This session was different than our previous sessions. In addition to working with a sponsor or parent, it also focused on two separate topics:
the role of a sponsor for Confirmation
the importance of the Eucharist to our faith
Throughout the night, we used two resource packets - one for you (the candidate) and one for your sponsor. You and your sponsor can view or print them through the following links:
Communication- We began the night with an interesting activity. You and your sponsor can also participate in this activity by using your resource packets. Here's what you do:
On page 2 of the packets, you and your sponsor have two different pictures. Position yourselves so that you can't see eachother.
Describe you picture to your sponsor. They are to draw what you describe on the top have of their page. Even after you have finished, don't look at each other's packet.
Next you will switch roles. Your sponsor will describe the picture at the bottom of their page to you. However, you are to close your eyes as you draw. Your sponsor can watch you but you are to draw blindly.
Afterwards, check out how well you did by comparing both sets of pictures.
There are many good points and lessons from this activity. First, communication between you and your sponsor will be very important. Being able to explain yourself and to listen closely will help in your journey to Confirmation and beyond. Secondly, sometimes we don't know what we're doing or where we are going, so we have to rely on others to help us - like your sponsor. When it comes to exploring your faith and your relationship to God, it is important to have someone to talk to and help you.
Role of a Sponsor- On pages 3-6 in the Sponsor Resource Packet is information about the role of a sponsor. The biggest responsibilities for a sponsor is to pray for their candidate, to meet with the candidate at least once a month, and plan a spiritual activity. There are suggestions for spiritual activities on page 5 and discussion questions to start conversations on pages 11 & 12.
Spiritual Timeline- Both you and your sponsor have a Spiritual Timeline in your packets. After you and your sponsor have completed your timelines, share them with each other.
Confirmation Name- Hopefully on your timeline is when you were baptized. Baptism and Confirmation are closely connected because it is Confirmation that completes the initiation into the Church that Baptism started. During Confirmation, the Bishop will call you by name. There are two practices regarding the name he will say. He can call you by your Baptismal name or by a Christian name of your choice. It is tradition to choose the name of a saint that you feel connected to. On pages 7-10 is a listing of some saints and their patronages but feel free to look for others. Talk with your sponsor about which name you would like to choose. If you choose a name because of a saint, learn more about them and look to them help you grow in your relationship to God.
Forms- On pages 11 & 12 of your packet are forms for you to fill out about your Confirmation name and your Sponsors contact information. These two forms are to be returned at the February session.
Part 2 - The Eucharist:
Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist are sacraments of Initiation. They are the foundations of our lives as Christians. It is the Eucharist that is at the heart of the Church's life and it is the most important thing we can do. It is the ultimate celebration of the Pascal Mystery - the mystery of how Jesus' suffering, death, Resurrection, and Ascension saves us from sin and death.
Watch these two videos about the Eucharist and reflect on the questions that follow.
•What is Mass to you? •What is your favorite thing about being Catholic? •Which of Jesus’ teachings do you find the most difficult to live? •How does the secular world support or oppose our participation in the Eucharist and liturgy? •If you had to spend the rest of your life on a desert island and you could only take five people with you, whom would you take?
For February 1 •Sponsor Name and Contact Information Due •Confirmation Name Due •Prayer and Spirituality will be the focus •Read Well Built Faith: pages 131-156