Confirmation Preparation

Dear Confirmation students and parents,
 
We are living right now in a time of uncertainty, fear and stress for many.  But we must remember during this time that we are in solidarity with one another, brothers and sisters in Christ.  During these most difficult moments, we look to the cross and anchor our hope in Christ. 
 
Today, I would like to update you all on where we stand with Confirmation. 
 

Confirmation Updates:

 Archbishop Listecki announced the following yesterday:
 "Confirmations and First Communions are now postponed until the health crisis has passed. At that time, instructions will be provided for scheduling. Catechetical materials will be posted to assist parents in talking about this with their candidates and first communicants.  For priests who have requested / would be requesting delegation to confirm already-baptized Catholics, that delegation is issued for a specific date. When the health crisis passes, you will need to request delegation when you have scheduled the new Confirmation date."
 
What does this mean for us?
This means that at this time, we do not know when Confirmation will be held. We will most likely be able to submit some dates that work for us, but ultimately, the decision for the final date will rest with the Archdiocese and the schedules of the Bishops. We will give you updates as we receive them from the Archdiocese. 
 
Mass of Enrollment:
Depending on the date of our new Confirmation, we will still try to schedule a Mass of Enrollment for confirmation students and their sponsors. Given that we are unsure when this will be able to take place, we are going to be providing some resources for the sponsors and confirmation students.  We strongly encourage sponsors and their confirmands to take time to go through the packets together via virtual means of communication. Please keep an eye out for this packet next week.
 
Sponsor forms, Letter to the Bishop & Confirmation Name:
We still need all forms to be filled out and sent to the Catholic Formation Office.  We still need sponsor forms and the letter to the Bishop turned in.  We also need to know the name your student is choosing as their confirmation name. Please indicate this on the sacramental form. Please either email them to Karen at  berschk@lumenchristiparish.org or drop off in the office.  If it is after hours or you prefer not to go into the building, you can drop your information off in the secured drop box located on the west side of the building on the brick wall to the left of the Parish office doors.
 
Confirmation Interviews:
We will still be conducting confirmation interviews, however they will take place over zoom chat or FaceTime. You be receiving a sign-up link with available dates and times.  To fulfill Safeguarding requirements, there will be two adults and one confirmation student in the interviews.  We ask that parents sign their student up for a slot and click the box stating that they agree to a virtual interview.  Interviewers will be part of the Catholic Formation staff.  Sign-Up will be live next week.
  

Prayer:

We encourage you to pray the following intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe with your confirmation student:
 
Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas.
We fly to you today as your beloved children.
We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana.
Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels, that we may be spared the worst of this illness.
 
For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance.
Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust.
In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind.
 
Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.
We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy.
 
Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
 

Questions or Concerns?

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I am working from home, and available via email or cell phone at 262-352-0176. Please feel free to reach out with questions or if you need any additional support during this time.
 
My prayers are with you all.
 
Peace and Health,
 
Amy