confirmation I Letter to the Pastor Rev. Anthony C. Celino
* Each Confirmation I candidate will write a letter to Rev. Anthony C. Celino about how they feel about their faith and where they see themselves in formation. Do you want to continue on into Confirmation II? This is your opportunity to talk to our parish pastor about you and your faith.
Confirmation I Service Projects
The Diocesan Requirement is 20 service hours to enable students to become good stewards. Parents & Sponsors are encouraged to join teens for the completion of their service requirement. You will have the opportunity to choose from a list of service projects. Growing and maturing as a person in the Catholic faith necessitates putting teaching into action. Serving others is arguably the most important thing a good Catholic can do. Confirmand, you’re responsible for completing the diocesan required 20 service hours no later than April 19. We recommend completing this requirement as soon as possible. Any late submissions will not be accepted, effectively forfeiting the requirement. Confirmation I students may exceed their requirement but any extra hours will not carry over to Confirmation II. Letters from our office regarding hours completed are available upon request during the month of April. Students must document hours on Student Service Trackers, available for download on our website under “Service Projects.” The Office isn’t responsible for hours volunteered.
Service Projects:
Catechist-Aide
Teen Ministry Wednesday Services
Office Volunteer
Utility-Aids
Teen Ministry Wednesday Services
Summer Bible Camp
Passion play
Luminarias Project
Summer Bible Camp
Mom
/
Daughter tea
Knight of Columbus Projects
Reception Ministry (Nativity, 1st communion, Confirmation, and registration session)
Mom
/
Daughter tea
St. Vincent De Paul
Dad / Son Gathering
Walk for Life
St. Vincent De Paul
Easter Sunrise Mass
Liturgy: (Music Ministry, Hospitality/Usher Ministry, Altar Server Ministry, Lector Ministry, etc. )
Ester Vigil Preparation
Easter Sunrise Mass
Palm Preparation / Church cleaning
Confirmation II Class-day Guidelines
* Be present for all 15 classes; class starts at 9:20am. Gaining proper spiritual formation is contingent upon full class participation. More than 2 absences are considered excessive unless excused due to illness or some type of emergency. Sporting and/or school events are important, but if they conflict with class time, it is up to you, the Confirmand, to make the proper arrangements and decide what use of your time is most important to you. We recommend that you let your coaches, teachers, coordinators, etc., know your Sunday schedule ahead of time. Sporting and school events are not considered emergencies and are not excusable absences. More than 3 unexcused absences will result in being dropped.
* Be present for Sunday Mass at 12-noon following formation classes. The Catholic mass is a very special time according to Pope Francis, one that gives you the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Christ and how they apply to you. All classes typically sit together at Mass.
* If you plan on being absent for any reason, it is your responsibility to notify your Catechist and the Religious Formation Office. You don’t want to fall behind and make-up work is a requirement.
* You’re required to wear the St. Raphael Religious Formation polo shirt each time you attend class. Dress modestly; screen print t-shirts, torn jeans, mini-skirts, pajamas, and short-shorts are not allowed. Low hanging jeans exposing undergarments are not allowed. If you arrive to class improperly dressed, you will be sent to the office to be sent home and that will count as an unexcused absence.
* Be present for Sunday Mass at 12-noon following formation classes. The Catholic mass is a very special time according to Pope Francis, one that gives you the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of Christ and how they apply to you. All classes typically sit together at Mass.
* All cell phones and electronic devices must be left alone and silenced during class time and especially at Mass. You will be asked to stow your device if you’re caught using it. If you must take a call due to an emergency during class, please notify your Catechist. Any device may be confiscated by your Catechist if it interferes with their lesson. You may retrieve any confiscated devices from the Religious Formation Office for a $10.00 fee. All proceeds go directly to the parish and affiliated charities.
* Students need be on time and prepared to participate with his/her book and materials. In case of late arrival, stop by the office before going to class.
* All cell phones and electronic devices must be left alone and silenced during class time and especially at Mass. You will be asked to stow your device if you’re caught using it. If you must take a call due to an emergency during class, please notify your Catechist. Any device may be confiscated by your Catechist if it interferes with their lesson. You may retrieve any confiscated devices from the Religious Formation Office for a $10.00 fee. All proceeds go directly to the parish and affiliated charities.
* Hall roaming is prohibited. Any additional time spent out of class under the guise of using the restroom is unacceptable. You will be required to submit your cell phone/device to your Catechist upon going to the restroom and you can pick it back up when you return.
* You must enter and exit the building through the entrance located at the Parish Hall on 2301 Zanzibar Rd.
----------
Sponsorship
----------
* Parents cant be sponsors
A Confirmation Sponsor is a person willing to walk with and spiritually guide the Confirmand on their faith journey. Choosing a Sponsor is left up to the Confirmand; a parent may not act as a Sponsor. The Sponsor must be a fully initiated Catholic in good standing with the Church, and:
* Be at least 16 years of age.
* Parents cant be sponsors
* A Sponsor must be chosen no later than November 30.
* Must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.
* If the Sponsor is married, they must have been married through the Catholic Church.
* A Sponsor must be chosen no later than November 30.
* Please visit the “Confirmation” link on our website and download a Sponsor Form.
Lives of the Saints Reflection
Reflect on the lives of saints and find an individual saint who stands out to you; someone you identify with and who you can look up to. The name of this saint will be your Confirmation name. You’re expected to type a report (1-page minimum) explaining why you chose this saint. Cite at least 2 sources in either MLA or APA format. This report is due to your Catechist no later than December 1.
Confirmation II Retreats
A retreat is a great time to leave the worries and stresses of daily life behind and talk to God directly in your own way. Not only are retreats helpful, but they are necessary. We offer a retreat for Confirmation II students at Holy Cross retreat Center at 600 Holy Cross Rd, Mesilla Park, NM 88047(575) 524-3688
Overnight Retreat
We finish Sunday 20 parents and students at St. Raphael 5:30 Mass
March *19 and 20 Confirmation II A: (De la Rosa, Macias, & Villegas)
overnight Retreat at Holy Cross Dropping off your students Saturday 19 at 8:00am at St. Raphael.
We finish Sunday 20 parents and students at St. Raphael 5:30 Mass
We finish Sunday 20th with 5:30pm. Mass at St. Raphael (parents and students)
April *16 and 17 Confirmation II B (Casillas, Aguirre & Arreola)
Overnight Retreat at Holy Cross Dropping off your students Saturday 19th at 8:00am at St. Raphael.
We finish Sunday 20th with 5:30pm. Mass at St. Raphael (parents and students)
Parent/Sponsor Meetings
Certain times of the catechetical year will see parents/guardians and even Sponsors will be required to attend formation meetings called by the Director. Meeting dates and times will be listed in advance on our website calendar. Should you not be able to attend a meeting, you may risk missing pertinent information regarding important steps in the Confirmand’s Confirmation process. It is important that you follow up with the Director regarding any information you may be missing.
Confirmation II Letter to Most Rev. Bishop Mark Seitz
* Each Confirmation II candidate will write a letter to the Most Rev. Bishop Seitz about how they feel about their faith and where they see themselves in formation. How has our program affected you as a Catholic? Do you want to be a Catholic and why? This is your opportunity to talk to our Bishop about you and your faith.
* The letter must include the candidate’s full given name, complete mailing address, and contact number. The letter must be typed and grammatically correct.
* Be open and receptive to any additional directives issued by the Religious Formation Office.
Confirmation II Service Projects
The Diocesan Requirement is 20 service hours to enable students to become good stewards. Parents & Sponsors are encouraged to join teens for the completion of their service requirement. You will have the opportunity to choose from a list of service projects. Growing and maturing as a person in the Catholic faith necessitates putting teaching into action. Serving others is arguably the most important thing a good Catholic can do. Confirmand, you’re responsible for completing the diocesan required 20 service hours no later than April 19. We recommend completing this requirement as soon as possible. Any late submissions will not be accepted, effectively forfeiting the requirement. Confirmation I students may exceed their requirement but any extra hours will not carry over to Confirmation II. Letters from our office regarding hours completed are available upon request during the month of April. Students must document hours on Student Service Trackers, available for download on our website under “Service Projects.” The Office isn’t responsible for hours volunteered.
Service Projects:
Catechist-Aide
Teen Ministry Wednesday Services
Office Volunteer
Utility-Aids
Teen Ministry Wednesday Services
Summer Bible Camp
Passion play
Luminarias Project
Summer Bible Camp
Mom
/
Daughter tea
Knight of Columbus Projects
Reception Ministry (Nativity, 1st communion, Confirmation, and registration session)
Mom
/
Daughter tea
St. Vincent De Paul
Dad / Son Gathering
Walk for Life
St. Vincent De Paul
Easter Sunrise Mass
Liturgy: (Music Ministry, Hospitality/Usher Ministry, Altar Server Ministry, Lector Ministry, etc. )
Ester Vigil Preparation
Easter Sunrise Mass
Palm Preparation / Church cleaning
This class will be offered if a minimum of 15 students can fill it. Adults, 18 through 20, may register for this one year class. Formar of instruction is geared to adults. Adults, 21 years and older, may register with RCIA. If you have been asked to be a sponsor but you are not confirmed, you are encouraged to enroll in RCIA. Refer to the bulletin for contact phone number. It will prove to be spiritually enriching!
ADULT CONFIRMATION
One year program
POST CONFIRMATION
Catechist: Anthony Kerstiens
Room: Music room
Class time: Every other Sunday from 9:00 am to 10:000 am
Catechist: Anthony Kerstiens
Ages: Confirmads, New Catechist aids
Book: Decision program
In the post confirmation the confirmed students that want to continue their personal and spiritual formation will receive the formation required to participate as catechist aids, either in the first communion or the confirmation program