I Believe - The Gift of Faith (Lesson 11)

1. In your spiriual journey towards receiving Confirmation, Our Father and Our Lord have sent us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within us, like He lives in the Church. 

a. The Holy Spirit is the one that makes me Holy. The word Holy comes from the Latin word "Sanctus", which means "set apart". It is God's Grace in your life that makes you Holy. We call this Sanctifying Grace. Think of it like a electricity flowing through wires to activate a light fixture, or to charge your devices through an outlet. Once plugged into the outlet, the device responds to the electricity. 

b. The Holy Spirit came to us during our Baptism, when your parents brought you to the Trinity. Your parents spoke for you, and made a promise with your sponsors to walk with you in your spiritual journey. Here begins your personal journey to FAITH.

I - What is Faith?

1. We experience FAITH in ordinary ways. One way close to home is when you are asked to do a task - Let's say at home: Like a chore you are given every week to do. - You are reminded of doing the chore each week, until you remember doing it, and practicing it. When you have memorized the time, and practice of it, you do it without being told. It comes natural, meaning, "I do it because I am helping out my family maintain the house."

a. FAITH comes in - you know that the good you do will be recognized, acknowledged, and possibly rewarded. By experience, your parent, or a family member will respond to your work. 

i. FAITH goes as far as how you interact with your teachers, your employer, or your mentors. 

ii. It is what we call a Human Faith, which comes from this Spiritual FAITH that helps us to trust in God, and those He has sent to help us. 

2. FAITH is the divine VIRTUE by which we firmly believe, on the word of God, all the truths He has made known. 

In Sacred Scripture we learn about FAITH:

Our Lord Walks on Water. (Matthew 14:22-33) 

Our Lord calls us to believe. (John 6:60-71)

Jesus cures a little girl through the pleading of her mother (Matthew 15:21-28)

Jesus cures the man who cannot hear and speak. (Mark 7:31-37)

St. Peter cures a man who wants to walk (Act 3:1-10)

a. A VIRTUE is a habit which comes with God's grace and helps us to do good, more easily, because we have practiced them through maturing. 

Jesus tell us how the Holy Spirit will Act in us. (John 16:5-15)

i. The word VIRTUE comes from the Latin word VIRTŪS which means, "Maleness, & worth". In other words, it means STRENGTH. 

ii. This STRENGTH is spiritual, which God blesses you through SANCTIFYING GRACE. God gives you new life. With this life, you share in the life and love of God. You also have His STRENGTH to 'Make it in life". Spiritual FAITH means you have Trust in Him. 

b. There are three important VIRTUES that He gives to us for our Holiness - FAITH, HOPE, and LOVE (which we sometimes call CHARITY). 

i. CHARITY is love that is shown to others, or we say, Love in Action.

Let us pray to the Holy Spirit...

COME, O Creator Spirit blest, And in our souls take up Your rest, Come with Your grace and Heavenly aid, And fill the hearts which You have made. Great Paraclete! To You we cry, O highest gift of God most high! O fount of life! O fire of love! And sweet anointing from above. You in Your Sevenfold gifts are known, The finger of God's hand we own; The promise of the Father, You! Who do the tongue with power endow. Kindle our senses from above, And make our hearts over flow with love; with patience firm and virtue high, the weakness of our flesh supply. Far from us drive the foe we dread, And grant us Your true peace instead; So shall we not, with You for guide, Turn from the path of life aside. Oh, may Your grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know, and You through endless times confessed of both the Eternal Spirit blest. All glory while the ages run, be to the Father and the Son, who rose from death; and glory, too, O Holy Spirit, given to me. Amen. 

Send us your Spirit and we will be created. And you will renew the face of the earth. 

The Act of Faith...

O my God, I firmly believe all the truths that the holy Catholic Church believes and teaches; I believe these truths, O Lord, because of You, the infallible Truth, have revealed them to her; in this faith I am resolved to live and die. Amen

Our Father...

Hail Mary...

Glory Be...

Queen of Angels, pray for us. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------

HOMEWORK # 11 - Due Sunday

I - Reflection Question

1. In Line #2; Which of the 5 Scripture Passages represents your experience today? Which character in the passage reminds you of yourself? Why? 

II - Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 21 & 22 - Answer these questions

1. Who told Paul not to go to the City of Jerusalem? 

2. Paul went to the House of Philip - what did the author mean that Philip was "one of the seven"? What was the gift that Philip's daughters have? 

3. Who came to visit Paul during his time with Philip? What did Philip tell and show Paul, if he went to Jerusalem? What was Paul's response to the people?

4. When Paul was arrested. what did he say to the Commander that convinced him to grant permission to speak before the Jewish crowd?

5. Who did Paul mention as his teacher of the law and his zeal for God?

6. What did Paul say to the Commander when he threatened to scourge him (Acts 22:24-29)?

This Is My Desire: To Be You (Lesson 10)

What does it mean to be a WITNESS?

The word WITNESS comes from the Latin word Testimonium, which means to see, hear, or know by personal presence or my perception. To be present at an event, a spectator or bystander. From a religious perspective, it is towards a person, or an event(s) of where and what that person did that has affected your life. We call this a MARTYR. 

A MARTYR is a WITNESS who surrenders his or her life, like Christ did on the Cross. The Latin word for MARTYR is Martyris For the MARTYR, if  "Christ died to save me, I will do the same out of love, for Him." We've read an example of a Martyr named St. Stephen, who is the First Martyr of the Church. (Acts of the Apostles Chapter 6, & Chapter 7)

I - Confirmation Makes You A Witness.

1. When we receive Confirmation, the sacrament IMPRINTS on us the power of Christ to speak about your reason for following Him, to our family, our friends, our neighbors, community, our Church, and the world; of how He has made you AWESOME. Your attitude, your feelings, the way you look at life and live it, will make a deep impression on those around you. 

a. You become fearless in your journey to live your vocation in Christ. 

b. Your loyalty to Him is not out of force, but out of a genuine love for Him who made you a different person. Click on this link: OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS CATHOLICS

c. You Trust in Him out of love, and you are more willing to know Him, learn from Him, and His teachings, by way of the Scriptures, through the lives of the Saints, through preaching of the Priests or Deacons at Mass, your spiritual formation, and continual formation for the journey. 

2. You are not in this alone - your classmates are in this Journey with you - as you bond together through prayer and service, your spirituality will deepen with Christ. 

a. Confirmation is a Catholic Action - A choice you make that will transform your life and the lives you serve. 

b. In Baptism, the Spirit of God will bless you as His child. In Confirmation, the Spirit of God confirms your Mission to bring others to Christ. You have His Power to make this world a better place.

II - The Sacraments of Initiation Strengthen Your Desire To Be Like Him

1. Before my Confirmation, I renew my Baptismal Promises - the ones my Parents and Godparents said for me. Why? Because it is my choice to live for Christ, and I urged by Him to grown in His Divine Strength. 

2. Like our bodies need food, water, exercise, air, the sun, contact with people - you need spirituality: the sacraments, prayer, hearing the word of God, studying His teachings, the practice of your faith in the service of others. 

3. Our Lord gives us the Eucharist - His Body and Blood on Sunday, and everyday - to give us strength to talk about Him. 

4. Other strengths He gives us:

a. Praying for people.

b. Being a good example - Imitating Christ in your Life.

c. To suffer bravely when you have to. 

d. By doing works of kindness (Works of Mercy)

e. Helping in the Mission of Christ. 

f. Encourage Life Vocations (Single Life, Marriage, Diaconate, the Priesthood, Religious Life.)

g. Joining in the Apostolic work of the Parish.

h. Receiving the Body of Christ on Sunday, and possibly daily, as well as going to Confession. 

5. One does not need Confirmation to make it to Heaven, but it can give tremendous strength to us to reach for God in Heaven. 

a. If you received Baptism, you should receive Confirmation. 

b. Like Communion, we must be in a state of grace. So we need to Make a Good Confession, like the one we did before receiving our Communion. Click on the video. 

6. To help you along your Spiritual Journey in receiving a Confirmation and living it, you need a Sponsor. He or she must have

a. Received Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation

b. Be 16 years or older

c. Be a practicing Catholic (Going to Sunday Mass, and able to receive Communion)

d. Can be Single, or Married by Church

This is a great example of a Sponsor who helps a teen in their struggle to grow. As part of the Journey, he calls the Teen's father to participate in this Spiritual Journey. 

NOTE: You can pick your Sponsor from Baptism, to be your Sponsor for Confirmation. 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

HOMEWORK # 11 - Due Sunday

I - Reflection Question

1. What is stands out about this image of Superman? In your Journey with Christ, what do you think Christ is asking from you? 

II - Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 19 & 20 - Answer these questions

Chapter 19 & 20

1.       St. Paul encountered people who baptized differently – who baptized them? What did St. Paul do to these people?

2.    St. Paul did mighty works in the hands of the Lord; what were the two of things that touched Paul’s skin and were used to heal people?

3.       What happened to a Jewish High Priest who tried to use the name of Jesus in an exorcism?

4.       What was the issue with the Silversmiths? Who stopped the riot?

5.       When St. Paul was about to set sail to Syria, who tried to get plot against him?

6.       Who fell asleep while St. Paul was speaking? What did St. Paul do?

7.       Why was St. Paul hurrying to Jerusalem? What was that feast day about? (See notes – History of Confirmation)

8.       In Paul’s farewell speech, why did the Christian’s cried and hugged St. Paul? In your own words, what did Paul tell them?

THIS IS MY DESIRE - To Be Used By You (Lesson 9)

LAST WEEK: We studied about the SEAL that marks us as follower of Christ. We learned that this SEAL confirms that your soul has been imprinted with His mark as a follower of Christ. We call this an INDELIBLE mark. 

1. The word INDELIBLE means a mark like an "embossed stamp", used to show authenticity of the sender. It could be an Government Official on a Important Matter or an agreement between to parties -  See pic for detail. 

a. It can have a figure, symbol, word or letter, to show its authenticity. 

b. The item used to make this seal can be a medallion, a ring, a stamp that can be pressed on wax, paper, lead, or anything that will show the engraved mark. 

This INDELIBLE mark or IMPRINT cannot be removed from the paper. The same can be said for our Body and Soul, when we receive the IMPRINT of Christ at Baptism, and later at Confirmation. Also, the Sacrament of Holy Orders leaves an INDELIBLE mark on the man who chooses to answer Christ's Call to be a Priest (Matthew 3:13-17). Christ gave the authority to the Church, through Bishops and Priests, to IMPRINT us with the that SEAL. This IMPRINT makes His Name, His Body & Blood, His teachings, His Mission, all that is His, present as we continue His work. 

I - Confirmation IMPRINTS a character on our souls.

1. This character means that we are one with Christ as Priest, Prophet (Teacher), and King. 

a. As Priest, we have the strength to journey with Christ in His suffering, and the courage to let go of things that take us away from our Spiritual Journey with Him. To LET GO means that I sacrifice these pleasures for gain of His strength. 

b. As Prophet, or shall we say Teacher, we allow the Spirit to move us towards learning. By our studies, and practice of the Christian Faith, we can be strong in facing obstacles against our beliefs, to discern the Truth, and the Wisdom to communicate it with all. 

c. As King, our knowledge, wisdom, and practice of our faith in Christ, help us in taking the role of Leader in areas where family, friends, and neighbors need us the most. Christ will shine through you, and that light will be a bridge for a person to want to know the Lord, who fills you with His Joy and Purpose. Here, the Christian can also deal with the problem of BAD EXAMPLES, forgive them, understand them, even provide ways for change. A person who hates Christianity, or who hates you for being a Christian, may be moved by you to know Jesus, when you least expect it. 

II - How does the New Testament authors write about Christ's Teaching on this INDELIBLE mark?

1. In our studies, we've learned that through the Sacrament of Confirmation, Christ gives us Sanctifying Grace. The INDELIBLE mark is on my soul, and shows through my actions - like a embossed mark visible on paper. The Holy Spirit moves me with Strength to speak about what Christ has done in my life - here is where I share the Catholic with family, friends, neighbors, and all those who may be against Christ. 

a. Christ compares the Disciples to Salt and Light: Matthew 5:13-16

b. Christ Invites All to Himself - He can use you to bring people to Him: Matthew 11:25-30

c. Christ calls us to Love Him and Keep His Commandments: John 14:15-21

d. Christ is the Vine - We are His Branches: John 15:1-6

e. The Christian who loves Christ, must love their neighbor: John 15:12-17

f. The Holy Spirit will move you to act and speak: John 16:5-15

2. When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive what is called a CHARACTER, which means:

a. We have the Courage to be Witnesses to Christ & His helpers to bring Holiness to the World.

b. We are joined into image and sacrifices of His Priesthood. 

i. The Apostles is a Witness: John 15:26-27

ii. St. Paul's Mission is inspired by the Holy Spirit: Acts 13:2-6

iii. St. Paul is protected by the Holy Spirit: Acts 20:22-28

---------------------------------------------------

HOMEWORK # 10 - Due Sunday

I - Reflection Question

1. Using the notes (I:1 - Priest, Prophet, and King), name one thing you need to sacrifice in order to be better person? Why?

II - Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 17 & 18 - Answer these questions

1.  Whose house did the mob march on? Why? 

2. Who began the commotion during St. Paul’s visit? 

3. Who did Paul debate with in Athens?

4. When Paul spoke to the philosophers and believers at the Areopagus, he mentions an altar that was inscribed – what was inscribed on that Altar?

5.  Who was the person that ordered the Jews to leave Rome? Who is he? (Use the Internet)

6.  Who was the speaker that was the native from Alexandria? 

III - Choosing Saint Name & Sponsor. 

In the 2nd Year of Confirmation, we ask the Confirmandi to choose their Patron Saint. Some take a different one in the 1st Year. Other Confirmandi's like to write a little bit more about their Saint or new Saint they are choosing. Read carefully

Use these links to help you find the Saint you are looking for: 
www.Catholic.org
www.Es.Catholic.net

1. What is the name of your Saint? What year was your Saint born, and died? What was the cause of death? 

2. Give 3 to 5 reasons why you are choosing this Saint? 

3. Is there a prayer or prayers for this Saint? Please post it. 

4. Is there a Church in the 5 Boroughs of New York named after this Saint? 

5. Is this Saint a Patron? Please tell us what is this Saint the Patron of? 

THIS IS MY DESIRE - To Listen To You (Lesson 8)

What does it mean to LISTEN?

Describe what is needed to LISTEN - use examples, tools, actions that help us to understand the importance of LISTENING.

First Example: Moses' Encounter with God

Use this Video and explain your Encounter with your Father, Mom, Teacher, or a Sponsor.

I - The Special Sacramental Grace of Confirmation.

1. GRACE is a gift from God. There are 2 types of Grace that we discussed in later classes:

a. SANCTIFYING GRACE is a gift from God which gives to my soul a new life, a sharing in the life and love of God Himself. This makes my soul holy and pleasing to God; it makes me a child of God and an heir of heaven.  (John 15:1-6 - Jesus is the Vine)

b. ACTUAL GRACE is the help which the Holy Spirit gives me to know what I must do too please God and to want to do good. (Matthew 11:25-30 - Jesus invites all)

2. The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the effects of the Sacrament of Baptism. There are Five Effects:

a. Baptism takes away our Sin. We call this Purification.

b. Baptism renews you. You become a new creation.

c. Baptism incorporates us into the Body of Christ, and the Church. We become Him in the World. 

d. Baptism brings us together with all Christians who have received Baptism. All who have received Baptism in the Trinity, are our Brother and Sister. 

e. Baptism leaves an indelible mark. This Baptism can never be erased, changed, or forgotten. 

3. The Sacrament of Confirmation will make you as a Holy Christian, strengthening the 5 Effects of Baptism, so you can face your fear in light of your Faith in Christ.

4. Confirmation will help you to live up to the Life and Teachings of Jesus, pick up your Cross even when you are faced with criticism. 

II - Your Soul will Listen to His Voice

August believes that listening to sounds will lead him to his Parents. 

When we are LISTENING through Faith, we will be lead to God.

August encounters his Father by way of Sound and Music. His Faith was real, 

but he could not see the reality. Sound brought him to his father. 

God uses Faith to bring you to Himself.

1.    For our Soul to respond to God's Voice, prayer is needed. Like your Body needs Good Food, and Exercise to stay strong, you must allow God to build you up through Grace. God needs us to continue His work. 

a. John 3:1-18 - Jesus teaches Nicodemas about Baptism, and its Effects.

b. John 14:7-14 - Jesus teaches us that He is Divine. 

c. Matthew 28:16-20 - Jesus gives His Disciples His Missionary Command.

Let Us Pray: 

Light of the intellect, enlighten me.
Divine Fire of hearts, inflame me.
Fullness of souls, fill me.
Lord of grace and life, vivify me. 
In this vale of suffering, guide me. 
In my weakness, strengthen me. 
From stumbles and falls, deliver me. 
With your Divine Gifts, enrich me. 
With your presence, console me. 
By your Divine operations, sanctify me. 
My Jesus, transform me.
that having been faithful upon earth, 
I may be eternally happy in heaven, 
in the perfect reflection of your love.

Amen

Our Father...
Hail Mary...
Glory Be...

-----------------------

HOMEWORK # 8 - Due Sunday

1. Watching the videos, compare the Encounter of Moses with the Encounter of August Rush - What are the similarities or connections to their Encounter with God?

Read Acts of the Apostles Chapter 13 & 14 - Answer these Questions

     1. Where did Paul & Barnabas go on their First Mission?

     2. Who was Elymas?

     3. What happened to the people when they heard Paul’s preaching in the Synagogue? What happened       when Paul & Barnabas spoke to the Gentiles the next day?

     4. What happened to Paul & Barnabas at Lystra? What did they people think of Paul & Barnabas?

     5. What was the reaction of the Jews from Antioch?

     6. At the end of their Mission, what did Paul & Barnabas say and do at Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch?       Why did Paul say it was necessary for them to go through hardship?