Service Requirement for Confirmation 7-8th Grade

Service Requirement for Confirmation Preparation Program:
-Community service as a requirement for Confirmation has existed for decades.
-The intention is that students practice the corporal works of mercy by reaching out to those in need. To recognize that love of one’s neighbor is an integral part of being a Christian.

-Service done well is meant to empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today.
-It is also a tool to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community.
-Service is meant to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person.
-When people participate in works of mercy,  they see their faith in action and have an opportunity to experience communities that may not have had previously. 

“The duty of making oneself a neighbor to others and actively servicing them becomes even more urgent when it involves the disadvantaged, in whatever area they may be. As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” CCC 1932

-Community service is also the one aspect of Confirmation preparation that can easily turn into a burden and lose its purpose.
-We understand it can be hard to seek out and and arrange for service activities, so we've developed this webpage as a means to push out information about upcoming opportunities.
-We will also try to hold some opportunities on site (at least once in the fall, winter and spring).

-As per the Confirmation Commitment form, both 7th & 8th graders pledge to do the following each year: 
As a candidate for Confirmation, I promise the following: 

• I will commit to daily prayer, praying especially for growth in the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love.
• I will approach my Confirmation journey with an open mind and an open heart.
• I will attend and will fully participate in all Chosen  sessions and activities.
• I will be respectful of the leaders and facilitators of the program and show appreciation for their time and effort.
• I will show respect to those in my class who are on the journey with me.
• I will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before my Confirmation.
• I will attend Mass every Sunday and on all holy days of obligation.
• WHAT ABOUT FAMILY DAYS? --> All 7th graders preparing for Confirmation are asked to participate in (4) of the Middle School CYO events throughout the school year.
• SERVICE: I will accept more responsibility in my family, parish, and community by putting my talents and gifts at the service of others.
• (10 hours in 7th grade, 10 hours in 8th grade, for a Total of 20 hours in the program), as well as a Written Reflection to be submitted each year about the Service completed in order to process the service experiences in light of our faith.

Please see the other sub pages down & to the left to learn more about Service Opportunities, and to find the Forms you need for the Service Component of the Confirmation Preparation Program.-Thanks, Ciro & the Confirmation Team

https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/the-corporal-works-of-mercy