We are using the Chosen program again for the 2022-23 year. Sessions will be offered weekly to be completed at home, with a monthly gathering at the parish center, TBD. The best way to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation is to receive Jesus in the Eucharist and hear the Word of God at Mass each Sunday with family and community. Sunday Mass attendance is mandatory (sign-in book at main entrances) along with 1/2 page responses to questions about the weekly Gospel and Father’s homily, especially in light of the USCCB Eucharistic Revival begun in June, 2022. If families are off island, the student is expected to bring a bulletin signed by the priest at the off-island Church with same 1/2 page responses. Students (ideally with his/her family) will be expected to come to the Sacrament of Confession at a minimum during Advent/Lent, Stations of the Cross at least once, spend time in Eucharistic Adoration and give some time in service to the parish and/or community. Video links and workbooks will be provided.
Confirmation is currently celebrated in ninth grade. The diocesan requirement is 2 years of preparation prior to receiving the Sacrament, which is typically in the spring of freshman year; otherwise Confirmation will be delayed until obligations are met. If a ninth grader or older is seeking the Sacrament, without completing faith formation in 8th grade, he/she will do the Dynamic Catholic series the first year, and Chosen in the following, 2nd year along with other above-listed expectations. In addition to completing the weekly videos/workbook and attending monthly gatherings, we will have a full-day Confirmation retreat in the spring taking place on a Saturday or Sunday (TBD). This retreat day gives us the opportunity to go deeper into prayer and truly ready ourselves as the day of Confirmation grows near.
2022-23 Registration fees: $100/child or $200/family maximum. Additional sacramental fee of $50 will be paid in the spring to cover the cost of the retreat and robe rentals.
Sessions begin the week of September 25th.
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Registration begins the week of Aug. 29 and is now available online (under Faith Formation tab) nothing to print, just fill out and submit! You can stop by during regular office hours M-W & F 9:30 am – 4:00 pm also. Completed forms and payment are expected before sessions begin. NEW ALSO, payment can be made via on line giving Checks are to be made out to: Good Shepherd Parish, or pay with cash. A new medical information/student release form has to be filled out each year, and bring a copy of the child’s sacrament certificates: if he/she wasn’t baptized here on Martha’s Vineyard, and/or First Communion, if celebrated off island.
Contact the parish office 508-693-0342 for more information. Sue Pagliccia will be the faith formation leader.
