Year One High School Confirmation Program

Overview
  • Duration: 1 Academic Year (Two Semesters)
  • Frequency: Weekly Classes (75 minutes each)
  • Sources:
    • Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
    • Decision Point by Dynamic Catholic
    • Six Tasks of Catechesis

Semester 1: Foundations of Faith

Week 1-2: Introduction to the Catholic Faith and Confirmation Class
  • CCC Reference: Overview (CCC 25-27, 50)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Decision Point: Session 1 & 2
    • Introduction to the program and the importance of Confirmation
    • Understanding what it means to be Catholic.
  • Activities: Icebreakers, personal faith stories, God reveals, setting goals for the program
Week 3-4: Created in God’s Image and Building Our Community
  • CCC Reference: Desire of God (CCC 27-35, 44-45, 1718)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Education for Community Life
  • Decision Point: Session 6
    •  Explain how God’s creative love made each of us with a desire and capacity to respond to the gift of faith and dive into why relationships are an important part of our faith journey.
  • Activities: Discussion on Image of God, What Communities are you a part of?
Week 5-8: The Apostles' Creed and the Nature of God
  • CCC Reference: The Creed (CCC 184-197)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Decision Point: Session 3 & 8
    • The Trinity and the role of each Person
  • Activities: Creed’s study, role of God in our lives discussion
*Week 7: NO CLASSES*
Week 9-10: The Bible and Revelation
  • CCC Reference: Sacred Scripture (CCC 101-141)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Decision Point: Session 5
    • How Jesus reveals God’s plan and how we can use the Bible in our daily lives to be in contact with God
  • Activities: Bible basics quiz, personal reflection on Scripture passages
Week 11: The Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
  • CCC Reference: The Church (CCC 748-870)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Decision Point: Session 9
    • The structure and mission of the Church
  • Activities: Exploration of Church history, roles within the Church.
Week 12-14: Prayer
  • CCC Reference: Christian Prayer (CCC 2558-2565, 2626-2649)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Formation in Prayer
  • Decision Point: Session 4
    • Forms of Prayer
    • Demonstrate an understanding of how these practices contribute to personal faith and communal worship.
    • Explore various rituals of the church to deepen prayer life: Adoration, Stations of the Cross, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Rosary
  • Activities: Participate in several ways to pray, Pray as a class
*Week 13- NO CLASS*
Week 15: The Role of Mary and the Saints
  • CCC Reference: Mary and the Saints (CCC 963-975)
    • Understanding the Communion of Saints and their intercession
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Activities: Lives of the Saints, Marian devotion practices.
Week 16: Review and Advent Celebration
  • Activities: Group discussion and review of key concepts
  • Assessment: Quiz/ Check-in
 
Semester 2: Sacraments and Living the Faith

Week 17: The Marianist and Marian Apostolic Charism
  • Students will explore the history of the Marianist tradition and the role of Mary in the Marianist mission. Delve into the Marian charism, which emphasizes a deep devotion to May and its impact on spiritual and communal life.
    • Invitation for students to attend Marianist Summer LIFE
Week 18-19: Introduction to the Sacraments
  • CCC Reference: The Sacraments (CCC 1210-1211)
    • Overview of the sacraments as encounters with grace
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Activities: Overview of sacramental preparation.
Week 20-21: Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism and Confirmation
  • CCC Reference: Baptism (CCC 1213-1284), Confirmation (CCC 1285-1321)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith and Moral Formation
  • Decision Point: Session 10
    • Significance and preparation for Confirmation
  • Activities: Remembering your Baptism, Signs/Symbols
Week 22-24: Understanding the Mass and The Eucharist 
  • CCC Reference: Celebrating the Church’s Liturgy (CCC 1136-1199), The Eucharist (CCC 1322-1419)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Liturgical Education
  • Decision Point: Session 7
    • Understanding the Real Presence
    • Understanding the parts of the Mass/Participation in
    • Liturgical seasons and significance
  • Activities: Mass observation, discussion on personal experiences of the Eucharist, Tour of the Church, parts of Mass quiz.
Week 25-26:  Sacraments of Healing: Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
  • CCC Reference: Reconciliation (CCC 1420-1498), Anointing of the Sick (CCC 1499-1532)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Liturgical Education and Moral Formation
  • Decision Point: Session 14
    • The importance of these sacraments in healing and forgiveness
  • Activities: Examination of conscience, invitation to Reconciliation, Seeing an anointing
*Week 27: NO CLASSES*
Week 28-29: Sacraments at the Service of Communion: Matrimony and Holy Orders
  • CCC Reference: Matrimony (CCC 1602-1666), Holy Orders (CCC 1536-1600)
    • Explore vocations and understanding our various callings.
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Education for Community Life
  • Activities: Possible panel
Week 30-31: Christian Morality and the Call to Discipleship
  • CCC Reference: Christian Morality (CCC 1749-1809)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Moral Formation
  • Decision Point: Session 11 and 12
    • Living out the values of the call to holiness and moral decision-making
    • Understanding catholic social teaching
  • Activities: Case studies, role-playing moral dilemmas.
*Week 32: NO CLASSES*
Week 33-34: Service, Evangelization, and Final Review
  • The call to serve others and share the Gospel.
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Apostolic Life
  • Activities: Review of key concepts, comprehensive assessment, getting students to think of ways to stay involved through service or within the Parish
*Week 35: NO CLASSES*
Week 36: Last Day of Class and Family Fun Day
  • Closing discussion/remarks

Additional Components

Service Opportunities:
  • Provide students with opportunities for service projects that reflect their faith in action, Festival, Turkey Bingo, Holy Week, etc.
Retreat:
  • Organize a retreat focused on prayer, reflection, and preparation for Confirmation.
Assessment and Evaluation:
  • Regular quizzes and group discussions to assess understanding and personal growth.
 

Year Two High School Confirmation Program

Overview

  • Duration: 1 Academic Year (Two Semesters)
  • Frequency: Weekly Classes (75 minutes each)
  • Sources:
    • Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
    • Six Tasks of Catechesis- UCCB Directory
    • The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth by Saint Mary’s Press
Semester 1: Living the Faith
Week 1-2: Introduction to Year Two Confirmation and Faith Recap
  • CCC Reference: Overview (CCC 25-27,50)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 3
  • Objectives:
    • Expectations for the program year
    • Understanding and review of the basics of the faith
  • Activities:
    • Overview of expectation letter and requirements.
    • Discussion on faith-
Week 3-5: Building Community
  • CCC Reference: The Human Community (CCC 27-49, 1700-1709, 1825-1829, 1877)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Education for Community Life
  • Objectives:
    • Explore and understand the importance of a relationship with God, self, and others.
    • Encourage students to develop meaningful connections to share/grow in their personal faith and support each other.
    • Lesson on exploring different relationships and group discussions.
Week 6-9: The Trinity
  • CCC Reference The Creed (CCC 184-197)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 4,6, and 10
  • Objectives:
    • Students will gain a clear understanding of the concept of the Trinity, including the roles and relationships of the three persons.
    • Explain the Trinity clearly and confidently.
  • Activities:
    • Trinity Poster Project- create posters that illustrate the Trinity using symbols, images, and key words.
    • Skits.
*Week 7: NO CLASSES*
Week 10: The Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic
  • CCC Reference: The Church (CCC 748-870)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 11 and 12
  • Objectives:
    • Students will gain an understanding of the structure, hierarchy, and mission of the Church.
    • Students will reflect on their personal relationship with the Church and how they can contribute to its mission and community.
  • Activities:
    • Introduction to Church structure, history, and impact.
    • Personal Connection and reflection.
Week 11-12: Prayer Life and Spiritual Growth
  • CCC Reference: Prayer (CCC 2558-2565)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Formation in Prayer
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Part D Christian Prayer
  • Objectives:
    • Develop a deeper understanding of prayer and its role in spiritual life.
    • Explore various forms of personal and communal prayer.
  • Activities:
    • Practice different forms of prayer: adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise.
    • Establishing a personal prayer routine and spiritual goals.
*Week 13- NO CLASS*
Week 14-15: The Ten Commandments and The Beatitudes
  • CCC Reference: The Ten Commandments (CCC 2052-2557), The Beatitudes (CCC 1716-1729)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith and Moral Formation
  • Objectives:
    • Understand the meaning, significance, and relevance of the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes.
    • Engage in reflective thinking and group discussion to explore how these apply in their daily actions and decisions.
  • Activities:
    • Beatitudes exploration- meaning, implications and practical applications of their assigned beatitude.
    • Ten Commandment Examination.
Week 16: Review and Advent Celebration
  • Activities:
    • Review key concepts.
    • Assessment/ Check-in
Semester 2: Preparing for Confirmation and Beyond
Week 17: The Marianist and Marian Apostolic Charism
  • Students will explore the history of the Marianist tradition and the role of Mary in the Marianist mission. Delve into the Marian charism, which emphasizes a deep devotion to Mary and its impact on spiritual and communal life.
    • Invitation for students to attend Marianist Summer LIFE
Week 18: Sacraments II
  • CCC Reference: The Sacraments (CCC 1210-1211)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith and Moral Formation
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 15
  • Objectives:
    • Overview of the sacraments as encounters with grace
    • Recognize how Sacraments play a role in the life of the Church, reflect of how this can impact their personal faith journey and their role in the community.
  • Activities:
    • Assessment of general knowledge of the Seven Sacraments.
    • Discussion on the importance of the Sacraments.
Week 19: Baptism
  • CCC Reference: Baptism (CCC 1213-1284)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 16
  • Objectives:
    • Understand the significance and rites of Baptism.
    • Explore the invisible and visible signs and symbols.
  • Activities:
    • Detailed study of the Baptism ritual.
    • Group discussion on personal experiences.
Week 20: Confirmation
  • CCC Reference: Confirmation (CCC 1285-1321)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 17
  • Objectives:
    • Understand the significance and rites of Confirmation.
    • Explore the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
  • Activities:
    • Detailed study of the Confirmation ritual.
    • Reflection on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and their application in life.
    • Group discussion on personal experiences and expectations.
Week 21-22: The Eucharist in Depth and The Mass
  • CCC Reference: The Eucharist (CCC 1322-1419)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 14 and 18
  • Objectives:
    • Deepen understanding of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
    • Explore the structure and significance of the Mass.
  • Activities:
    • Mass participation and reflection.
    • Discussion on the meaning of the Eucharist in daily life.
    • Study of the Liturgy of the Eucharist and its components.
Week 23: Sacraments of Healing: The Sacrament of Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick
  • CCC Reference: Reconciliation (CCC 1420-1498), Anointing of the Sick (CCC 1499-1532)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 19
  • Objectives:
    • Understand the significance and practice of these sacraments.
    • Explore their roles in the life of the Church and personal healing.
  • Activities:
    • Examination of conscience and practice of confession.
    • Discussion on the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and its pastoral importance.
Week 24: Sacraments at the Service of Communion: The Sacrament of Matrimony and Holy Orders
  • CCC Reference: Matrimony (CCC 1602-1666), Holy Orders (CCC 1536-1600)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 20
  • Objectives:
    • Understand the significance of these sacraments to the church.
    • Explore vocations.
  • Activities:
    • Discussion on the importance of roles within the church: Lay person, married, single, religious.
Week 25-26: Pentecost and the Role of the Holy Spirit
  • CCC Reference: The Holy Spirit (CCC 683-747)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Knowledge of Faith
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 10
  • Objectives:
    • Understand the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian.
    • Explore the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
  • Activities:
    • Reflection on the work of the Holy Spirit in personal life and the Church.
    • Group activities focused on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
*Week 27:NO CLASSES*
Week 28: The Call to Holiness
  • CCC Reference: The Call to Holiness (CCC 2013-2029)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Missionary Discipleship and Service
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 24
  • Objectives:
    • Explore what it means to live a holy life.
    • Understand the call to personal and communal holiness.
  • Activities:
    • Study of saints and their paths to holiness.
    • Personal reflection on individual callings and vocation.
    • Group discussion on integrating holiness into everyday life.
Week 29-30: Christian Morality and Respecting Sexuality
  • CCC Reference: Christian Morality (CCC 1749-1809)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Moral Formation
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 21 and 27
  • Objectives:
    • Understand the moral teachings of the Church.
    • Apply moral principles to real-life situations.
  • Activities:
    • Case studies on moral decision-making.
    • Role-playing scenarios to practice ethical choices.
    • Reflection on how Catholic morality guides personal behavior.
Week 31: The Church’s Mission and Social Teaching
  • CCC Reference: The Church’s Mission and Social Doctrine (CCC 2419-2463)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Missionary Discipleship and Service
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 22
  • Objectives:
    • Understand the Church’s role in promoting social justice.
    • Learn about Catholic social teaching and its application in the world.
  • Activities:
    • Analysis of contemporary social issues from a Catholic perspective.
    • Planning and participation in a social justice project or advocacy.
*Week 32:NO CLASSES*
Week 33-34: Living the Faith in the World and Religious Life
  • CCC Reference: Christian Life and Vocation (CCC 898-913)
  • Six Tasks of Catechesis: Missionary Discipleship and Service
  • Book Reference: The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, Chapter 30
  • Objectives:
    • Explore the implications of living out one’s faith in daily life.
    • Exploring religious life
    • Understand the call to evangelize and serve others.
  • Activities:
    • Planning and engaging in a faith-based service project.
    • Discussions on ways to share the Gospel and live out the Catholic values in various aspects of life.
*Week 35: NO CLASSES*
Week 36: Final Preparation for Confirmation
  • Activities:
    • Review of the sacrament of Confirmation and its implications.
    • Personal reflection on the journey of faith and readiness for Confirmation.
    • Finalize preparations for the Confirmation ceremony, including rehearsals and discussions on the meaning of the sacrament.
    • Reflection on the commitments being made and the path forward as a confirmed member of the Church.

Additional Components

Service Opportunities:
  • Provide students with opportunities for service projects that reflect their faith in action, Festival, Turkey Bingo, Holy Week, etc.
Retreat:
  • Organize a retreat focused on prayer, reflection, and preparation for Confirmation.
Parent and Sponsor Meetings:
  • Organize sessions for parents and sponsors to support and guide candidates through their preparation.
Assessment and Evaluation:
  • Conduct regular assessments through quizzes and group discussions to gauge understanding and growth.