Author: Faith Formation

Confirmation
Sponsor Manual

Nativity of Our Lord Parish

Confirmation is a lifestyle...not just a day!

“I have compete well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Candidate: ______________________
Sponsor: ________________________

2016

Confirmation Prayer
God of the living and the dead,
God of our work and play,
God of our hope and our love,
Grant us peace today.
Help us to see your hand in all things,
and help us trust your wisdom.
Help us see the gifts we have received
and use them according to the needs around us to benefit all.
Give us a generous heart
and a willing spirit
to accept the role you have given us.
Send us your Holy Spirit
to counsel us,
to strengthen us,
and to guide our ministry.
Amen

Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church—Sponsor Handbook

Sponsor Information Sheet
2016

Date for Confirmation:	Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 7:00 pm / Bishop Robert Morneau, presider
Practice for Confirmation:	Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 6:00 pm
Candidate/Sponsor Meetings:	Sat., February 27, 2016 at 3:30 pm in Bona Hall @ Nativity Parish / Sat., April 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm in Bona Hall @ Nativity Parish / Both meetings conclude with the attendance at 5:00 pm Mass
Letter:	Information on this will come via email and/or Postal Mail. Please provide your personal information to Stephanie by filling out the last page, tearing it out, and giving it to her.
Confirmation Interview:	We will have Confirmation interviews during the April Candidate/Sponsor Meeting. We request the presence of the sponsor at this interview. If unable to attend, you can send the candidate’s parent(s) in your place.
Questions, Comments, Concerns...Contact Me!	Stephanie Rottier / Nativity Parish Faith Formation Coordinator and Youth Minister / Email—natsr@nativityparish.com / Phone—920-499-6012 x 215

Mark Your Calendars!!

Confirmation Sponsor Job Description

Objective of the Confirmation Sponsor:
A Confirmation Sponsor acts as a guide to a Confirmation candidate when discerning whether or not to become fully initiated into the Catholic Church.
A Confirmation Sponsor is expected to...
Be a practicing Catholic who is confirmed in the Catholic faith
Pray
Share their faith experiences and/or struggles and be open to growth in their own faith
Encourage the Confirmation candidate to experience their faith daily. This includes, but is not limited to, the reading and reflection of scripture, the participation in weekly Mass, and the participation in parish and community service.
Help the Confirmation candidate reflect on their daily choices and identify if the decisions made were done deliberately with their faith in mind.
Meet at least 8 times with your Confirmation Candidate and work through the activities guide together at each session. (Side bar discussions are always welcome during this time.)
Attend two Confirmation Candidate/Sponsor Sessions at Nativity of Our Lord Parish and attend Mass following the sessions together.
Attend your Confirmation Candidate’s Final Interview
Write a letter (more to come on this later)
Attend Confirmation rehearsal with your candidate as well as the celebration of Confirmation

Confirmation Sponsor Job Description

An effective Confirmation Sponsor might look like...
...a mentor who is helping their candidate grow in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices that are considered essential to being a responsible, committed (confirmed) member of the church, a professed follower of Jesus.
...a realistic guide, knowing that perfection for the candidate and themselves is not possible, and instead working towards growth in their faith. The goal of perfect faith and total imitation of Jesus is a life - long quest. Helping your candidate take the next step in their faith is the goal during this journey.
...a normal human being, made in the image and likeness of God who is filled with wisdom, but is NOT expected to know everything, BUT is willing to help guide themselves and/or their candidate towards any answers they need.
...a reflective and prayerful person who takes time with God on a daily basis.

Saint Augustine's Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love. Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. May we respect life as we work to solve problems of family and nation, economy and ecology. Spirit of God, spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day. Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence which penetrates all creation. Amen.

Sponsor Information

Please complete this page, tear it out of your booklet, and return it to Stephanie Rottier. This can be done in person or by postal mail.

Candidate’s Name: ____________________________________
Sponsor’s Name: ______________________________________
Sponsor’s Street Address: ______________________________
City: _________________ State: _______ Zip Code: _________
Sponsor’s Email Address: ______________________________
Sponsor’s Phone Number: _____________________________

If you choose to send this by postal mail, please use the following address:
Nativity of Our Lord Parish
ATTN: Stephanie Rottier
2270 S. Oneida Street
Green Bay, WI 54304