Queen of Peace

Queen of Peace

CREED Night

Handbook

OUR MISSION

To provide a place where people will hear the good news of the gospel, be invited into relationship with Christ, and be encouraged and built up in that relationship as they learn more about Christ and the beauty of His Catholic Church.

OUR PROGRAMS

Grades 7-8: Students will focus on the life and mission of Jesus and Scripture. The purpose is to introduce students to Jesus and help them to understand Him as a person with whom they could have a personal relationship. Theology of the Body will also be taught with an emphasis on how we were created by God, to love and to be loved; and how our relationship with Christ is the ultimate way that we can experience that love.

Grades 9-12: Students will focus on the basic teachings and precepts of the Church. The purpose is to let students experience their relationship with Christ through the sacraments and help them to make a deeper commitment to Christ and His Church.

Inquiry: Students can be in grades 9-12 and will focus on preparing for Confirmation in a number of ways including, more one-on-one discipleship, participation in retreat, and time for reflection. This is our NEW confirmation preparation program.

RCIA: Adults who would like to be confirmed may participate in our RCIA program. The purpose of this class is to learn about the basic teachings of the Catholic faith. They will have opportunities to move forward toward entering the Church at Easter Vigil, or to simply learn more about the Catholic faith.

Post Confirmation: Once a person has been confirmed either through Inquiry or RCIA, they are invited to continue their formation in our Post Confirmation group. Time in this group will be dedicated to looking more deeply into our Catholic faith, and it is open to ALL members of the parish.

REGISTRATION

Students can register online at the parish website There is no set fee for CREED Night, but each family is encouraged to give what they are able to help cover costs. This can be done by giving specifically to CREED Night or by including a little extra in your weekly tithe.

ATTENDANCE

Just as with any activity, students will benefit from fully participating in our CREED Night programming. It also benefits the entire community when students attend each week. The teachers are able to build trusting relationships with the students and the students begin to build friendships that are centered on their faith. If a student will be absent or must leave early, it is always appreciated if a parent calls or emails to inform a leader.

STUDENT CONFIRMATION PREPERATION

Beginning in 2016 we will confirm students in the fall of their 12th grade year.

The Inquiry program is for those students who are preparing to receive Confirmation. After a student has entered the 9th-12th grade program they will be able to request entry into Inquiry every fall (Oct) and winter (Jan). Entering and completing the Inquiry process is necessary in order for a student to receive Confirmation. Students who would like to enter Inquiry will submit a written request to the pastor who will then contact them to set up a meeting where they will discuss their readiness for the program. Students will be accepted into Inquiry if the following 4 markers are evident in their lives.

1) Students will show a desire to ask real questions and learn about the faith.

2) Students will be willing to complete the steps to Confirmation.

3) Students will be willing to practice their faith outside of Wednesday night program (eg. attend Mass weekly/daily, Christian service, daily prayer)

4) Students will be willing to meet with the pastor, youth minister, youth leader or sponsor, to discuss their spiritual walk on a more regular basis.

Once a student has been accepted into Inquiry they will continue to meet with the rest of the class weekly and will begin completing the necessary steps toward Confirmation.

When a student reaches the fall of their 11th grade year they will have their final opportunity to request Inquiry. If they do not enter the program by that time and complete all of the steps to confirmation by the spring of their 11th grade year, they will not be ready to receive Confirmation in the fall of their 12th grade year.

MORE ON INQUIRY

To request entry into Inquiry a student will send a written request (see form letter) to the pastor during the given window of time (Oct. and Jan).

The pastor will contact the student and set up an interview time. Following the interview the pastor will either accept the student into Inquiry or will give the student some guidance on what to work on before they make another request.

After a student has been accepted into Inquiry they will continue to attend regular weekly CREED Night sessions AND will participate in the following steps to receive Confirmation.

1) Choose a sponsor

2) Meet semi-regularly with the youth minister about your progress

3) Complete any given Confirmation “homework”

4) Attend a Diocesan Confirmation retreat (10th or 11th grade year)

5) Attend Confirmation sessions outside of CREED Night (up to 4 per year)

6) Write a letter to the Bishop.

Because students are able to enter this process at any time, each of these steps may happen at different times for each individual. For this reason, staying in contact with the youth minister about your progress and what you ought to be doing next, will be an important responsibility of each student.