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.
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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) |
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 |