Ninth through Twelfth Grade Curriculum standards

The initiation of children into the sacramental life is for the most part the responsibility and concern of Christian parents. They are to form and gradually increase a spirit of faith in the children and, with the help of catechetical institutions, prepare them for the fruitful reception of the sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist. The role of the parents is also expressed by their active participation in the celebration of the sacraments. Parents should participate in the sacramental preparation of their children: • by their own continued growth in the Faith; by frequent and conscious participation in the sacraments, especially Eucharist and Penance; and by prayer • by ensuring their children’s proper spiritual and intellectual formation in the Faith, supported by a home and family life actively embodying that Faith • by being informed of the criteria of readiness for Confirmation and by participating in the parish catechetical program, in order to assist their children in achieving that readiness • by participating in parent sessions, consisting of: 1) one session at the beginning of the program (beginning of ninth-grade year) 2) two sessions in the final year of Confirmation preparation. Parent sessions should include catechesis on the Sacrament of Confirmation and should make clear the preparation requirements expected of the candidates.

Catechetical: Catechesis in grades nine through twelve will ensure that candidates have a well developed understanding of each pillar of the Church (Creed, Sacraments, Commandments, Prayer) and an understanding of their own level of faith development. In this way they can profess as their own the Faith into which they have been baptized and will be confirmed. Specific catechesis on the Sacrament of Confirmation is to take place in the final year of preparation. It is to consist of at least five sessions or their equivalence, covering the Sacrament of Confirmation. Regular class attendance and respectful participation in class are requirements for Confirmation preparation.

Faith in Action: It is recommended that over a three-year period, candidates for Confirmation spend 15 hours on projects that help put their faith into action. Putting faith into action is a way we express our commitment to living out the life of the Spirit of God within us. Whenever a person freely chooses to share himself with others in a way that betters another person’s life, Jesus is made more present in our world. The Confirmation candidate should be given and challenged with opportunities to put his faith into action. These projects should be concrete and should truly express the needs of the parish, neighborhood, and world community. These projects could include anything from a neighborhood project of raking leaves for the elderly, to working on the serving line in a soup kitchen; from helping to usher at Mass, to being part of a mission trip to help a poorer community. It is important that the candidates understand that these opportunities to put their faith into action are not so much requirements for Confirmation, but are an expression of that love which flows from our baptismal commitment and is essential to the Christian life. For this reason, time should be spent in preparation for these projects and discussing the meaning and implications of these efforts as they proceed. When the project is finished, time should also be spent reflecting on the candidate’s experience. It is important to stress that these projects are to assist in forming life-long attitudes of putting faith into action.

DETERMINATION OF CANDIDATE READINESS

It is important for parishes to use a process which will indicate the readiness of individual candidates for Confirmation. This readiness includes the proper interior disposition of a candidate: - with full knowledge of the Roman Catholic Faith, freely desires to be confirmed in the Faith - freely accepts the responsibilities of being a Roman Catholic - understands and personally accepts the Church’s teaching on the sacredness of human life (see Evangelium Vitae)The Pastor and those he designates from the catechetical staff should take part in this process, seeking to clearly understand the candidate’s background, attitudes, faith, knowledge of our Faith, desire to live a life committed to Jesus Christ as a Roman Catholic, and desire to be confirmed. Evaluation of these criteria should be made through an individual interview with each candidate. Pastors are encouraged to meet with the candidates and include opportunities for celebrating the sacrament of Penance. If the Pastor determines that for serious reasons the candidate is not ready, then it is desirable to discuss readiness with the confirmand and his/her parents, and if necessary, delay the Sacrament until a later time. Proper care for these individuals includes ongoing formation offered by the parish.

CURRICULUM STANDARDS - Ninth through Twelfth Grade Curriculum standards

PILLAR I – THE PROFESSION OF FAITH - CREED

Theme 1: God’s Revelation and Our Response of Faith

“Through an utterly free decision, God has revealed himself and given himself to man …God has fully revealed this plan by sending his beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.” “By his Revelation, ‘the invisible God, from the fullness of his love, addresses men as friends, and moves among them, in order to invite and receive them into his own company.’ The adequate response to this invitation is faith. (CCC 50, 142)

PILLAR II – CELEBRATION OF THE CHRISTIAN MYSTERY – SACRAMENTS LITURGY

Theme 1: Liturgy is God’s Blessing to Us and Our Response is Adoration and Thanksgiving

The word “liturgy” originally meant a “public work” or a “service in the name of/on behalf of the people.” In Christian tradition it means the participation of the People of God in “the work of God.” Through the liturgy, Christ our redeemer and high priest

PILLAR III – LIFE IN CHRIST – THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Theme 1: The Dignity & Vocation of the Human Person

“In his or her spiritual soul, intellect and free will, the human person is “the image and likeness of God.” Our whole being is ordered to seeking truth and goodness in accord with our destiny which is eternal blessedness with God.” (CCC 1701-1704)

PILLAR IV – CHRISTIAN PRAYER – THE LORD’S PRAYER

Theme 1: Prayer in the Christian Life

“Great is the mystery of the faith!” The Church professes this mystery in the Apostles’ Creed (Part One of the Catechism) and celebrates it in the sacramental liturgy (Part Two), so that the life of the faithful may be conformed to Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the Father (Part Three). This mystery, then, requires that the faithful believe in it, that they celebrate it, and that they live from it in a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God. This relationship is prayer.” (CCC 2558)