8th 2025 Religion

Link to our Google classroom: https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/MTI2ODcyNTkwNTE5

Instructor: Deacon Rick Roder

2019-20, Continued: In these trying times our 8th grade religion class must start out a bit differently than the regular plan. Our abrupt end and limited contact in March through May prevented us from completing our Great Adventure Bible Series studies (see 7th grade religion page). We will thus complete our Bible study before moving on to formal Confirmation preparation and the balance of the 8th grade curriculum, which we partially cover in 7th grade.

Sacrament of Confirmation: Throughout the year, with each opportunity to learn (classroom and school situations provide many learning opportunities!) we will prepare for Confirmation. With the pandemic, current arrangements for Confirmation Masses (Fr. Bill confirming rather than Bishop), and possible Diocesan policy changes regarding the age for Confirmation, the date for the Confirmation Mass for this class is very much pending. I will pass along information as I receive it.

It is important to note that Confirmation is NOT earned. In that regard we have adopted the Diocesan recommendation that service hours not be a part of Confirmation prep. This is less of an issue at St. Mary's than some other places since our students are EXCELLENT at serving their neighbors in need! This of course does not mean that our Confirmandi (Confirmation candidates) should not be serving others; they certainly should. However, there is no service "hoop to jump through" for Confirmation.

Bishop Nickless' office cites these guidelines for formation toward the Sacrament of Confirmation:

1) A familiarity with the Gospel message; with that, an experience and realization of the love of God at work in their

lives.

2) Knowledge of what the Sacraments are and the important role they play in our lives.

3) An understanding of Baptism and how this Sacrament relates to our identity in Jesus Christ. (e.g. our call to be a

disciple and share the Gospel with joy).

4) That we receive the Holy Spirit in Baptism and are strengthened through Confirmation.

5) Knowledge of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the ability to recognize them in the lives of others, and

possession of a basic awareness of the Gifts in their own lives.

6) Understanding that Christ is fully present in the Eucharist and have a strong desire to receive Him.

7) A strong desire to be faithful to God’s commandments, knowing they are given out of love.

8) A sense of and desire for prayer; and an awareness of the need for God in their daily lives.

9) A desire to build a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ.

10) Experience with Lectio Divina (praying with Scripture) is expected.

To these I would add:

• Form and Matter of the Sacrament of Confirmation: With #2; knowledge of why the Sacrament of Confirmation includes the laying on of hands and the anointing with Sacred Chrism.
• Witness of Suffering: Trying to transform our sufferings into something good and beautiful (forgiveness, patience, positive words and thoughts, offering it for others, etc.), while trying not to transmit our sufferings to others (lashing out in anger, holding grudges, etc.).
• Spiritual Warfare: An awareness of spiritual warfare (Satan's fight for our soul and our fight to defeat sin in our lives and the lives of others) and that in Confirmation we are receiving strength and the weapons to fight evil.
• Vocation: Growing awareness of what vocation (road to holiness for us and others) God is calling us to; Priesthood, Religious Life, Marriage, Diaconate, or chaste single life.
• Kerygma: With #3, intimate knowledge of the basic message of the Gospel and the ability and willingness to share the Kerygma with others.

In and through the 8th grade year we will work on choosing a sponsor, choosing a name, choosing a patron saint, developing our prayer lives, attention in Mass and appreciation for it, etc. Really, Confirmation preparation is learning and growing in our faith, and this should never stop. Confirmation is NOT "Catholic graduation." It is much more of a beginning than an end. It completes our initiation into the Christian life. After Confirmation our students should be well on their way to an amazing and fruitful life in Christ!

Our St. Mary's parents are the first and primary educators of their children in the Catholic faith. It is an honor for us in the theology department to assist them in this all-important work! Together we strive for a better world for all and for the salvation of every soul we encounter through Christ our Lord.

Class of 2025 works in teams to complete the "Holy Week Challenge," placing Holy Week items with their proper liturgies