SERVICE AND MINISTRY FOR CONFIRMATION PREPARATION

In the western tradition, the sacrament of Confirmation includes a commitment to be a follower of Jesus. This calling leads a person directly into service to all people and most especially to the poor and outcast who are so near to the Lord. The letter of James says it powerfully:

“My brothers and sisters, what good is it for someone to profess faith without practicing it? Such faith has no power to save one has it? 'If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and no food for the day, and you say to them, 'Goodbye and good luck! Keep warm and well fed,' but do not meet their bodily needs, what good is that? So it is with the faith that does nothing in practice. It is thoroughly lifeless. To such a person one might say, 'You have faith and I have works, is that it?' Show me your faith without works and I will show you uhe faith that underlies my works.” (James 2:14-18)

Consequently, a disciple of Christ is someone who has been instructed in the Gospel and tries to witness that teaching in his/her daily life in service to others.

Service to Christ, the church, the community and the world is primary to Catholic life. Involvement in and commitment to ministry and service can help candidates discern and develop their own gifts.

A vital part of Confirmation preparation is a commitment to service and ministry which will serve as a further introduction to Catholic life. This will help the candidates to:

1. Recognize and develop their own personal and unique gifts, talents and charisms.
2. Develop a deeper experience of and appreciation for Catholic beliefs, tradition and discipleship.
3. Realize their responsibility to worship with the parish community.
4. Develop their prayer life.
5. Develop spiritual and scriptural awareness.
6. Understand their responsibility for stewardship in their parish and global community.
7. Witness through service, ministry and good example.

The candidate's service or ministry should be part of an important on-going parish life. It is best presented as a life-long privilege and responsibility, rather than as a one-time or short-term requirement, that when completed, is ended.

It is important to affirm candidates for the service and ministry they are involved in prior to presenting themselves for Confirmation preparation. New opportunities for service and ministry can then be suggested based on the candidates gifts and charisms.

Candidates are encouraged to be involved in ministry or service for the same amount of time as an adult would ordinarily give to the same ministry or service. Preferably, the candidate's involvement and participation should be at least every other week. Ideally some of this service or ministry would take place with the candidates parents, sponsor or mentor.

For candidates to choose, be actively involved in, and' committed to service and ministry, they must first be able to recognize their own unique gifts, talents and charisms. Many will have a real interest in helping others, but no idea how to match their gifts and talents with available service and ministry.

Those responsible for Confirmation preparation can use a variety of resources to guide candidates in discernment of their gifts. These resources include parish retreat teams, diocesan retreat teams, TEC teams, Youth Ministry teams, the parish pastor, and others with experience in prayerful reflection and knowledge of parish, local or global ministry and service needs.

Involvement in total ministry and service helps the candidates understand that service to others is central to the Gospel message; helps them gain understanding and acceptance of themselves; and helps them realize their responsibility in using their God-given talents and gifts to help all people.

Ministry and service opportunities available to the candidates include those already in existence or needed, but not yet established in the parish and broader community.

By focusing on parish ministry and service, candidates will develop a sense of commitment to and involvement in the life of the parish community; become more aware of the needs of the parish community; and pave the way toward continued involvement in and responsibility for the needs of the parish.

Involvement in service and ministry to the wider community helps the candidates understand the broader social and moral issues of the community and the world.

Ideally, their selection of ministry and service should include both those to the parish AND the wider community.

A list of available and possible ministries and areas of service should be given to the candidates. Representatives of parish ministries and service groups and community service groups could present and explain ministry and service needs, and witness to their own response to the Lord's call to ministry and service.

The ministry and service opportunities are most effective when they:

1. are based on a genuine need of the parish and community that young people can recognize as important and worth their effort.
2. challenge the candidates to make decisions and recognize their responsibility for there decisions.

Make adequate time available to reflect on and evaluate the candidate's service and ministry experience, including both the candidate's reflections and evaluations, as well as the reflection and evaluation of the Confirmation Team or those responsible for their preparation.

Adults serve both as guides and informal counselors. While they do not assume responsibility for the efforts of the candidates, they assist, monitor and evaluate these efforts.

It is important to recognize candidates for their contribution of time and talent to the parish or community. Recognition might be shown through bulletin announcements, parish newsletter, special recognition meetings, or at Mass, etc.

Liturgical celebrations can greatly enhance the sense of commitment and discipleship of the candidates and might include a Rite of Commitment or Commissioning, or a Prayer Service for Discernment.

On-going ministries and service which are already an integral part of parish life, or which are needed in the parish might include:

1. Visitations to hospitals, nursing homes, shut-ins, elderly, mentally ill, developmentally challenged, etc.
2. Assistance to the elderly or shut-ins with shoveling snow, mowing lawns, housekeeping, running errands, odd jobs, etc.
3. Participate maturely in the stewardship work of or for the Church (parish) including bazaars, tithing, etc.
4. Parish youth representatives to various committees, Parish Council, School Board, Liturgy Committee, etc.
5. Youth representative for parish newsletter and diocesan newspaper
6. Child care services for various parish activities such as retreats, adult education, during Mass, etc.
7. Assistance with parish efforts to care for the needy, i.e., soup kitchens, etc.
8. Religious Education Assistants
9. Establish and/or staff parish library; information bureaus on drugs, help organizations, etc.
10. Involvement in liturgical ministries such as music ministry, lectoring, greeting, ushering, etc.
11. Office or clerical assistance
12. Youth bible sharing or discussion groups
13. Ecumenical involvements with other area churches
14. Youth participant in retreat teams
15. Help plan monthly Masses and liturgies
16. Bring food and support for bereaved and sick
17. Design or upkeep of a parish web site

On-going ministrles and service to the wider community might be:

1. Toy collection, repair and distribution for needy children
2. Mentoring programs
3. Care for and involvement with children in treatment facilities or other institutions
4. Tutoring
5. Community beautification projects
6. Persons in the community who will appreciate a relationship with the candidate, for example the elderly, handicapped, elementary school children, etc.