Trailblazer Confirmation 1
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The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth |
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During the 2018-2019 school year, Billerica Catholic Religious Education is piloting a second track of Confirmation 1, called Trailblazer Confirmation 1. Trailblazers will rely on more participation and initiative from the teens enrolled. We will be using the Bible, the Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth, some videos, and additional resources.
During this pilot year, we will be holding Confirmation 1 Trailblazers on Sundays at St. Theresa from 3:20-4:50pm, following the usual Confirmation schedule. We have been considering holding Trailblazers at St. Andrew (11:00am-12:30pm), but we are uncertain presently about the St. Andrew location. We are also working to hold Trailblazers at St. Mary (1:00-2:30pm).
Although Trailblazers will be a more challenging program, we expect that it will provide a deeper experience of faith for those who participate. Interested incoming Confirmation 1 students, who would like to be considered for the Trailblazers Confirmation 1 program, will be asked to complete an online application after they are enrolled for Confirmation 1 through the Billerica Catholic Religious Education office. A member of the staff will reach out to each Trailblazer candidate after the online application is completed, to set up a time for a conversation.
Who should sign up for Trailblazer Confirmation 1? A teenager who does any of the following two items on this list could be a good candidate for Trailblazers:
Attends Mass regularly
Prays on their own
Reads the bible on their own
Asks spiritual questions
Regularly enjoys Catholic/Christian media (videos, music, etc.)
Is already involved in ministry, such as choir, altar server, religious education, helping at Church events, etc.
Is already involved in missions, such as serving those in need, the corporal/spiritual works of mercy, etc.
Makes an effort to share our Catholic faith with others
Attends a Catholic High School
As part of the participation in Trailblazer Confirmation 1, each student will be expected to commit to being involved in one role in ministry. While we are open to exploring many options, some ideas we have brainstormed include:
Choir / Music Ministry
Altar Server
Religious Education – classroom aide, Grades 6-7-8 Small Group Leader, providing childcare for the younger children of catechists while they teach a class
Family Masses – greeters, taking pictures, hospitality, helping with the technology (slides)
Religious Education Media (video, social media, website)
As part of the experience in Trailblazer Confirmation 1, we will be expecting each participant to have one or more experiences with Missions – to become involved, or continue being involved, in some type of work of mercy. This service work can vary greatly. Note: we will not be counting service hours for Trailblazer Confirmation students. Discussing what they are doing in Ministry and Missions will simply be part of the process. These could include:
Helping with the monthly soup kitchen ministry
Assisting with St. Vincent de Paul
Helping a neighbor in need
It is our hope to match each participant in Trailblazer Confirmation 1 with a recently confirmed teen mentor, who will commit to meeting with each student monthly. These monthly conversations would include sharing life and faith together, as well as discussing a scripture passage. These conversations could take place at Church hospitality times, in the community, online, or possibly at school.
We would be happy to answer any questions when you contact us.
-Mr. Carbrello, Coordinator of Grades 6-7-8 978-667-3733 x445, tonycarbrello@parishmail.com
-Mr. Spinale, Coordinator of High School / Confirmation 978-667-3733 x447, jimspinale@parishmail.com