Confirmation

St. Bartholomew Parish

Sacrament of Confirmation Program

"Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti"

Information & Registration

Program Moderator
Deacon Robert Gallo

Program Director
Mr. Rick Denningham

Instructors
Confirmation I:
Mrs. Cindy Pastore

Confirmation II:
Mr. Rick Denningham

Secretary & Teaching Assistant:
Miss Cindy Mancini

CCD Street address
St. Bartholomew Parish Sacrament of Confirmation Preparation Program
297 Laurel Hill Avenue
Providence, Rhode Island 02909-3897

Electronic mail address
stbartholomewparish@hotmail.com

Office phone
401-944-4466
Office FAX number
401-946-5866
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Holy Spirit,
Fill The Hearts Of Your Faithful,

And Kindle In Them The Fire Of Your Love.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
WITHIN OUR PARISH

........In its truest sense, the Universal Church is locally evident and personally experienced in and through the Parish. For every Catholic, participation in Parish life is both a right and a duty. Almost by definition, the Church is spiritually strong and vibrant to the extent that the Baptized members of the Parish community live their faith and share it with others. In Confirmation, the candidate is agreeing to enter into that Parish community, so it is proper that he or she prepare for that serious obligation in the Parish setting. That is why the church normally requires that Baptism, Confirmation and the Easter Communion be received in one's proper Parish.
........Ideally, participation in Parish life includes a variety of actions - registration as members; contribution of time, talent and money to Parish activities; apostolic service to the needy in the Parish and its larger communities; cooperation in the religious education of all family members; and regular sharing in the Sacramental life and worship of the Parish community.
........Preparation to receive the Sacraments requires much more of the candidate than schooling in the basics of the faith. While that aspect is important and is certainly provided very well in our Catholic schools and CCD programs, much more is involved that is best provided in the Parish setting described above.
........Confirmation, for example, brings to fullness that life in the Holy Spirit into which we were first initiated at Baptism. Therefore, a comprehensive preparation for Confirmation necessitates proper planning of curriculum, serious teacher-formation, Clergy participation, parental involvement and the prayerful support of the total Parish community. Program components include study, service, retreat and liturgy. Beyond just catechesis, Parish programs include a significant service project experience directed and evaluated by a Parish staff field person; a candidates' retreat for enhanced religious formation; education in liturgy fostering active participation on the part of the candidates in special liturgies and celebrations of the Eucharist; and interviews with Parish staff and/or clergy to develop mutual personal relationships and understanding of the candidates' readiness and willingness to be Confirmed. Parents should share in this preparation.
........Confirmation is not a Sacrament that is chosen for us as in infant Baptism. It is a serious choice we make on our own. It is a commitment we make to live in the fullness of the faith. Such a commitment requires careful preparation and the support of the Parish community. In view of this, I trust you can appreciate the logic and need to receive the proper formation for this Sacrament in the fullness of the Parish environment.

Bishop Emeritus Louis E.Gelineau

From Deacon Gallo:

Dear Parents,
........Here at St. Bartholomew’s we follow the Diocesan 2 year preparation program which will begin each year in October and run through April.
........Faithful weekend Mass attendance is required as preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, and is a must for a good Catholic. All candidates will be attending class at 10:00 am on Sunday mornings followed by the 11:30 am Mass, which is an extension of the class. Occasionally, in the event of Mass attendance at another Catholic church, the candidate should have the parish bulletin of the church which he or she attended, signed by the Priest there and returned to the teacher.
........As is always the case in Religious Education, the full cooperation of every family is essential and will be greatly appreciated.
........As moderator of the program, I will always be available to answer any of your questions or concerns by contacting the Parish office.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Rev. Mr. Robert L. Gallo
Deacon Assistant
Moderator of Confirmation Sacramental Program

Confirmation Schedule - 2011 - 2012
All Confirmation Classes will be held in St. Bartholomew Rectory Meeting Rooms on Sunday Mornings from 10:00 to 11:00 am, followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary and 11:30 am Mass in Church, unless otherwise noted.

2011
Monday, October 3rd - Confirmation I - Registration & Orientation @ 7:30pm - Candidates & Parents/Guardians MUST attend.
Tuesday, October4th - Confirmation II - Registration & Orientation @ 7:30pm - Candidates & Parents/Guardians MUST attend.
Sunday, October 9th - Columbus Day Weekend - NO CLASS - (Mass Attendance Required on your own).
Sunday, October 16th - Class @ 10:00am - CONF. I - Baptism Certificates due in order to continue program.
Sunday, October 23rd - Class @ 10:00am
Sunday, October 30th - Class @ 10:00am
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Tuesday, November 1st - -“All Saints Day” - HOLY DAY of OBLIGATION (Mass Required on your own)
Sunday, November 6th - Class @ 10:00am - CONF. II - SPONSOR CERTIFICATE DUE
Sunday, November 13th - Class @ 10:00am - CONF. I - MANDATORY CANDIDATE COMMITMENT CEREMONY During Mass.
Sunday, November 20th - Class @ 10:00am
Sunday, November 27th - Thanksgiving Weekend - NO CLASS - (Mass Attendance Required on your own).
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Sunday, December 4th - Class @ 10:00am - CONF. I & II - MANDATORY BAPTISM WITNESS after Mass.
Thursday, December 8th -“Immaculate Conception” HOLY DAY of OBLIGATION (Mass Required on your own)
Sunday, December 11th - Class @ 10:00am
Tuesday Night, December 13th - MANDATORY “ADVENT” RECONCILIATION SERVICE - 6:50 PM in Church
Sunday, December 18th - Class @ 10:00am
Sunday, December 25th - CHRISTMAS - HOLY DAY of OBLIGATION (Mass Required on your own)

2012
Sunday, January 1st -“Mary, Mother of God” (Mass Required on your own)
Sunday, January 8th - Class @ 10:00am
Sunday, January 15th - Class @ 10:00am
Sunday, January 22nd - Class @ 10:00am - "39th Annual March For Life" in Washington D.C.
Sunday, January 29th - Class @ 10:00am
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Sunday, February 5th - Class @ 10:00am - CONFIRMATION II - LETTER TO THE BISHOP DUE
Thursday, February 9th - MANDATORY Evening with Deacon Gallo - 6:50 pm in Church;
Candidates, Parents & Sponsors MUST attend.
Sunday, February 12th - Class @ 10:00am
Sunday, February 19th - Presidents Day Weekend - NO CLASS - (Mass Attendance Required on your own).
Wednesday Night, February 22nd - MANDATORY ASH WEDNESDAY MASS - 6:50 PM in Church.
Sunday, February 26th - Class @ 10:00am
Monday Night, February 27th - MANDATORY MORGAN HEALTH CENTER ELDERLY VISIT, 6-7 PM.
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Sunday, March 4th - Class @ 10:00am
Sunday, March 11th - Class @ 10:00am - MANDATORY “Stations of The Cross” after Mass
Sunday, March 18th - Class @ 10:00am
Sunday, March 25th - Class @ 10:00am - 10 PARISH COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS DUE
Tuesday Night, March 27th - MANDATORY “LENT” RECONCILIATION SERVICE - 6:50 PM in Church
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PALM SUNDAY, April 1st - NO CLASS - (Mass Attendance Required on your own).
Holy Thursday Night, April 5th - 6:50PM MASS
Good Friday Night, April 6th - 6:50PM LITURGY OF THE WORD & EUCHARIST
EASTER SUNDAY, April 8th - NO CLASS - (Mass Required on your own).
Sunday, April 15th - Class @ 10:00am
Sunday, April 22nd - Class @ 10:00am - Confirmation Test Review
Saturday, APRIL 28th - CONFIRMATION II MANDATORY RETREAT - 10AM - 3PM - Dyer Ave. CYO Ctr.
Sunday, April 29th - Class @ 10:00am - Final Class, CONFIRMATION I & II TEST
- Lunch & 2:00PM MANDATORY RECOLLECTION SERVICE
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Dates To Be Announced -
CONFIRMATION REHEARSAL _______________________________________________
CONFIRMATION DATE - ____________________________________________________
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In the event that a class will be missed (only 3 allowed per year) call your Instructor before 9:00AM - DO NOT call the Rectory.
Confirmation I - Mrs. Cindy Pastore @ 942-8741
Confirmation II - Mr. Rick Denningham @ 463-6962

In the event of snow or stormy weather, please check the class Web Page:
http://www.rc.net/providence/stbartholomew/confirma.html
or call Mr. Rick Denningham @ 463-6962; Mrs. Pastore @ 942-8741. DO NOT call the Rectory.

Confirmation I & II CANDIDATE Requirements

All Candidates must be at least in Grade Eight.
Must clearly understand that the Sacrament of Confirmation “perfects Baptismal Grace” and is the completion of
Christian Initiation which took place at Baptism.
Successfully complete class, Mass and Program attendance requirements as listed on the Program Schedule and
pass a test on basic Catholic doctrine. More than THREE ABSENCES from Sunday morning class & Mass or other
Program requirements will result in repeating the year, unless there is a serious medical or family reason approved
by Deacon Gallo. Modest dress when fulfilling program requirements is required at all times. Candidates dressed
immodestly will be sent home to change and return to class or marked absent.
Examples of immodest attire: shorts, ripped/graffiti covered clothing, low cut pants or tops, slippers, shower shoes.
Because Candidates will be attending Holy Mass, outerwear should not contain the names of singers, sports figures, etc.
Submit a BAPTISM CERTIFICATE at the time of Registration, including those Baptized in our Parish. If this was
not possible at Registration, the certificate must be given by Sunday, October 16th, 2011 in order for the
candidate to continue in the Sacramental program.
Take part in the Candidate Commitment Ceremony on Sunday, November 13th, 2011. This ceremony tells
the Parish community that you wish to be a candidate for Confirmation and will assume responsibility for your
actions. (Confirmation I Candidates only)
Participate in a Parish Baptism Ceremony on Sunday, December 4th, 2011. Each Candidate will be required
to write-up their understanding of the ceremony. (Confirmation I Candidates only)
Attend Advent Reconciliation Service on Tuesday, December 13th, 2011.
Attend the “Evening with Deacon Gallo” on Thursday, February 9th, 2012 with both Parents & Sponsor.
Attend “Morgan Health Center” visit to the elderly on Monday, February 27th, 2012.
Complete 10 hours of Parish Community Service by Sunday, March 25th, 2012 and remain after Mass for the
“Stations of the Cross" on that date. (ALL Candidates)
Attend Lenten Reconciliation Service on Tuesday, March 27th, 2012.
Attend the Candidates Recollection Day on Sunday, April 29th, 2012 with both Parents & Sponsor.
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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONFIRMATION II:
Submit a SPONSOR CERTIFICATE by Sunday, November 6th, 2011. Each Candidates Sponsor must obtain a Sponsor Certificate from his/her own Parish Priest (Church stamp is required) stating that he/she is a practicing Catholic who attends Sunday Mass faithfully, and, who - if married - is married in the Catholic Church.
Write a letter to the Bishop requesting reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. This letter will be written during a Confirmation class.
Attend the Confirmation Retreat at the Diocesan CYO Center on Dyer Ave. in Cranston, RI. on Saturday, April 28th, 2012 - 10am-3pm.

Sponsor Certificates:
One of the wonderful privileges of being a practicing Roman Catholic and belonging to a parish as a worshiping member of a "Faith Community" is the ability to represent the Catholic Church at the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Sponsor certificates, therefore, are given only to practicing Catholics by the pastor of the Church where they attend Mass each Sunday. Your parish priests do not have the authority to award these certificates to persons who do not worship here, or to persons whose parents or grandparents worship here. Having been baptized at Saint Bartholomew Church or having attended school here does not make you a parishioner or a member of the "Faith Community" of this parish. Remember that being a "Sponsor" at a Sacrament makes you a proper representative of the Catholic Church. If you do not go to Mass or practice your Catholic faith, the role of representative would be inappropriate for you. How could you ever represent a group in which you no longer participate?

Confirmation SPONSOR Requirements
Sponsors at Confirmation represent the believing Christian Community. Thus it is required that they be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church, who have themselves received the Sacraments of Initiation, which are Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation and have reached the age of 16.

If they are married, they must have been validly married in the Church. The Code of Canon Law states they must lead... .“a life in harmony with faith and the role to be undertaken.. .and will help the baptized to lead a Christian life in harmony with Baptism, and to fulfill faithfully the obligations connected with it.”

Remember that being a "Sponsor" at a Sacrament makes you a proper representative of the Catholic Church. If someone does not go to Mass or practice their Catholic faith, the role of representative would be inappropriate for them. How could someone ever represent a group in which they no longer participate? Candidates can avoid hurting the feelings of family and friends by not choosing a person who cannot fulfill these basic requirements for a godparent or sponsor.

CONFIRMATION II CANDIDATES:
Sponsor Certificate must be submitted to your teacher at your first class in November.

CONFIRMATION I CANDIDATES:
It is never too early to begin the process of choosing your Sponsor.
You may choose only 1 Sponsor.
You may wish to consider one of your Baptismal Godparents or another family member or family friend when deciding.
Use the above guidelines and talk with your parents.

"2012" MARCH FOR LIFE - Washington D.C.
The "38th Annual March For Life” in Washington D.C. which will take place on Monday, January 23rd, 2012
This Pro-Life event brings together people of all ages from across our nation to show their support for all Human Life, from conception to natural death.
It is REQUIRED that the Candidate be accompanied by at least 1 Parent. Both Parents are strongly encouraged to join the Candidate on the trip.
Those Candidates who attend the “March For Life” will completely fulfill their Community Service requirement.

The trip will entail:
******** Motor Coach trip from Warwick to Washington DC.
******* "Mass For Life" at 7PM in the Basilica Church & overnight "Vigil For Life" in the Crypt Church. Special morning Mass celebrated in the Basilicas’ Blessed Sacrament Chapel for the Rhode Island group.
******* Breakfast, short Speaking program, National Pro-Life Organization Display.
******* Annual March For Life and return home.

There is a $65.00 fee for bus transportation. Candidates will be reimbursed upon returning from the trip. Candidates will also need spending money for meals.
Attending Parents will also be required to pay the $65.00 Bus fee.
If your child would like to attend, please fill out the Permission/Indemnity Agreement and return it to class, on 2012.

If you have any questions, call Mr. Rick Denningham at 463-6962.

Itinerary

Sunday 2012 - 5:00AM
Meet in front of St. Bartholomew Church where transportation will be provided to St. William’s Parish, Warwick. There we will board the 6:00AM buses for the trip to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
Arrive in Washington at 4:00PM. Register & drop off Sleeping Bags in Basilica Crypt Chapel area. Go upstairs to main Basilica Church to get seats for 7:00PM Mass For Life.
This Mass will be televised on EWTN.
Following Mass an overnight vigil with Exposition of The Blessed Sacrament will take place in the Crypt Church. Confessions are available.

Monday 2012
A special 6:00AM morning Mass will be celebrated for the Rhode Island group in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in the Main Basilica.
Following Mass, we will have breakfast on Campus and board our bus to proceed to the Hyatt Regency Hotel Ballroom for a short program and assembly to the “March For Life”.
Return home immediately following the March. Arrive at front Church Steps at approx.12:30AM Midnight.
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Confirmation Mass - Attire For Candidates and Sponsors:

Men
Suit or Sport Jacket and Dress Pants (NO JEANS)
Dress Shirt and Tie
Dress Socks and Dress Shoes (NO SNEAKERS)

Women
Dress, Dress Skirt and Blouse, Pant Suit or Dress Pants and Blouse
Dress or Skirt MUST be KNEE LENGTH OR LONGER
Chest, Back and Shoulders MUST be covered.
Dress Shoes

---When fixing hair, your forehead must be uncovered for Anointing from the Bishop.
---Please use MODESTY in choosing your outfit.

Congratulations To Our Newly Confirmed:
Jose Arreaga
Alicia DeFeo
Eric Richards
Maria Zapasnik

CONFIRMATION VOLUNTEER-ASSISTANTS
are needed to help the instructors of the adolescent Confirmation Sacrament Program on Sunday mornings.
The Program runs October through April.
Training will be provided. Please call Mr. Rick Denningham at 463-6962 or the parish office at 944-4466.

Catholic Internet Links

Office of Youth Ministry - Providence Diocesan Youth Office
Office Of Religious Education - Diocese of Providence
Catholic Youth Forum - Links to many Catholic Youth web sites.
Vatican Web Page - Vatican Home Page
Early Christians Web Page - Who Were They & How Did They Live
Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church - Official Catholic Catechism Page
National Conference of Catholic Bishops-United States Catholic Conference - NCCB Home Page
EWTN Global Catholic Network - Mother Angelica's EWTN Home Page
Catholic Answers Homepage - Answers to everyday questions about our Faith.
Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights - Organization which defends the Catholic Church against secular attacks.
Catholic Information Network - CIN - Contains volumes of Catholic information.
Catholic Online - Contains information, Prayers & Beliefs of our Catholic Faith.
Saints Index - A listing of Catholic Saints & Feast Days
Watch "LIFE ON THE ROCK" on EWTN Cox Channet 22 - Thursdays @ 8:00PM

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Parish PRAYER BOX

Send your Prayer Request or Intention to: stbartholomewparish@hotmail.com
(Please note in your request if you wish to remain anonymous.)

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