If I had a dollar for every time I've been asked that question, already, I could treat a number of us to dinner. Confirmation candidates and their families should know that:
(a) No, I will not require a weekly Mass "sign in." It's not the most mature way to demonstrate a mature decision to take adult responsibility for one's faith. (For those who are interested/familiar, check out Kohlberg's classic model of moral decisionmaking; thanks to Sr. Mary for suggesting it.Students, you might want to look it up for yourself, as I can almost guarantee you that you'll be learning it for one of your college Psych classes!)
(b) But yes, I will require some indication that one's participation in the Mass has been prayerfully, carefully considered during these formative few months of final preparation. Likely scenario? Probably that I'll be asking for four or five short reflections about attending weekend Mass--here at HMC, by yourself or with your family, Mass at another parish. In fact, because candidates are being confirmed into the larger Catholic church -- not to HMC specifically -- it's my own opinion that visiting other parishes, observing how different Catholics worship in different areas of the state or country, can be an enlightening experience.
As the third and final "Sacrament of Initiation," Confirmation confirms or "seals" an individual's commitment as a member of the Catholic Christian Church--a kind spiritual "booster shot" to strengthen the commitments made earlier in life. At Baptism, one's parents and godparents make that commitment on his/her behalf. At First Eucharist, one enters into fuller association with the Catholic family of faith by being welcomed to the Lord's Table through the sacrament of Communion.
Diocesan Requirements
The rationale and requirements for HMC's Confirmation-preparation program rests on the foundational guidelines of the Diocese of Madison. Find them below or at: http://www.madisoncatholic.org/oec/Handbook/Sacraments/confirmation.htm
Parish & Program Expectations
Holy Mother of Consolation Parish typically expects the following:
+ A demonstrated willingness to accept adult responsibility for one's Catholic faith, the most common indicator simply being participation in weekly Mass
+ A demonstrated commitment to Christian discipleship, one of the most common indicators being to serve others--as Jesus did and taught.
+ A demonstrated commitment to the sacramental-preparation process, involving full participation in Faith Formation Classes and a day of reflection/retreat.
Diocesan Requirements
The rationale and requirements for HMC's Confirmation-preparation program rests on the foundational guidelines of the Diocese of Madison. Find them below or at: http://www.madisoncatholic.org/oec/Handbook/Sacraments/confirmation.htm
Parish & Program Expectations
Holy Mother of Consolation Parish typically expects the following:
+ A demonstrated willingness to accept adult responsibility for one's Catholic faith, the most common indicator simply being participation in weekly Mass
+ A demonstrated commitment to Christian discipleship, one of the most common indicators being to serve others--as Jesus did and taught.
+ A demonstrated commitment to the sacramental-preparation process, involving full participation in Faith Formation Classes and a day of reflection/retreat.
