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 One of the most rewarding parts of the eighth grade experience for St. Giles parishioners is the opportunity to live the Confirmation preparation process and then stand before our community, our bishop and the Lord to declare their eagerness to join the community of believers as full, adult participants. Just as your child grows physically, intellectually, and emotionally, he or she grows spiritually as well.
As a parent responsible for the development of you child, you try to meet all of his or her changing needs. You foster and direct spiritual growth by the atmosphere in your home, the example of your life, and the celebration of the sacraments. You have seen that your child has been initiated into the faith through Baptism, and the Eucharist. Now your young teenager is at the stage of strengthening his or her commitment to the faith through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The goal of our Confirmation program here at St. Giles is to assist our young people to be receptive and responsive to the graces and challenges of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Through studying together, they learn that Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Initiation that deepens their relationship with God and the Church. Through praying together, they become more aware of the presence and action of the Spirit and his gifts within them, which empower them to live as Jesus did. Through service to others, they discover ways to fulfill the specific responsibilities that are theirs as Catholic Christians.
 The Confirmation program is meant to give guidance to all those involved in the formation of the candidates and in the celebration of the sacrament so that Confirmation becomes a meaningful faith experience for the candidates, the family, and the parish community. At the same time, this program aims to equip the candidates with the knowledge and attitudes necessary for the lifelong process of conversion to Christ.
You may be curious as to why you as a parent of a 7th grade student in either the parish school or parish religious education program are receiving this letter. In preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation our parish program is crafted to be a two year process beginning in 7th grade with the formal introduction of the sacrament utilizing the text Confirmed in the Spirit. This learning process will continue into the summer prior to your child entering their 8th grade year and throughout their final year of elementary or middle school.
Blessings,
MaryEllen Casselman, Parish Coordinator of Religious Education
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