Confirmation

The word “Confirmation” then reminds us that this Sacrament brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace: it unites us more firmly to Christ, it renders our bond with the Church more perfect, and it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith, ... to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of his Cross (cf.Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1303).  --Pope Francis

2018-2019 Confirmation Information

Student who are 15 years of age (as of April 2019) and older are eligible to register for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  

Preparation for Confirmation will be during High School Faith Formation on Wednesdays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. an additional fee of $45 will be added for Confirmation students.

You must register for both High School Faith Formation and Confirmation.

If you have any questions regarding the Confirmation program, please contact the parish office at 817-421-1387. 

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

In order to volunteer at Good Shepherd, your student must be current with their Safe Environment training. 

Click here to sign up for Safe Environment Teen training.

CONFIRMATION CANDIDATE CHECKLIST

printable checklist
       Detailed information:
Lessons 1 -10 (Due: Thurs, April 25, 2019)
Lesson 1

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson One:  Why am I Here?" (Segments 1 & 2).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. Why do you want to get Confirmed?
  2. Confirmation is NOT a graduation/finish line.  What is the purpose of Confirmation?
  3. What's one thing you don't fully understand about the Catholic faith that you want to learn more about during your preparation?

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following:

The world always says, “as long as you do whatever makes you happy” or “as long as he/she is happy, that’s all that matters,” however, we know that worldly happiness is only temporary and is always changing. How can we develop a stronger foundation of happiness that will last into eternity and will not change as the world changes? 

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 1"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Lesson 2

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson Two:  What Makes Me Happy?" (Segments 1, 2, & 3).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. What is a covenant? (Hint: use your Catechism).
  2. What are some examples of covenants in Scripture?
  3. What's the difference between a covenant and a contract?

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following: 

Christ has been working for your salvation since the beginning of time. He has even offered you to be a part of the new and eternal covenant. Scripture tells us, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.”* Then he took a cup, gave thanks,* and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, l for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26-28). How can we participate in the new and eternal covenant with Christ and how does it help to ensure our salvation? 

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 2"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Lesson 3

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson Three:  What's Your Story, God?" (Segments 1, 2, & 3).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. What is a miracle?
  2. How can miracles be used to prove God's existence?
  3. Discuss any of your favorite miracles.

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following:

There are many arguments against the existence of God. Give at least two detailed arguments or proofs for His existence. 

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 3"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Lesson 4

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson Five:  Who Is Jesus?" (Segments 1, 2, & 3).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. (Tough one...) Is Jesus, God?
  2. Why should we have a relationship with Jesus and God the Father?
  3. Why did God send His son to earth?

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following:

How is Christ different from any other religious leader/figure that has existed in the world? How does this evidence prove that He truly is the Son of God?

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 4"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Lesson 5

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson Six:  Why Be Catholic?" (Segments 1, 2, & 3).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. Why are you Catholic?  What do you love about your Catholic faith?
  2. What's one struggle with being Catholic?
  3. How do we know that the Catholic Church is the one true Church?

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following:

Many Christian churches claim they have interpreted the Bible correctly according to their beliefs. How is the Catholic Church able to interpret the fullness of truth from Scripture in a way that other denominations cannot? Hint: it began at Pentecost. 

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 5"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Lesson 6

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson Eight:  How Do I Get There?  (Segments 1, 2, & 3).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. Would it be unjust of God to not let people into Heaven?
  2. Read Mark 10:25.  What does that verse say about getting into Heaven?
  3. Read Romans 10:9.  Compare/contrast that verse to Mark 10:25.

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following:

Probably one of the first bible verses you ever heard was John 3:16--"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."  Why is the verse so important and what does it have to teach us about the love of God?

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 6"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Lesson 7

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson Fourteen:  Why Have I Been Chosen?" (Segments 1, 2 & 3).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. What is Confirmation equipping you to be able to do?
  2. Confirmation leaves a permanent mark on your soul.  What does that mean?
  3. When was the first Confirmation? (hint: see previous lesson).

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following:

How does Confirmation help to strengthen our decision to say “yes” to Christ and His Church?

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 7"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Lesson 8

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson Fifteen:  Why Do I Have to Go to Mass?" (Segments 1, 2 & 3).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. Why is it so important for us to go to Mass every week?
  2. If you deliberately miss Mass, can you receive Communion without going to Confession?
  3. What's something you would tell someone who feels bored at Mass?

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following:

When we skip Mass we are essentially telling God that we have more important things to do than participate in the source and summit of our faith. We are telling Him that our relationship with Him is secondary to whatever else we have planned for the day. However, why should going to Mass be the most significant and critical thing we can do while on this earth?  

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 8"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Lesson 9

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson Twenty-Two:  Why Wait??" (Segments 1, 2, & 3).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. Why do we not support premarital sex?
  2. What is the sole purpose of sex?
  3. What are some benefits of practicing chastity? 

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following:

Saint John Paul II said “As the family goes, so the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.” How does practicing chastity and God’s plan for human sexuality help to protect families and ultimately protect society as a whole? 

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 9"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Lesson 10

Part 1:  Video

  1. Click here to log in to your Ascension Press account.
  2. Watch Videos "Lesson Twenty-Four:  Where Do I Go From Here?" (Segments 1& 2).

Part 2:  Discussion with Parents & Sponsor

  1. What are some ways you plan to stay involved after Confirmation? 
  2. What is something you've learned that you didn't expect you would have?
  3. What is one form of prayer that you commit to on a daily basis?

Part 3:  Reflection

Write a 2-3 paragraph reflection on the following:

Much like school and education help us to grow in knowledge, we must continue growing and learning in our faith. What are some ways you can continue to move forward with your relationship with Christ and His Church after Confirmation?

Part 4:  Upload 

Save your reflection as a Word document.

  1. Click here to upload your document
  2. Select "Lesson 10"
  3. Enter your name and upload your document.

You're Done!

Baptismal Certificate (Due: Thurs, Sept. 27, 2018)
BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE
All candidates must fill out the form below. 
 
Each student being Confirmed needs to fill out Baptismal Certificate Form below.   If the Confirmation Candidate was not baptized here at Good Shepherd, you must obtain the Baptismal Certificate from the parish where he/she was baptized and upload it when you fill out the form below.   All candidates please fill out link below.   
CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT BAPTISMAL FORM
Choosing Your Sponsor (Due: Thurs, Oct. 4, 2018)
CHOOSING YOUR SPONSOR

Your sponsor is a huge part of this incredible process. They should be someone that beautifully represents the Catholic faith to you, and someone that you would like to model your life after.

Requirements for a sponsor:

  • Sponsors must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Sponsors must be practicing Catholics in full communion with the Catholic Church (must have received all sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist).
  • Sponsors do not need to be the same gender as you.
  • Your Godparent may be your sponsor.
  • Your parents cannot be your sponsor; however, they can stand in place of your sponsor in the event that your sponsor cannot attend the Confirmation Mass.
  • If your sponsor does not attend Good Shepherd, they must submit a letter from the pastor of their parish that they are a Catholic in good standing.
    If you have any questions about selecting a sponsor, please email me. I will happily help you pick someone that will aid you in this process.      - Johnny Philp
SUBMIT YOUR SPONSOR FORM ONLINE HERE
Confirmation Name (Due: Thurs, Feb. 21, 2019)
CHOOSING YOUR CONFIRMATION NAME

What an incredible part of Church history—changing your name to show the world your conversion of heart. We see it all throughout scripture:

ABRAM   ABRAHAM

“No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations.” -Genesis 17:5

JACOB  ISRAEL

“Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans have overcome.” -Genesis 32:28

SIMON  PETER

“And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas (which is translated to Peter)” –John 1:42

“Changing” your name shows a conversion of heart, and radiates God’s goodness to the entire world. Throughout scripture, when someone was assigned a new name, it signaled a growth in Christian maturity to the world—choose a name of a Saint that has helped you grow in that Christian Maturity.
Students should complete this form and turn it into your leader by March 21st, 2018.

SUBMIT YOUR CONFIRMATION NAME ONLINE HERE
Overhaul Opportunities (Due: Thurs, Apr. 4, 2019)
OVERHAUL OPPORTUNITIES

Students should complete fifteen Overhaul Opportunities.  They are allowed to repeat opportunities; however, they must complete at least one opportunity from all three categories.

The BEST way to stay up-to-date with opportunities made available by Good Shepherd, is to click here.

Here are some suggestions for Overhaul Opportunites:

FAQ:  “If my student volunteers in a role not listed in this table, does that still count?”
A:  ABSOLUTELY!  These are merely suggestions for how to get started.

Students should complete the following worksheet as they complete events and turn in completed by Thursday, April 4th, 2019. Click here to print and fill out your form.

submit your overhaul opportunities here
Letter of Readiness (Due: Thurs, Apr. 25, 2019)
LETTER OF READINESS

3 pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. font.

Students: This letter should sum up your experience preparing for this INCREDIBLE sacrament! Father Richard, your faithful leader, wants to hear about how your heart has been transformed this year. Be yourself, be authentic, and show the leader of our parish the fruits of your experience. Explain to Fr. Richard WHY YOU ARE READY for this sacrament.

Questions to consider answering in your letter:

  1. What was the most powerful moment of your preparation this year?
  2. What was your favorite overhaul opportunity that you completed, and why?
  3. What was something you didn’t think you would enjoy that you were wrong about?
  4. Who did you pick as your Confirmation Saint, and why?
  5. Who did you pick as your sponsor, and why?
  6. What excites you most about being confirmed?
  7. What is your next step to continue this growth in your Catholic faith?
  8. What role does the Holy Spirit play in your life, and in your prayer?
  9. Which fruit of the Holy Spirit do you think you have grown in most this year?
  10. Why is it important for us to normalize prayer?
  11. What is one way you can normalize prayer in your life

This letter should be free of spelling/grammatical errors. Begin the letter with “Dear Fr. Richard,” and be sure to sign it by hand at the completion of the letter. In your opening paragraph, you should formally request the Sacrament, and then support your request throughout the rest of the letter. If you need help, just ask me—I’ll be happy to help!    -Johnny Philp

SUBMIT YOUR LETTER OF READINESS ONLINE HERE

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