Form and MatterWatch the video first, then read the blog post. Make sure to pay attention, there's questions on these at the end! Indelible Marks & TattoosPseople have been branding things forever - their property, to claim it as their own (think your mom writing your name on your lunchbox), soldiers wearing their king's symbol on their armor to know who they're fighting for, cattle being branded, even slaves unfortunately being marked by their owners. If you were going to get a tattoo one day, what would it be? What is so important to you that you would mark your body with it? Think about it for a second before you keep reading... What does that symbol say about you? Now imagine you have a cross tattoo. What would that symbol say about you? A tattoo is pretty permanent, but over time it will fade, and when you die, it will decay like your body. But Confirmation is a permanent mark on your soul, and cannot fade even when you die! This mark, with the anointing with oil, is called an INDELIBLE MARK. Read the following passages from the Catechism to learn what this means:
Questions to answer in the comments:1. What is the form and the matter of Confirmation?
2. What kind of mark is made on your soul at Baptism and Confirmation, and describe what that means in your own words. 3. What is the form and matter of the other 6 Sacraments? 4. What happens if either the form or the matter is missing in a Sacrament? 5. Can Confirmation ever be reversed or is it permanent?
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Laying on of Hands!What is the laying on of hands?So where does this idea of laying on of hands come from? It’s a part of our Confirmation Sacrament, but how did we get there? We’ve talked about the story of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to the Apostles after Jesus was raised and ascended into Heaven. Let’s set the scene to picture what we’re talking about: Jesus has died and has risen, He ascended into Heaven, and the Holy Spirit descended upon the Disciples. We’re in the first century, and this new thing called Christianity is just starting up. Let me show you a few places in the Bible where the Apostles use the laying on of hands. The first is in Acts 6:1-7. It says, At that time, as the number of disciples continued to grow … So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table. Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” So they chose a handful of men, and they presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith. Here we clearly see the Apostles designating people who were strong in their faith, praying, and laying hands on them. This empowered them to spread the faith. Another example: Acts 8:14-17 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, (remember Peter is the Rock of the Church, the first Pope, and John is the beloved disciple) who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. In this passage it says that these people had been Baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus – just as you all have – but they were not complete until they received the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Here’s another example: This tells the story of Saul, named Paul, getting baptized and converted – Saul used to persecute Christians and was converted when he had a vision of Jesus telling him to stop persecuting Him. After the vision, he became blind. This story in the Bible takes place after that- Acts 9:15-19 “So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, “Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the holy Spirit.” Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength. Here you see him receiving the Holy Spirit, and being Baptized right afterwards. It points out that these two Sacraments are deeply related. A few more examples: Acts 13:2-3 This takes place in a Church in Antioch where two people named Barnabas and Saul were leaders- While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, completing their fasting and prayer, they laid hands on them and sent them off. Acts 19:1-7 Paul in Ephesus. So here we see Paul, used to be Saul, in his ministry after he was Baptized and Confirmed: While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and came (down) to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the holy Spirit when you became believers?” They answered him, “We have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” He said, “How were you baptized?” They replied, “With the baptism of John.” Paul then said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid [his] hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. Altogether there were about twelve men. And one more example: Acts 28:8 It so happened that the father of Publius was sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul visited him and, after praying, laid his hands on him and healed him. This is a decent amount of proof that the Apostles used the laying on of hands in a way that replicates what we call Confirmation, right? In all of these examples, we see Confirmation tied to Baptism, and we see the laying on of hands result in the Holy Spirit coming into someone’s life or healing in some way. So the Sacrament of Confirmation is a little more formal than someone praying over you in your house, right? Lets learn about what is called the Rite of Confirmation, or the official process of the Sacrament. So let’s look closer at the prayer that accompanies the laying on of hands. Laying on of Hands Prayer “Dearly beloved, Let us pray to God the almighty Father, For these, his adopted sons and daughters, Already born again to eternal life in Baptism, That he will graciously pour out the Holy Spirit upon them To confirm them with his abundant gifts, And through his anointing Conform them more fully to Christ, the Son of God.” Then the Archbishop extends his hands over them. “Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who brought these your servants to new birth By water and the Holy Spirit Freeing them from sin: Send upon them, O Lord, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete; Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and fortitude, The spirit of knowledge and piety; Fill them with the spirit of the fear of the Lord. Through Christ our Lord.” This prayer has multiple parts. The first part is a recognition of the power of God –This first line addresses God, just like most prayers start. The second part remembers Baptism (remember that at Baptism you were first given the Holy Spirit) That’s a pretty good explanation of what Baptism is – freeing us from sin. Baptism calls us all to a life of holiness. The first two parts are fairly easy to understand – Recognition of the power of God and the universal call to holiness through Baptism. The third part is what is called the invocation of the Holy Spirit. Invocation means “to call on, invoke, or give” in Latin. When the Bishop says these words, he is calling on the Holy Spirit to come to us – Send your Holy Spirit. The last part of the prayer lists out the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and asks him to pour those gifts out on us at Confirmation. We’ll learn more about these in a minute. The end of the prayer is like a signing off – a closing statement. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Another tie in to Christ as our only route to get to God. And of course, end in an ‘Amen.’ So that’s the prayer! – the recognition of the power of God, the universal call to holiness by our Baptism, the invocation of the Holy Spirit, and the request for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. At Confirmation, you’ll hear these words prayed and your sponsor will put their hands on your shoulder or your head and call on the Holy Spirit. It will be much more meaningful now that you guys have learned the importance of those actions and words. 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit Read through the descriptions of these gifts, then watch the video to better understand them. The Gift of Wisdom is our ability to value spiritual things over worldly ones. It enables us to desire the things of God and correctly order the things in our life. This gift helps us view the world through God’s perspective and the light of our faith. It instills a desire to contemplate the things of God. The Gift of Understanding helps us grasp the truths of the faith more easily and profoundly. Our human intellect cannot grasp all of God’s mysteries, but through the gift of understanding we can be lead to truth, even when we do not fully comprehend. This gift strengthens our insight through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments. The Gift of Counsel acknowledges the difference between right and wrong and bestows proper judgment. A person with right judgment avoids sin and leads a life for Christ. Counsel inspires us to speak up and encourage others to do the correct thing. It bestows upon us prudence, allowing us to act promptly and rightly in the face of difficult situations. The Gift of Fortitude sustains our decision to follow the will of God in any situation. It allows us to stand up and defend our faith, even when threatened by bodily injury or death. This gift allows us to be steadfast in our decisions to do well and to endure evil even when we do not want to. The Gift of Knowledge is awareness of God’s plan. It is not simply an accumulation of facts, but rather an understanding of God’s purpose and how we ought to respond. Knowledge helps bring to light the temptations that we face, and to discern whether to give in or live a life worthy of God’s approval. The Gift of Piety or reverence is our obedience to God and our willingness to serve him. It is not just obedience through a sense of duty or obligation, but rather obedience out of love and devotion. It facilitates a deeper respect and honor for God and His Church. The Gift of Fear of the Lord makes us aware of the glory and majesty of God and fear displeasing God and losing our connection with him because of our love for him. It helps us dread sin and fear offending God. This gift is also synonymous with the “Wonder and Awe”, which increases our desire to draw closer to God and depart from sin. What do the gifts mean to you?In the comments below, list each gift of the Holy Spirit and write down 2 examples of what it would look like put into action in your life. For example, an act of piety might be going to Mass. They can be simple, but it just helps to realize what they mean. At the end of your comment, list which gift of the Holy Spirit you think you need most in your life right now. Finally, sometime this month, take time to talk with your sponsor about the gifts and talk about which ones you need, or relate to the most.
Renewal of Baptismal Promises!At this Confirmation class, we learned all about our Baptisms! Read on to see what you missed, what you need to know, and some announcements you need to be aware of.
5 Finger Gospel & 5 Finger Gospel Living
Questions to Answer in the CommentsMake sure to write your short responses to the following questions in the comment section.
1. How are Baptism and Confirmation connected? 2. Discuss what each of the effects of Baptism mean. 3. Why are we in need of a Savior? 4. Why did Jesus come to Earth? 5. How do we become one with Christ? 6. Why do we need to go to Confession? 7. How can we live out our faith? Notes from Class with Sponsors/ParentsHelps Along the WayOpening Prayer - Lectio Divina on Acts 2:42-47 "Lectio Divina" is Latin for "spiritual reading" or "holy reading". It is the ancient prayer practice that allows us to encounter the Living God through His written Word. When we practice Lectio Divina, we are saying to God… "Here I am. I am listening. I want You to speak into my life, for I know that when You do, I will be helped, healed and changed." Read with a vulnerable heart. Expect to be blessed in the reading. Read as one awake, one waiting for the Beloved. Read with reverence. You'll read the Bible passage at the end of this section a total of 4 times, each time following the reflection instructions listed below. Lectio (READ): On the first reading, simply open yourself to the presence of God. Read the passage slowly and prayerfully, allowing short pauses between sentences. (Over time you will discover whether it is more helpful for you to read silently or out loud- try them both…) As you read, take in the words and the overall flow of the passage. Then allow a time of silence following the reading- continue to open yourself to the Spirit of God. Meditatio (REFLECT): On the second prayerful reading of the passage, listen for a particular word or a phrase through which God wants to speak to you. You will notice your attention being drawn to something (or if this doesn't happen, just choose a word). Once you have "received" the word or phrase, begin to silently meditate on that. Reflect on why God would highlight this for you today, ask Him any questions that come to mind, and note things that seem important as you meditate on what He has given you. Remember that the focus is on listening to what God has to say to you. Oratio (RESPOND): On the third prayerful reading of the passage, listen now for God's invitation, and respond from your heart. The Living God is always inviting us in some way... to let go of something, or to take up something; to do something or be something… the invitation can take innumerable forms. Following the reading, continue to listen for His invitation and then respond silently or out loud from an honest heart. Contemplatio (REST): The focus of the fourth prayerful reading of the passage is to simply rest now in the love that God has for you. Let the words wash over you- there is no further need to reflect or respond- allow God's Spirit to draw you close and fill you with His love, grace and peace. Linger in this place of deep connection, for you are being filled and refreshed for your continuing journey. "They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." We encourage you to take a word, phrase or image with you when it is time to return to the day... something to which you can return throughout the day… something that will remind you of the love of God for you, and the special message He had for you today. A few ways to prepare for Confirmation...Watch the next few videos and try to implement a few of the practices explained into your faith life.
Saints and ServiceYou will be doing a few things in the next months to prep for Confirmation. Hopefully you've been looking more closely at Saints you might want to choose as your Confirmation Saint. Below you'll see the instructions for a short essay you'll be writing about your Saint. This essay will require you to look into the life of your chosen Saint and explain why you chose them.
There is also a page in the document about service. You should do two service projects this year. Take a look at the list of options, but I encourage you to do some service in the Parish, and some in the community. The last page lists all the Mass times in Cedar Rapids - there are 36 Masses EVERY WEEKEND here in town, so there's no excuse miss Mass! Confession times are also listed. Preparing for ConfirmationThis Confirmation Class, we learned that the Church is Apostolic and Communal. We heard a witness talk from Sara about why she goes to Mass and is a part of the Church, and we talked about choosing a sponsor. To make up for missing this class, please watch the videos and read the following, then answer all questions in the comments at the bottom. How to Choose a Confirmation SponsorWatch this video on what a Confirmation Sponsor is and how to choose them. You can ignore the last minute of the video, its for another parish but the first two minutes have great ideas on how to choose your sponsor! Here are 2 sheets you need to fill out. This worksheet will help you brainstorm who in your life you could ask to be your sponsor: www.stmatthewcr.org/parish/files/2018/10/Choosing-a-Sponsor.pdf This form tells us your sponsor's information. THIS IS DUE ON OUR RETREAT DAY, OCT 14TH 2018: www.stmatthewcr.org/parish/files/2018/10/Confirmation-Sponsor-Information.pdf Questions to answer below:
1. What does Apostolic mean? 2. How is the Catholic Church Apostolic? 3. How is the Catholic Church Communal? 4. Why is it important to go to Mass? 5. Is going to Mass required? 6. What is the role of a Confirmation Sponsor? 7. List the 4 requirements of a Confirmation Sponsor. (Answer is on the Confirmation sponsor worksheet above) Intro to ConfirmationAt this Confirmation class, we met our small groups and got to know them through a few different icebreaker activities. We build churches out of random craft supplies and voted on the best church between the teams! You'll have to wait until next class to meet your small group if you missed! For this make-up session, you will be doing a few of the activities that we did in class on your own. We'll have you read some things and then answer questions in the comments below. The Story of PentecostReflection on the story of Pentecost. Grab a piece of paper, some pens, markers, or colored pencils. Read through the Scripture story below 3 times, reflecting on something new each time and drawing on your paper. Here is what you will draw each time. 1st time- read the story, and just listen. Choose a word or phrase that stuck out to you. It doesn't have to make sense, just choose a word or phrase that popped out when you read it. Write that word at the top of your sheet. 2nd time- picture the scene of Pentecost and start drawing it. It can be simple colors and shapes, or you can draw the scene as you see it in your mind. Listen for details about what was happening and what it looked like. 3rd time- Listen again and this time draw yourself in the scene. It can be as simple as a stick figure. Where are you in the scene? Are you one of the apostles? Are you a bystander? The Story of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-3:21 The Coming of the Spirit 1 When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 2 And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. 3 Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 At this sound, they gathered in a large crowd, but they were confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were astounded, and in amazement they asked, “Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how does each of us hear them in his own native language? 9 We are Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism, Cretans and Arabs, yet we hear them speaking in our own tongues of the mighty acts of God.” 12 They were all astounded and bewildered, and said to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others said, scoffing, “They have had too much new wine.” Peter’s Speech at Pentecost 14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them, “You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem. Let this be known to you, and listen to my words. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘It will come to pass in the last days,’ God says, ‘that I will pour out a portion of my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams. 18 Indeed, upon my servants and my handmaids I will pour out a portion of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will work wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below: blood, fire, and a cloud of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and splendid day of the Lord, 21 and it shall be that everyone shall be saved who calls on the name of the Lord.’ Follow Up QuestionsAnswer these questions with at least 1 sentence each in the comments below. Please number your responses.
Definition of ConfirmationNext in this class we looked at the Definition of Confirmation. In our small groups, we read through the definition then answered questions about each one. Please read through the definition of Confirmation, then below you will see each line broken up and a question asked for each line. Please answer these questions in the comments down below. Answer to the best of your ability- you can use the internet, the Catechism, and your Bible to research the answers. Number your responses, and use at least 1 sentence to answer each question. The Sacrament of Confirmation Celebrates the completion of Baptism And a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Given through anointing with Sacred Chrism, Accompanied by the laying on of hands and prayer, Which strengthens the faithful as members of the Church To spread and defend the Catholic Faith by word and deed. Breaking down each line with questions: • The Sacrament of Confirmation 1. What is a Sacrament? (Answer can be found in Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1084 & 1131.) • Celebrates the completion of Baptism 2. Is our initiation into the Church completed with Baptism? • And a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 3. Who is the Holy Spirit? • Given through anointing with Sacred Chrism, 4. What is Sacred Chrism? • Accompanied by the laying on of hands and prayer, 5. Who lays on their hands and prays? • Which strengthens the faithful as members of the Church 6. What strengthens the faithful? • To spread and defend the Catholic Faith by word and deed. 7. Who is called to spread and defend the Faith? Closing PrayerThank you for reading through this make-up blog post. Make sure to comment your answers to both of the sets of questions up above in the comment section.
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In case you missed us...Welcome to your Confirmation blog for the 2018/2019 year! In case you missed class, this is where you will come to make up the work and learning we did! Archives |