ST. PAUL AND ST. VERONICA

YOUTH CONFIRMATION

 

1720 E. Norwich Ave.

Milwaukee, WI 53207

Telephone: (414) 482-3510

Fax: (414) 482-1031

Michael.L.Sharkey@gmail.com

August 03, 2009

 

Dear Youth and Parents:

 

Congratulations! Our parish records indicate that you are, or will be 16 years old this year and a Junior in High School, which is the required age to receive the sacrament of confirmation in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. This letter contains important information regarding the confirmation program at St. Paul and St. Veronica parishes.

 

If you would like to enroll in the confirmation program, please complete and return the enclosed form and attach the requested fee of $160 by August 31, 2009. If you would like to pay the fee in an installment plan or are in need of financial assistance, please contact me before August 31, 2009. The confirmation program assumes prior religious education (for middle school and high school) either through our parish program or a Catholic school. Youths who have not been enrolled in religious education or a Catholic school should contact me immediately for an appointment to discuss necessary instruction.

 

Candidates are expected to attend all of the class sessions, a confirmation retreat, and complete the service requirement.  The attached calendar and explanation of activities offers specific instruction on class dates and locations (classes will be held at both St. Paul and St. Veronica’s), general retreat information, and service hour requirements.  Candidate sponsors are asked to attend the sessions indicated on the calendar.  Please carefully read through the entire packet for more detailed information.

 

Please know that I am greatly looking forward to beginning this journey with you. My hope is that your faith will be deepened, and your walk with Christ will be strengthened in this exciting time of preparing for the sacrament of confirmation.  I will give my best to lead you towards Christ and a more mature relationship with Him. Please don’t hesitate to call or email me with any questions you may have.

 

Grace and peace,

 

 

Michael Sharkey

Youth Minister

St. Paul and St. Veronica Parishes

 

 

ST. PAUL AND ST. VERONICA

YOUTH CONFIRMATION

2009-2010

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Confirmation preparation is offered to parish youth in the 11th grade.  This program includes student and sponsor sessions, a retreat, service projects, and other activities to enrich the young person’s understanding and appreciation of the important sacrament of confirmation.  The sessions are conducted in a large group setting with opportunities for further reflection and discussion in small groups.

ATTENDANCE

Attendance at all confirmation sessions is important.  Acceptable reasons for absences are sickness or family emergencies (such as the death of a relative). Work and sports commitments are generally not acceptable.  All candidate absences must be made up before the date of confirmation (May 26, 2010).  Excessive absences will require a meeting with the youth minister to discuss whether or not confirmation is appropriate at this time. 

SPONSOR/CANDIDATE ACTIVITIES

It is encouraged that all sponsors spend time with their candidate outside of the assigned sessions.  It is required that sponsors and candidates complete one activity together outside of class.  Activities should build up and encourage the candidate and strengthen their relationship with their sponsor (i.e. golfing, bowling, basketball, fishing, biking, serving at a homeless shelter, etc.).  Feel free to come up with your own activities that suit the personalities of the sponsor and candidate involved.

CONFIRMATION RETREAT

Each candidate is required to attend a confirmation retreat.  Retreat dates for this year are not yet set.  Candidates will be informed as soon as that information is set.  If a candidate is unable to make the retreat that is scheduled, then they are responsible for making alternative arrangements. Please contact the youth minister for more information.

SERVICE HOURS

20 Hours of service is required for confirmation (5 hours within the parish, 5 hours outside of the parish, and 10 hours may be either parish or non-parish). Please do not wait until the last minute to complete your service hours.  Service Logs will be handed out on the first class day and opportunities for service will be offered throughout the year.

LETTER OF INTENT

Candidates are required by the Archdiocese to write a letter of intent to the bishop requesting to be confirmed.  A list of what should be included in the letter of intent and a sample letter will be provided.  This letter is due on April 5, 2010.  The Youth Minister will review your letter before sending it to the bishop.