Confirmation Program
Virginia Cipres, Director
Carmen Chavez, Coordinator
The Confirmation Program was composed of four classes:
|
Catechist |
Year of Preparation |
|
Cristina Munoz |
First Year (Spanish) |
|
Castulo Romero |
First Year (English) |
|
Juan Martin Barajas |
Second Year (Spanish) |
|
Maria Ortiz |
Second Year (English) |
Classes were held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., except for Juan Martin's class, which was held every Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Unfortunately, Castulo Romero had to leave the Program. Vilma Rivera filled in for him a couple of weeks but was unable to continue with the group. It was decided that Carmen Chavez would teach the class permanently around mid-October. Raquel Hernendez joined our program around the same time and helped us throughout the year as Christina Munoz's assistant.
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In the past, catechists have worked independently in the preparation of Confirmation candidates to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Each catechist had selected his/her own materials and the topics to be covered in class. As such, we found the need to work more closely together in order to provide our students with an organized preparation process consistent with the guidelines of the Archdiocese.
Our goals included:
1. To plan a program to be followed by both English and Spanish catechists by including the use of the same Confirmation materials and a calendar of topics to be covered in the first and second years of preparation (all in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Archdiocese but suited for the needs of the youth in our community).
2. To assist Confirmation specialization workshops in order to enhance our formation as Cofirmation catechists.
3. To hold fundraising activities (e.g. bake sales, dances, car washes, raffles, etc) to raise money primarily for the Confirmation Retreats.
4. That at least 10% of the Confirmation candidates receive the sacrament and become integrated in community services and ministries of the Blessed Sacrament Church Community.
Several fundraising activities were organized throughout the year, including a car wash, a scooter raffle, a bake sale, and the Spring Dance. We also sent out several solicitation letters for sponsorship of the Confirmation Retreat and received the generous support of many people. Juan Martin's class worked hard to solicit donations after Sunday masses on two occasions as well.
Parent Workshops
Five parent workshops were scheduled for the year. A survey was done to determine parent's topics-of-interest. The topics chosen were:
1. Self-Esteem
2. Communication
3. Adolescence
4. The Responsibility of Confirmation Candidate's Parents and Guardians
5. Friendship
On average, 25-30 parents attended each workshop.
Confirmation Retreats
In the past, only second year candidates have attended a three-day Confirmation Retreat. Despite some opposition, it was decided that the first year candidates would have a three-day retreat this year as well. An important objective of the first year retreat was to build community and to introduce Jesus as "friend" and give way to unity and friendship among the candidates themselves.
The first year candidates responded very well to their retreat. So well, that they have suggested more than one retreat a year and longer duration. Both first year confirmation classes got to know each other better and a new sense of friendship and community was perceived among the candidates.
Confirmation Celebration
It is important to highlight some significant improvements in the preparation of the Confirmation Liturgy. First, scheduling the celebration with the Bishop was handled in a timely manner. There was greater communication between the Confirmation Program and Jesuit staff, Liturgy Committee, and Music Director regarding the program itself and the planning of the celebration. Although, there were some minor details that need improvement in the future, the celebration ran smoothly and was well-planned.
Proposals for Confirmation Program
1. To establish a Confirmation Program and Calendar to be followed by all catechnists.
2. To continue emphasizing the importance of formation and preparation of Confirmation catechists and Confirmation Retreat Leaders.
3. To expand fundraising efforts for the Program being that meeting costs was one of the greatest challenges this year.
4. To improve communications among Director, Coordinator, Catechists, and Confirmation Retreat Leaders within the Confirmation Program and plan activities for team-building.
5. To develop a better service ministry among the Confirmation candidates through greater motivation and providing more service possibilities and to create a better system to keep record of service hours.
6. To work closer with the Confirmation Retreat Team in the planning of the Confirmation Retreats.
For more information, please contact Vicky Cipres at (323) 463-9820.