Light of the World, Salt of the Earth Confirmation Calendar 2013-2014

Saint Thomas More Continuous Christian Education

“Light of the world, salt of the earth”Confirmation Calendar 2013-2014

Please note: Large Group – Servant Hall or Church

Classes – School Building

Dear Parents/ Guardians

Welcome to the 2013-2014 Catechetical Year! The goal of ourprogram is to help the parents with the religious formation of their children. The Religious Education Program at St. Thomas More Catholic Church is not meant as a replacement offaith formation that must be done by parents in their homes. We are here to help!

As the Declaration on Christian Education states “the role ofparents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute. For that reasonthe Christian home is the place where children receive thefirst proclamation of faith.

For the best interest of the students, please read the followingpolicy:

REQUIREMENTS

ATTENDANCE: Students should not miss more than 3 classes. Being late twice will be considered one missed day. So please keep in mind not to be late to class as often. Remember that your desire to be confirmed is a commitment you have made with Christ. Each class is an opportunity to encounter Christ and develop a deeper and more personal relationship with Our Lord.

DISCIPLINE: It is expected that the students in our confirmation program will do all the assigned assignments in preparation for each class, pay attention to the teachers during class, and participate in the discussions to the best of their ability. It is also expected that the students will give their confirmation teachers the respect that all young ladies and gentlemen naturally give to adults who are so generous in their donation of time and wisdom to the young. Those students presenting themselves as consistent discipline problems will be told that they may leave the program and perhaps re-enter it the following year once they have matured. Irreverence in church will, of course, not be tolerated.

SERVICE HOURS: Confirmation candidates must complete ten (10) hours of service work each year and fill out the Confirmation Service Reflection Sheet to be turned in to the RE office. This work is to be done without pay, to benefit someone in need, outside of the family. While the requirement does not have to be fulfilled through a parish activity, help with the Fall Festival and other such activities certainly do serve to help complete the requirements. Serving at Holy Mass is a privilege that some enjoy, while fulfilling their obligation to worship God. However, these activities are not considered to be service hours. Any questions regarding what "counts" as service should be directed to the program coordinator, Aida Gonzalez: or 713-729-3435

CONFIRMATION RETREAT: The teens will have the opportunity to experience a retreat. Attendance is mandatory! Please make all the necessary arrangements with jobs, sports etc. so that candidates are available that day. (Date to be announced)

Choosing a Saint Role Model:Each teen must decide to choose a saint who will be their role model to walk on their faith journey. The life of the saint whom they choose should help guide the teen toward a closer relationship with God through their example. Once a saint is chosen, teens should ask for guidance of this saint through daily prayer. Teens may choose their own baptismal name as their Confirmation name or select another saint of their choice.(Confirmation Saint Form with Essay due on Wednesday, December 4, 2013.)