This is a section of "SJV's Confirmation Program", it is important that you read and familiarize yourself with the program requirements and opportunities.  It is available in full at the link below.  Thank you for supporting your child as they prepare for this beautiful Sacrament.

The participation of the parents in the Confirmation program is vital. It is important for you to set the example for your child as he or she takes on the responsibility of a Confirmed Catholic. The example of the parents’ prayer life and attitude toward Jesus Christ and His Church is the best teaching sons and daughters will ever have. Although it is the Confirmand’s responsibility to complete all requirements, it is the parents’ responsibility to assist by making sure all assignments are done on time and that his or her child is at each scheduled activity. Parents are to ensure their child attend each Confirmation class, on time and prepared for the lesson. Parents should spend time reviewing each lesson with their child and asking them questions. Parents are expected to pick up their children from class promptly at 7:20 p.m.

In accordance with the Diocese of Lafayette’s guidelines, parents are expected to play an active role in the formation of their children for Confirmation. Parents must attend two catechetical sessions and participate in the on-going formation.

Catechetical sessions:

· Saturday, October 8, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. – noon

· Saturday, February 11, 2023, from 8 a.m. – noon

On-going formation: Little Catechism of Confirmation

· Families will receive a copy of the “Little Catechism on Confirmation”. Parents are expected to read this in tangent with their child’s formation:

Parent Reading Schedule

Little Catechism: Completed by:

Unit 1(pages 4-12) September 27

Unit 2 (pages 17-43) February 7

Unit 3 (pages 50-59) April 11

· Sponsors are encouraged to follow this reading schedule as well. However, it is not a requirement for the sponsors to do so. To purchase an extra Little Catechism, please contact Megan Smith.
 

SJV's Confirmation Program (please read in full)

• Classes will meet at St. John Vianney in the St. Raphael Portable.
• Classes will be from 6:00 pm – 7:20 p.m.
• Parents should drop their children off between 5:50 pm and 5:55p.m.
• Parents should pick up their children promptly at 7:20 p.m.
• Parents are invited to pray with their children during the last 5 minutes of class in the sanctuary.

In accordance with the Diocese of Lafayette’s requirements, St. John Vianney has built a Confirmation program that prepares each candidate for Confirmation. Parents and their children are expected to make the Confirmation classes and responsibilities a top priority. Parents have promised and are entrusted with the responsibility of forming their children in the Catholic faith. Part of this formation includes preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Throughout the year, students will meet thirteen (13) times in preparation for the Sacrament. Due to this minimal requirement, students are expected to attend all thirteen (13) classes. It is expected that parents will prioritize and support their child attending all Confirmation classes. Students who miss more than one class throughout the year may need to delay Confirmation until the following school year. For grave reasons (sickness/death in family), parents should contact Megan Smith.
 

SJV's Confirmation Program - please read in full

Christian Service Hours:

Each Confirmand is required to complete fifteen (15) hours of service. At least five of the service hours must be completed at St. John Vianney. Parents are responsible for overseeing and making sure their children complete and turn their service hours in, on time. For any questions/concerns, email Megan Smith.

· Service hours will not be counted for:

Doing chores

Babysitting

Helping an individual

Anything you normally receive compensation for

Recommended and Approved Volunteer opportunities:

 St. John Vianney Catholic Church

Greeter, join a ministry, altar server, reader, join SJV choir, band

 Indianapolis Right to Life

 The Little Sisters of the Poor

 The O’Connor House

 St. Vincent de Paul

·5 Service hours are due on each date: October 11, December 6, and March 21.
 

SJV's Confirmation Program (please read in full)

According to Code of Canon Law, Baptismal godparents are preferred as Confirmation Sponsors because of the unity of Baptism and Confirmation. This assumes the godparents are practicing the Catholic Faith. However, other practicing Catholics may be chosen as Confirmation sponsors.

Confirmation sponsors must be mature in their faith and at least 16 years old; this means that he/she must feel comfortable answering questions the Confirmand might have and sharing his/her faith. The sponsor must have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. A parent may not be their child’s sponsor. All sponsors must have a form signed by their parish priest stating they are a Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church; if the sponsor is married, he or she must be in a valid marriage according to the Catholic Church.

Confirmation sponsors will need to submit the St. John Vianney Letter of Good Standing and their Sponsor Information Sheet by September 13. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure these documents are collected and turned into St. John Vianney.

The Confirmands will be required to write a letter to their sponsor detailing why they chose him or her and what will be expected of them as a sponsor during the upcoming year of preparation. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure their child sends their Confirmation sponsor this letter.

Sponsor Check In Form
SJV's Confirmation Program (please read in full)

Each Confirmand will be required to participate in Eucharistic Adoration at least three times during the year (outside of Confirmation class) while he/she is preparing for Confirmation. Students should spend at least three hours before the Blessed Sacrament. Students may break up their Holy Hour (i.e., Praying 30 minutes before the Blessed Sacrament 6 times verses praying 1 hour before the Blessed Sacrament 3 times). Students should pray in intervals of at least 20 minutes.

• To help you with your prayers and reflection, you can bring the bible, a prayer book, or a book of readings or reflections of a Saint or other holy persons. Some people find it helpful to reflect on the hymns; after all hymns are prayers.
•  Each family is strongly encouraged to participate in Adoration with the Confirmand as a family. This is not a group activity; each family should decide on a time that is good for them.
• It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure their children are attending and turning in their Holy Hour slips on time.
• The Holy Hour due dates are Sept. 27, Jan.24, and March 21.
• If students need more Holy Hour slips, they can locate them in their binder. Parents can also email Megan Smith for additional copies.

A name identifies us and tells others who we are. Confirmands are asked to check into reasons for their baptismal name if they are not already aware of the reason. They may choose a new name as a sign of growth in faith. One may keep the baptismal name to emphasize the fact that Confirmation is a sealing of the Baptismal Commitment if it is a saint’s name or a Christian virtue. Additionally, reasons for a saint name are to give the Confirmand someone to look up to and be inspired by. They are someone you can call upon and intercede for you through your journey of faith. Students will pick a Saint of the same gender. For example, if you are a female, you will pick a female Confirmation Saint.

To help the students, learn about different Saints, they will be asked to research Saints throughout the year. They are welcome to utilize the St. John Vianney “Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Library”, their own personal library and or websites like CatholicOnline.org

Confirmation Saint Project: Students will be making a Confirmation Saint board. This will be an opportunity for the Confirmands to explain their choice and share information of their Saint. Each saint is known for qualities or virtues. The Confirmands will explain how, by imitating this saint, he or she can become a better Christian. More details about this project will be shared in the spring semester.

SJV's Confirmation Program (please read in full)