Saint Isidore Confirmation I & II 2008-2009 FAQ and Calendar

1. Who should register for Confirmation I & II preparation?
   

   Any young person in high school, public, private, or parochial, who has not yet been confirmed may register as a Confirmation candidate. Typically those young people who are in grade 9 would register for Confirmation I and those in grade 10 for Confirmation II. The sacrament of Confirmation is usually conferred on candidates in the spring of Grade 10. Confirmation I & II students must complete BOTH the GOF and the Confirmation registration forms included in the registration mailing.

2. What if you have already been Confirmed?
   

   High school students who have already been confirmed are welcome, invited, and encouraged to attend the Generations of Faith sessions and participate either in the High School or adult break-out groups.

3. Where does Confirmation preparation take place?
   

   All levels of Confirmation formation will take place at St. Isidore parish. Candidates in both the Confirmation I and II levels are expected to attend

   all 9 of our Generations of Faith sessions, which include a separate break-out session for them. The Confirmation I & II GOF break out group is held ONLY at the Sunday session.

   Confirmation I AND II candidates will also participate in 8 additional sessions for 2 years (beginning with 08/09 Confirmation I group) as noted on the preliminary calendar. Confirmation II candidates for 08/09 will only be asked to complete one year of formation as we transition into this new formation program.

4. Why are there changes to the Confirmation Program beginning in 08/09?

   When we began GOF five years ago it was our intention to continually evaluate and change not only GOF but the Sacramental Preparation processes for Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. Our goal is to provide the most comprehensive formation. We have made several changes in Eucharist and Reconciliation formation already and will continue to do so. In consultation with the primary Confirmation catechists and the parish staff we have been evaluating the existing Confirmation process. In order to provide our Confirmation candidates with a more thorough formation it was decided that TWO full years of specific formation (16 sessions total), in addition to their ongoing formation in GOF, would be the best approach. The candidates being Confirmed in May 2009 will be the final group with a single year of formation .

5. Where/when will Confirmation II (2009) candidates be confirmed?

   The parish staff has submitted a request to the Bishops office for a spring 2009 date at St. Isidore parish; we have not yet received a reply from them. Once we receive a firm date we will notify you.

6. What about Christian service, retreats and speakers?

   A parent meeting is scheduled for all Confirmation I & II parents/guardians AND candidates on September 10, 2008 at 7:30 PM at St Isidore. A final calendar and details about our new preparation process, Christian service, retreats and speakers will be offered at this meeting.

7. Is there a program fee for Confirmation I & II?

   Yes, the program fee is for Confirmation I & II candidates is $60 per year; it will cover all materials, supplies, speaker stipends, and retreats. This fee should be included with your GOF registration and returned by July 18^th 2008

Calendar Confirmation I & II
(All meetings 6:30-8:00 PM at St. Isidore Church Hall )

If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled preparation sessions, please notify Mr. Tocci that you will be absent by calling 978-562-9168. If a class needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather please check the parish website for notification: www.stisidorestow.org

All Confirmation I & II candidates are also expected to attend the monthly GOF sessions

For Confirmation II candidates ONLY

The Most Rev. Robert Hennessey will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Saturday June 6, 2009 at 5:00 PM. Rehearsal for Confirmation II Candidates AND their sponsors will be held on Wednesday evening May 27 at 7:30 PM in the church.