Teen Ministries and Confirmation (High School)
Fall 2020
Due to the pandemic and the creation of the new St. Matthew the Evangelist parish, our teen ministries are going to “re-vision” what we offer to bring our teens into a greater relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
At least through December, the “classes” will use the zoom format with videos previewed in advance, and we are now offering a Home-based option.
Service expectations have been suspended by the Archdiocese as part of preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation, due to the complexities of offering service opportunities during the pandemic. If you are doing works of mercy or other service activities, please keep track of these yourself.
We are uncertain about offering the Confirmation retreat usually experienced during Confirmation 2, and we will communicate with families as more information is available.
We will be offering Trailblazers High School 1 during the 2:30pm Zoom time, and Trailblazers Confirmation 2 at the 3:30pm Zoom time. Trailblazers is for those teens for whom the Chosen curriculum may be more review, and who may be ready for more challenging discussion.
We need volunteers to facilitate conversations during the zoom small group breakouts, using materials that we provide.
Teens attending Catholic High Schools are now waived from attending High School 1. Please contact the BCRE Office so we may still invite your teen to additional opportunities for teens!
| Confirmation 2 – for those enrolled in Confirmation 1 during the 2019-2020 year | Community-based (class): Confirmation sponsor conversations; retreat (format TBD); Weekly Zoom to discuss previously viewed Chosen videos through Ascension website (Sundays, 30-45 min.), parent & teen zoom meeting on September 27 at 2pm, then eight weekly zoom meetings starting Oct. 18 (except Nov. 29) through Dec. 13, at 1:30 or 3:30pm | Home-based: Periodic meeting of teen and parent with Coordinator to review viewed Chosen videos, by video chat (Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, etc.); Confirmation sponsor conversations; retreat (format TBD) |
| High School 1 – typically grade 9, but for all who are in their first year of high school faith formation | Community-based (class): Weekly Zoom to discuss previously viewed Chosen videos through Ascension website (Sundays, 30-45 min.), parent & teen zoom meeting on October 4 at 2pm, then eight weekly zoom meetings starting Oct. 18 (except Nov. 29) through Dec. 13, at 12:30 or 2:30pm | Home-based: Periodic meeting of teen and parent with Coordinator to review viewed Chosen videos, by video chat (Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet, etc.) |
Tony Carbrello is the Coordinator of Teen Ministries, and he would be happy to answer any questions you have by calling him at 978-667-3733 x445 or by email.
The curriculum we are using for high school Confirmation preparation is the Chosen program from Ascension Press, to be supplemented by the Decision Point program from Dynamic Catholic.
Confirmation 2 Parent – Teen Zoom Meeting (Sept. 27) – Program Introductions:
Click here for the slides from the Confirmation 2 meeting.
Here are some updates following the meeting, based on questions received:
1. Who should be watching the videos with the teens?
Answer: It is recommended that either a parent or the Confirmation sponsor watch the videos with the teens, and this could change during the year. A sponsor could use the same login information as the teen.
2. Can the teen make one-time changes from one Zoom session to another?
Answer: if you have a conflict of time, it would be better to come to another Zoom session than none at all. Kindly send me an email in advance of the one-time change, so I know to expect the teen and may accommodate them in the breakout rooms.
3. How many absences are allowed, and are there make up options?
Answer: The Archdiocese of Boston has stated that no one may be denied receiving a sacrament because of failure to meet program requirements during the time of pandemic. So for this year, there is no set number of absences. However, we will take attendance and if a teen misses too many zoom sessions, then we will move the teen to the home study model, which would mean a periodic conversation between the teen, myself (or another catechist), and either a parent or Confirmation sponsor.
Prior to receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, it is my intention to meet with each candidate and a parent or sponsor (for home study and the Zoom sessions). During this conversation, we will discuss the teen’s preparation for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. Missing many Zoom sessions and/or not having the home study periodic conversations with me would make it harder to honestly answer that the teen is suitably prepared.
High School 1 Parent – Teen Zoom Meeting (Oct. 4) – Program Introduction:
Click here for the slides from the Oct. 4 meeting
Class Openings and Volunteer Needs (link to chart)
Confirmation 2020
Sign Up for Confirmation 2020 Liturgies
Syracuse, NY Diocese – Confirmation
A good video that both explains some of the meaning behind the sacrament of Confirmation, but also gives plenty of examples of teens coming forward to be anointed by the Bishop. In our case, Bishop Hennessey will ask for only a name and offer peace to you – there will be no handshake or conversation before or after the anointing.
Libby & Kai at Catholic Central will provide some humor and information about the day of Confirmation and some of the meaning behind the sacrament.