Preparation for Confirmation - Website Sample

Preparation FOR CONFIRMATION

MOSES AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Strand: Christian Morality – Strand Unit: Social Teaching of the Church

The Old Testament is the part of the Bible that was written about God’s followers before the birth of Jesus Christ. This part of the Bible is common to the Christian faith and the Jewish faith. Muslims also believe in many parts of the Old Testament.

In one of the stories of the Old Testament we read about how Moses led the Hebrew (Jewish) people out of Egypt. The Hebrew people were the followers of God and they were persecuted. In fact they were slaves and were used as labour by the Pharaoh of Egypt. Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea. When he touched it with his staff, God made the waters part and the Hebrews walked to the other side, while the Egyptians who pursued them were swallowed up by the water as it closed behind them. After walking for 52 days they reached Mount Sinai, near modern day Israel . It was here that God gave Moses the ten laws, or commandments, on two slabs of rock. These are the ten laws that we as followers of the Risen Jesus Christ still follow today.

1. DO NOT HAVE FALSE GODS.

2. DO NOT TAKE THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN.

3. KEEP HOLY THE LORD'S DAY.

4.RESPECT YOUR PARENTS.

5. DO NOT KILL.

6. DO NOT ADULTERY.COMMIT

7. DO NOT STEAL.

8. DO NOT LIE.

9. DO NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS AGAINST YOUR NEIGHBOUR.

10. DO NOT COVET YOUR NEIGHBOUR'S GOODS.

Lord, inflame our hearts and our souls with the fire of Your Holy Spirit, that we may serve You with pure bodies and minds. Through Christ our Lord. Amen PRAYER

EXERCISES

Read the story below and say which Commandments Séan broke.

Séan was in 6th class in primary school. He was jealous of another boy called Michael. Michael always had lots of new stuff that he admired. Séan never had new stuff because his parents were not rich like Michael’s, so it annoyed him a lot that Michael got new stuff all the time and he didn’t. One day when everyone was out of the classroom, he snuck in and took Michael’s new writing pen. He decided that he would hide it until the next day and say that he bought it in the shop and that Michael wasn’t the only one in the world to have a fancy pen like that. The next day Michael told the teacher that his nice new writing pen was taken and that Séan was using it. Séan quickly said that he bought it himself in the shop and that he saw George Bradshaw from the room next door in their classroom snooping around during the break yesterday. “You should go ask him!” he told them. His teacher had no proof and just wrote a note in his homework journal for his parents. He would get around his parents easy enough.They’d believe any story he would spin them.

List the Commandments that Séan broke and say how.

I suppose we could say that God’s Spirit came to Moses when he appeared to him in the form of a burning bush.

He gifted him with guidelines about how to live.

So it’s easy to see that way back near the beginning, in the Old Testament, God was guiding his chosen people on how to lead good lives. Indeed, like the Christian lives that we lead today.

And don’t forget, we will be receiving a message this year from the Holy Spirit about how to live our lives. It`s called the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson 5

ADVENT AND THE BIRTH OF JESUS

The Jewish people had really expected a man of action, a warrior gladiator perhaps, like Spartacus, who escaped from the fighting arena and led a rebel army to defeat Roman legions? Perhaps a man who would rise to be a powerful king and rule many lands. These were material things that would be of importance to people in this life on Earth. But it was not part of God’s vision for his people. The true meaning of the prophesies of the Messiah was of someone who would come to spread his father’s word and love for humanity, someone who would show us how much God truly loved each one of us.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE PROPHESIES (FORETELLING OF THE FUTURE) ABOUT THE MESSIAH

God often spoke through a special person called a prophet (for example, Isaiah, Micah) about how he was going to save his people.

“Behold a young woman shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emanuel.”

(Is. 7:14)

SAMPLE

“O Bethlehem… from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.”

(Mic. 5:2)

PRAYER

“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped.”

(Is. 35:5)

“Then shall lame men leap like a deer, and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy.”

(Is. 35:6).

Lord, in this season of Advent, inspire us to be a people of hope. Encourage us not to be greedy for material possessions, but for justice and truth. Enflame us with love for others, which crosses boundaries of race, religion and nationality. Stir within us an appreciation of the immense beauty of the earth. Be with us, Lord, at this time, that we may be a people of hope. Amen.

Strand: Christian Faith and Liturgy and Prayer – The Mystery of Jesus and Liturgical Year

I am sure looking forward to Christmas! It’s a wonderful time of joy and happiness for the whole family.

EXERCISES

1. What are prophesies?

2. What type of leader had the Jews hoped for?

SAMPLE

I’ve got my Advent wreath and candles ready in preparation for Christmas. I like giving my family gifts but it’s not the most important thing about Christmas.

Yes Peter, I hope that you’ve got my presents ready?

However, it’s also important that we never forget what Christmas is truly about!

The birth of the baby Jesus is the start of the New Testament.

3. What type of leader did the prophesies actually predict for the Jews?

Our Lord, this Christmas we wish you a very happy birthday!

ADVENT

The four weeks leading up to Christmas is an important time for Christians. We call this time Advent. Advent is a time for preparing for the celebration of God coming to life among us.

During this time we think about the coming of Jesus at Christmas. It can be a busy time buying presents for people but it is important to remember that Christmas is actually about the birth of a little baby over 2000 years ago.

This is the true meaning of Christmas. The Advent wreath is a circular evergreen candle holder. The wreath is circular, thus signifying continuous life. Evergreen represents life in the middle of winter. Each Sunday before Christmas a candle is lit and placed on the side.

Colour the Advent wreath and candles in the correct colours as explained.

The first candle is purple. It is the candle of hope. The second candle is also purple and it is the candle of preparation. The third candle is pink and it is called the Shepherd candle or the candle of joy. The fourth candle is purple. It is the love candle to represent the Angels announcing the birth of Jesus.

Finally, on Christmas morning a white candle is placed in the centre. This is the Christ candle and represents the purity of Jesus sent to wash away our sins.

1. Why is an evergreen wreath used when making an Advent wreath?

2. Name the order in which the candles are placed on the wreath.

Jesus was born into very primitive conditions in a manger in Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes with only the breath of the farm animals to keep him warm.

An angel appeared to the shepherds in the field and announced his birth to them, “for to you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord ” (Luke 2:11). Three wise men from the east visited King Herod and asked him, “Where is he who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen the star in the east, and have come to worship him” (Mt. 2:2).

When the three wise men found Jesus they fell to their knees

and worshipped him and gave him presents fit for a king: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Meanwhile, King Herod was gripped by fear that his power as king would be under threat, so he ordered his servants to find this baby that the three wise men had told him about. The wise men were warned of the danger by an angel as they lay sleeping and returned to their country by another route, to avoid interrogation by Herod.

You are a servant of King Herod, reporting to him what you know of this baby and what you have heard. Write your report in the space below.

THE HOLY TRINITY

St. Patrick used the leaves on the shamrock to teach his flock. “You see,” he said, “There are three, the Father and Jesus his son and, last, their Holy Spirit; together they are one”.

Write the letter of the correct definition next to each problem.

1 Three A Artist who painted the Holy Trinity. 2 Shamrock B A plant often mistaken for a shamrock.

St. Patrick C A three-leaved plant.

D Saint who brought Christianity to Ireland.

E One of the symbols for the Holy Spirit.

F A very holy person.

G In Confirmation we receive this.

H The reason why the Holy Trinity is difficult to understand. 9 Faith

I When we make this we are showing the sign of the Holy Trinity. 10 Roublev J Three persons in one are all the same. 11 Dove K The number of persons in one God. 12 Equal L He was God the son in the Holy Trinity. 13 Sign of the cross M A person’s belief in God.

SOMEBODY’S MOTHER

Strand: Christian Morality and the Word of God – Human Dignity, Social Teaching of the Church. The Bible

The woman was old and feeble and grey, And bent with the chill of the winter’s day, The streets were wet with the recent snows, And the woman’s feet were weary and slow, She stood at the crossing and waited long, Alone, uncared for, amid the throng.

Down the street with laughter and shout, Glad in the freedom of school let out, Past the woman so old and grey, Hastened the children on their way, Nor offered a helping hand to her, So meek, so timid, afraid to stir.

At last came one of the merry troops, The happiest boy of all the groups. He paused beside her and whispered low, “I’ll help you if you want to go”.

He guided the trembling feet along, Glad that his own were firm and strong, And then back to his friends he went, His young heart happy and well content. “She’s somebody’s mother, boys, you know, For all she is poor, old and slow, And I hope some fellow will lend a hand, To help my mother, you understand, If ever she be poor, old and grey, When her own dear boy is far away”.

And somebody’s mother bowed low her head, In her home that night, And the prayer she said was, “God be kind to that noble boy, Who is somebody’s son, her pride and joy”.

— Mary Dow Brine (1816-1913)

Lesson 18

CONFIRMATION CEREMONY

Strand: Liturgy and Prayer: Sacraments

Confirmation is a special ceremony in which we are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and are strengthened in our Christian faith.

Confirmation is a unique and sacred occasion. The ceremony starts with the readings. Before the rite of Confirmation begins your teacher will read out each of your names from the altar.

On hearing your name being called out you will stand and remain standing until each of the names have been called. This is a sign that Jesus is calling you and you are saying ‘yes’ to him, of your own free will. You will then be invited to sit. The bishop will then give you a talk about what it means to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

RENEWAL OF BAPTISMAL VOWS

You will then renew your baptismal vows. These are the vows that were made on your behalf by your parents and godparents when you were a baby. You are now getting the opportunity to answer these vows for yourself because when you were a baby you were not able to do so. Answer ‘I DO’ to each question.

1. Do you reject Satan and all his works and all his empty promises?

2. Do you believe in God the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth?

3. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?

4. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who came upon the apostles at Pentecost and today is given to you sacramentally in Confirmation?

5. Do you believe in the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?

6. This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.

All present: Amen.

LAYING ON OF HANDS

In the Old Testament times the laying on of hands was a sign of blessing. It showed that a person was being specially chosen by God to do his work.

Jesus often placed his hands on people as a sign of blessing and healing. The Apostles and other followers of Jesus in the early Church used it as a sign that the Holy Spirit was being invoked to come down on his people. This is what the Bishop also does to those that he is confirming to show that they are now receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit. While he does this, your sponsor will keep their right hand placed on your shoulder as a sign that they will be a support to you on your Christian journey. Your sponsor should be a responsible person who has been confirmed themselves and who lives a Christian life as a follower of Jesus Christ.

ANOINTING WITH CHRISM

Chrism is olive oil scented with sweet smelling perfume, usually balsam. It is consecrated (made holy/blessed) by the Bishop at the Mass of the Chrism on Holy Thursday morning.

Olive oil was very important at the time of Jesus. It comes from the olive tree, which grows in Mediterranean countries. Today, olive oil is very popular as a salad dressing. In the past it had a huge number of uses and was also used for anointing kings. The Bishop will make the sign of the cross on your forehead and will say, “(Your name) be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”. The Bishop will use your Confirmation card for this part of the ceremony in order to say the name that you have chosen. This is the most important part of the Confirmation ceremony as it is the point at which you are receiving the Holy Spirit. The Bishop will pray for you to receive the 7 gifts.

This is what we have been preparing for all year, boys and girls. We get cleaned up and dressed up and turn up at the Church with our family, friends and sponsors. It's a happy day for everyone.

We will only make our Confirmation once. We are following in the footsteps of God's people in the Old Testament and later the twelve Apostles, who were the first to be confirmed with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

We take on a responsibility when we accept the gifts that the Holy Spirit bestows on us. We are saying yes to God for ourselves. We do this of our own free will. As confirmed Christians we are continuing the Bible story. It is the story of God’s people.

His Holy Spirit should help guide us to understand what God's message to us is in these modern times.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Strand: Liturgy and Prayer and Christian Faith – Liturgical Year and Eternal Life

1 Jesus is condemned to death.

2 Jesus takes up His cross.

11

3 Jesus falls the first time.

12

10 Jesus is stripped of His clothing. Jesus is nailed to the cross.

Jesus dies on the cross.

13

Jesus is taken down from the cross.

15

14

Dear Jesus, you had your cross to carry. It was heavy and you suffered for us. In our world today we have many troubles and crosses of our own to carry. Please help us and give us the strength to carry them. PRAYER

4 Jesus meets His mother.

5 Simon helps Jesus carry the cross.

6 Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

7 Jesus falls the second time.

8 Jesus speaks to the women of Jerusalem.

9 Jesus falls the third time. Jesus is buried in the tomb.

The Resurrection of Jesus.

2. In your life as a student what might God be calling you to do? You may think about study, future career, friends, community, parents, sport, helping.

3. What distraction might people have in life that would cause them not to follow a calling from God to make the world a better place?

4. What people in your community help to make it a better place for people to live?

5. Is it possible to live a normal life and also hear God’s calling to make the world a better place?

6. What calling might your parents have heard from God in making the world a better place? Clue; What different things do they do?

word of encouragement after failure is worth more of praise after success.

Proverb: “A word of encouragement after failure is worth more than after an hour of praise after success.“

7. Name some ways in which you can make your school a better place for everyone.

WORLD RELIGIONS

Strand: Christian Faith – Other Religious Traditions

HINDUISM AND ITS BELIEFS

Most Hindus worship Brahman, which means truth, which is represented by many gods and goddesses.

Hindus believe in reincarnation. This means that after we die we are reborn as someone or something else. If you were good in your past life then you will have a happy and lucky one in your next life, but if you were bad in your last life then you will suffer for it in your present existence. A Hindu's ultimate aim is to become free from the law of karma, that is, to be free from continuous reincarnations after death. For Hindus the cow is a sacred animal. Anyone who harms a cow will suffer forever as a result. Diwali (pronounced Duvali) is a Hindu festival of lights celebrated each year on the 19th October. People wish each other a Happy Diwali.

BUDDHISM AND ITS BELIEFS

Buddhists do not worship any god. They also believe in reincarnation. Buddha was like a prophet for them. He reached the highest form of spiritual enlightenment and holiness through meditation.

Meditation is like prayer, it is a peaceful mindful reflection and awareness of one’s surroundings. Buddhists strive to be the same as Buddha, in order to break the endless cycle of rebirth so that the soul can be free. Buddhists follow a list of religious rules and meditation. When a Buddhist meditates it is not the same as praying or focusing on a god, it is more of a self-discipline. The head of the Buddhist religion is the Dalai Lama. It is the main religion of Tibet.

ISLAM AND ITS BELIEFS

Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe there is the one almighty God, named Allah. Everything that happens is Allah's will. He is merciful to people depending on their life and devotion to him. Allah is the same god that we know from the Old Testament.

Muslims believe in many prophets, but Muhammad is the most important to them. They believe that Jesus was a prophet that came before Muhammad. Muslims must pray in the Arabic language five times a day, give alms to the poor, fast for one month each year and go on pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. After death they hope to enter paradise and if not suffer in hell. Muslims follow the teachings of the Koran, which was given to them by the Prophet Muhammad. A Muslim place of worship is a Mosque. The Islamic symbol is the crescent moon and a star.

SOME WAYS IN WHICH THESE RELIGIONS DIFFER

• Hindus acknowledge many gods and goddesses.

• Buddhists say there is no God.

• Muslims believe in a powerful but unknowable God.

• Christians believe in a God who is loving and forgiving.

• Jewish Torah rarely refers to anything like heaven or hell. They call God Yahweh.

PRAYERS

An

A Dhia, deonaigh dom an suaimhneas chun glacadh le rudaí nach féidir liom a athrú, misneach chun rudaí a athrú nuair is féidir, agus gaois chun an difríocht a aithint.

Sé do Bheatha Mhuire

Sé do bheatha, a Mhuire, atá lán de ghrásta, Tá an Tiarna leat. Is beannaithe thú idir mná, Agus is beannaithe toradh do bhroinne; Íosa.

A Naomh-Mhuire, a Mháthair Dé, guigh orainn na peacaigh, anois, agus ar uair ár mbáis.

Amen.

HAIL! HOLY QUEEN

Hail! Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.

To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement! O loving! O sweet Virgin Mary!

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

O Lord, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Phaidir Suaimhneas