Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments and it is the last Sacrament of Initiation (Baptism is the first and Eucharist is the second).  A sacrament is a sign of God’s love and presence in our lives. Sacraments give sanctifying grace – the free gift of God’s love.  Confirmation establishes the beginning, NOT the end or “graduation,” of a life of full participation and responsibility in the Church.

Our Confirmation program is based on scripture: “You will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses.”  Acts 1:8.  In 2011 we began using the Life Teen Confirmation program, which connects directly to our Youth Ministry.  To learn more about Life Teen at Holy Family, click here.

A Core Team of adults help to lead the program with our Confirmation Coordinator Emily Wood.  To meet Jim and our Core Team, click here!  We’re always looking to build up our team, how about joining us?!

We are accepting enrollment for 2012-2013!!
To enroll, please click on the Enrollment and Permission Form link to download an enrollment form. Complete it and return it in to Faith Formation via by bringing to our office or mailing it to 127 Chapel Drive, Syracuse, NY 13219.

Enrollment Fee:  1 Child – $30; 2 Children – $60; 3 Children or more – $75

Confirmation 1

Candidate Responsibilities

• Attend 9 Confirmation Sessions:
  Sunday, 10-11:30AM
• Complete 10 hours of service by the last Confirmation Session
• Attend 1 Retreat – Retreat Options:
  - Mission Trip Syracuse, August 13-17 (Additional costs apply & all service hours fulfilled.)
  - Confirmation 1 Retreat, January 19, 2013

Schedule

September 16
October 21
November 4
November 18
December 16
January 6
January 20
February 3
February 24
March 10
March 24

Service Projects

Each Candidate is responsible for completing ten hours of service:  All within the parish, on their own or a combination.  Service is giving of one’s time where payment is not received for work completed.  It is recommended that the candidate begin working on this responsibility sooner rather than later!  Please use the tracking sheet to record dates, locations, hours completed and a signature of the person for whom the Candidate volunteered for.

Note:  Community Service does not count if it is done for Parents!  That’s called chores, not service!

Suggestions

Retreat Information

Confirmation 1 Retreat

• Retreat Location:  Alibrandi Center, 110 Walnut Place, Syracuse, NY  13210
• Please arrive at Holy Family Parish by 9am on January 19, 2013.
• Lunch and snacks will be provided.
• All parents, family, and friends are asked to attend the closing Mass for the retreat at Holy Family, Saturday Mass:  5pm.

Mission Trip

• Syracuse, August 13-17
• Fulfills all service hours
• Cost:  TBD

Confirmation 2

Candidate Responsibilities

• Attend 9 Confirmation Sessions:  Sunday, 11:45AM-1:15PM
• Complete 10 hours of service by the last Confirmation Session
• Attend 1 Retreat – Retreat Options:
  - Mission Trip Syracuse, August 13-17, 2012 (Additional costs apply & all service hours fulfilled.)
  - Confirmation 2 Retreat, December 8, 2012
• Complete Sponsor Paperwork
  - Summer Session, no later than September 9, 2012
  - Fall Session, no later than September 16, 2012
• Attend Candidate & Sponsor dinner on October 14, 2012, 4-7PM
• Attend 1 Dinner with Fr. Prior (Scheduled on Wednesday throughout the year.  You will be contacted when you need to attend.)
• Confirmation Name & Letter- Summer Session, no later than September 9, 2012- Fall Session, no later than February 24, 2013

Schedule

September 16
October 21
November 4
November 18
December 16
January 6
January 20
February 3
February 24
March 10
March 24

Service Projects

Each Candidate is responsible for completing ten hours of service:  All within the parish, on their own or a combination.  Service is giving of one’s time where payment is not received for work completed.  It is recommended that the candidate begin working on this responsibility sooner rather than later!  Please use the tracking sheet to record dates, locations, hours completed and a signature of the person for whom the Candidate volunteered for.

Note:  Community Service does not count if it is done for Parents!  That’s called chores, not service!

Suggestions

Retreat Information

Confirmation 2 Retreat

• Retreat Location:  Alibrandi Center, 110 Walnut Place, Syracuse, NY  13210
• Please arrive at Holy Family Parish by 9am on December 8, 2013.
• Lunch and snacks will be provided.
• All parents, family, sponsors and friends are asked to attend the closing Mass for the retreat at Holy Family, Saturday Mass:  5pm.

Mission Trip

• Syracuse, August 13-17
• Fulfills all service hours
• Cost:  TBD

Sponsors

A sponsor is a person chosen by the candidate as a mentor in the process of full initiation into the Catholic Church.  The sponsor’s role is to walk the journey as a companion to the candidate being fully initiated.

A Sponsor must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic, who is at least 16 years of age.  He/She may not be the Candidate’s mother or father.  A godparent is a good choice.  The Candidate is encouraged to choose someone close by.  The Sponsor should be a person who is prayerful, open, dependable, loving and is comfortable sharing his or her faith with young people.

Responsibilities of the Sponsor
The Sponsor represents the support and prayers of the entire Church.  He/She will be the Candidate’s “spiritual friend.”  In this program the following is asked of the Sponsor:

1. Accompany the Candidate to the Dinner for Sponsors & Candidates, October 14, 2012, 4-7PM at Holy Family Parish.
2. Attend all Confirmation rehearsals.  (Dates to be announced.)
3. Attend the Liturgy of Confirmation.
4. Meet with the Candidate regularly throughout this year of preparation to discuss the Life Night topics, etc.
5. Share your faith story with the Candidate.
6. Pray for and with the Candidate.
7. Continue to be there for the Candidate and lend spiritual support after the Confirmation ceremony is over.

To download a Sponsor Form, please click on the link.  Deadlines are listed above.

Candidate & Sponsor Dinner

Candidates and Sponsors are asked to attend a catered dinner on Sunday, October 14, 2012, 4-7PM.  Please attend Mass at 4PM and proceed to the parish hall for dinner after Mass.  Candidates and Sponsors will have dinner together, separate for individual talks and then end with a Covenant Signing Ceremony.

Dinner with Fr. Prior

Throughout the year, Fr. Prior meets with small groups of Candidates on Wednesday evenings, 5:30-7PM.  The Candidates are asked to attend one dinner, so Fr. Prior can have an opportunity to speak with them about their faith and life experiences.  Candidates will be notified weeks in advanced when their dinner is scheduled.

Confirmation Name

In this Sacrament of Confirmation, Candidate’s choose a name to be confirmed under.  This name should be the name of a Saint or a person from Scripture that models for them what it truly means to pursue holiness.  Candidates may choose to retain the name given to them at Baptism as a symbolic way of confirming the choice their parents made for them, which was to become a disciple of Christ.

Candidate’s Letter

Candidates are asked to write a letter to Bishop Cunningham answering the following questions:

• What does being Confirmed Catholic mean to you?
• Why do you feel you’re ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation?
• Why did you choose your Confirmation Name?
• Share your service experience this year.

The letter must be 4 paragraphs long with 5-7 sentences per paragraph and typed.

Code of Conduct

• I realize that as a participant in the Confirmation, Faith Formation and/or Youth Ministry I represent my church community, my family and myself. I will conduct myself in an appropriate manner at all times.
• I will treat and be treated by adult and peers with courtesy and respect. I will refrain from profanity, abusive, offensive or sexual language and/or humor. I will not engage in or permit any form of sexual activity, or unwanted touching of any kind.
• I will not engage in any illegal activity, including possession or use of alcohol, tobacco products, or any other controlled substance, and agree that such behavior will result in me being removed from the program and/or being held by law-enforcement personnel until picked up by my parent/guardian.
• I will respect the property of others: vehicles, public and personal lodgings, and will not engage in or permit vandalism, theft, or destruction of any kind.
• I will comply immediately with all instructions given by an adult leader. If I have disagreements or concerns, I will bring them to the attention of the Youth Minister, Director or Priest.
• To the extent that I am able, I will participate fully in the activities that are planned or chosen by the group or its leaders.