11th Grade Faith Formation

11th Grade: Confirmation Preparation “One-Eight”

11th Grade is the third and final year of Confirmation Preparation here at St. Joe's. New this year, 11th Graders will follow the curriculum One-Eight by Life Teen which utilizes experiential, relational, and systematic methods that engage teenagers in their faith while presenting doctrinally sound teachings, rooted in the Catechism and Sacred Scripture. Through engaging presentations of faith, teenagers are invited into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and challenged to become life-long disciples over the course of the One-Eight Curriculum.
Over the course of the teen’s final year before receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation they will follow the RCIA process by participating in the last of the three phases of the Confirmation preparation; the Period of Mission.

Period of Inquiry: (10^th Grade Year) The students will begin to learn more about requirements for Confirmation. This period involves student meetings with their parents and with their sponsor and includes an interview with the youth minister. These sessions are designed to help both teens and parents discern if they can commit to the preparation necessary for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The focus of this period is encouraging students to be open in journeying toward the sacrament, and to identify students who are not open or ready to engage in the preparation process.

Period of Evangelization: (10^th Grade Year) For teenagers preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, this period of time will reintroduce and deepen their understanding of the basic tenets of the Catholic faith. It is a “new evangelization” for the teenagers and an opportunity for continued conversion to Christ. For some it will be a review, and for others it may be the first time many Catholic beliefs are explained and introduced. This period begins with a modified Rite of Acceptance, where the parish priest will formally “accept” the teenagers as candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Period of Mission: This period focuses on a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, a lively interaction with the Holy Spirit, and a deeper understanding of the missionary call each teen received during his or her baptism. The period begins with a modified Rite of Election and a second interview with each candidate, this time between our parish priests, the youth and their sponsor. Candidates will reaffirm their desire to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and commit to drive more deeply into prayer during this period of time.
 
As part of their Confirmation program, 11th grade youth will participate in the following:
1.       Attend Sunday evening sessions, up to three absences are acceptable. If more nights need to be missed, youth will need to meet with Melissa and make up these sessions.  
2.       Attend Sponsor Retreat on Saturday, November 10, 2018 10 AM-12 PM in the Gathering Place with Sponsor. In the case that a sponsor cannot attend, a parent can attend in their place.
3.       Service/Justice Experiences and Reflections -See Service/Justice Forms. New this year, youth will need to participate in 3 community service experiences, 3 parish service experiences, and 2 liturgical experiences. (Service experiences are no longer separated by hours.) Reflections are due in class on Sunday, April 14, 2019
4.       Write a letter to the Bishop –due February 24, 2019, -See form for details.
5.       Complete Saint Report –due February 24, 2019 –See form for details.
6.       Participate in an 11 ^th grade Retreat, either a TEC retreat through the Crookston Diocese or a SEARCH Retreat through the Fargo Diocese.  Shanley School Retreats DO NOT count as a Confirmation Retreat. (See below for retreat dates)
7.       Spring Interview with Fr. Larry or Fr. Nate and Sponsor April 1-7, 2019
8.       Participate in the Confirmation Day of Reflection on Wed. April 24, 2019 7 PM-9 PM with Sponsor. If sponsor cannot attend, a parent can attend in their place.
9.       Participate in parent/youth nights on the following dates.
·         9/9/18                   A New Perspective On Confirmation
·         3/17/19                Theology of the Body Parent/Youth Session
2018-19 TEC Retreat Dates:
February 16-18, 2019 at St. Joseph's Church, Moorhead
March 16-18, 2019 at Sandhill Lake Bible Camp by Fosston
For more information on how to register for a TEC please go to http://www.agassizvalleytec.com/
 
2018-19 SEARCH Dates
November 2-4, 2018 at Maryvale Convent, Valley City
January 11 – 13, 2019
March 1 - 3, 2019
For more information on how to register for a SEARCH Retreat please go to http://www.agassizvalleytec.com/

Confirmation is set for Sunday, April 28, 2019 at the 12:00 pm Mass. Sponsors and youth will need to arrive at the Church at 10:15 a.m. In the case that a candidate is absolutely unable to participate in the Confirmation ceremony, they must contact Melissa Hund-Cerna no later than February 24, 2019. No exceptions will be made for sporting tournaments, school related activities or work.