St. Bernadette Parish
CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Dear parents, candidates, and sponsors,

It’s no secret that many young people report experiencing tremendous
pressure to have “everything figured out.” In this second session, "Guided," we spent time considering how and why the Holy Spirit can guide us in prayer and discernment.

Here are some of the main points we discussed:
  • Discernment means asking for God’s guidance and help in making decisions.
  • “Conviction, joy, and peace….God’s will can be discerned by the fruits of the Spirit it brings.” - Fr. Walter Cizek
  • The Holy Spirit often guides us through ways outside of our direct prayer such as through friends, mentors, and most obviously through the Church.
  • Another title for the Holy Spirit is “Paraclete” which translates into “Counselor,” “Advocate,” or more literally “one who comes alongside.”

FOLLOWUP QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS & SPONSORS:

  • ASK: What is an area of your life (decision, relationship, etc.) for which you want guidance from the Holy Spirit?

  • SHARE: A personal experience you have had of the Holy Spirit working through someone else in your life, and/or guiding you through prayer.

  • DISCUSS: Think back to the last time you made an important decision. Where do you see conviction/confidence, joy, and peace in your decision-making process?

  • PRAY: Read through the theme scripture from tonight (below), slowly, listening for what God is saying to you through the passage. Perhaps use the lectio divina method to guide you: https://tinyurl.com/LectioDivinaStepByStep
TONIGHT'S THEME SCRIPTURE: THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL GUIDE YOU TO TRUTH
“I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own, but he will speak what he hears, and
will declare to you the things that are coming.”

(John 16:12-13)

Sponsor & Parents, don't forget to check out the resources on the Confirmation 2021 home page, including the Confirmation Canidate-Sponsor Bible Study resource and instructions on how to access tonight's candidate session video on Formed.org,
UPCOMING CONFIRMATION DATES
Be sure that you have the following dates marked on your calendar:

  • Wednesday, March 10th, 7:00-8:30 pm - Candidate Session
  • Wednesday, April 14th, 7:00-8:30 pm - Candidate Session
  • Sunday, April 18th, 6:00-8:00 pm - Rehearsal & Night of Reflection
  • ALL candidates MUST attend in person, with at least one parent & (if possible) their sponsor.

***NOTE: IMPORTANT CHANGE!!!***
  • Saturday, April 24th, 7:00 pm - Confirmation Liturgy
  • In order to better accommodate anticipated COVID restrictions, the start time of the Confirmation Liturgy has been adjusted to 7:00 pm. Please note that there will be limitations to the number of guests each candidate will be allotted. The Mass will, however, be livestreamed for those guests who cannot be present in person.
  • We will communicate the details as the liturgy draws closer; however, if you already know that members of your immediate household and/or a sponsor will NOT be in attendance, please let us know ASAP, as this helps us to plan.
  • Reminder: Candidates MUST be present in person in order to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

OVERDUE PAPERWORK
Your Discipleship Plan 1.0 (to be filled out by the candidate) and Sponsor Covenant Form (to be filled out by the sponsor) documents are overdue. If you have not yet completed them, you can click on the hyperlinked words, or go to the Confirmation landing page to access the forms and supporting resources:
ENJOY A WAFFLE ON US
FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!
Bring your Valentine(s) for some (free!) post-Mass waffles & socially distanced, outdoor community time on February 14th!

Let us know you're planning to be there: https://fs22.formsite.com/TwJayg/f6uo4xc7y9/index.html
ASH WEDNESDAY IS NEXT WEEK!
Lent begins next week, Wednesday, February 17th. If you are planning to attending Mass and receive ashes (which will be sprinkled rather than applied directly), please RSVP at the link provided. This helps us to plan accordingly: https://fs22.formsite.com/TwJayg/f6uo4xc7y9/index.html
JOIN US FOR MASS & MERCY!
Our next Mass & Mercy Night is Sunday, February 21st. YOU ARE INVITED! (Service hours for the Believe Big project are available upon request.) Learn more & reserve your mug kits here: https://fs22.formsite.com/TwJayg/utlwjmrzhe/index.html
NEXT CANDIDATE SESSION: March 10th!
Candidates, we'll look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, March 10th!

Come, Holy Spirit!

Ms. Rena