The Saint Matthew Confirmation program follows the guidelines of the Diocese of Norwich. The program consists of 2 years of studying our Faith, Catholic Social Teaching, the Workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives and Community Service.
We will delve into a deeper prayer life through learning and participating in different devotions of the Catholic Faith, attending Mass together and through Adoration.
Our vision for St. Matthew's Confirmation students is that they will grow in wisdom, knowledge and love, having the confidence to go out into the world to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and live a Faith filled life, steeped in the Catholic Faith.
CONFIRMATION 2012 STUDENTS: Please CLICK HERE to download and print a copy of the Key Dates and Times for Confirmation.
Community Service Confirmation Prep - Years 1 and 2
“For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:35-6, 40)
Our service hours will consist of serving our community as a group in many different ways. Together, over a 2 year period, we will work on projects that will serve our community as well as each other. We will experience what it is like to fully participate in Parish Life. The students will decide on service projects that they will want to work on, both close to home or in other areas of the world. They will come to realize that we are all called to serve God and one and other.
As part of the service requirements, each class will sponsor 1of 6 events for their peers. These will be held on the 2nd Saturday of the Month. The students will learn what it means to be part of a faith filled parish family. The Confirmation Prep years 1 and 2 will also sponsor family events for our St. Matthew Parish family and the community.
Confirmation Sponsor Confirmation Prep - Year 2
"The sponsor's function is to take care that the person confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties inherent in this sacrament." (Catholic Canon of Law 892)
Confirmation is a wonderful experience. You have been preparing for the reception of this Sacrament for several years now. During that time, you have had the opportunity to think, pray and talk about what this sacrament means and how the Holy Spirit will affect your life. You are required by Catholic Canon Law (892-893) to have a sponsor—someone who will guide you and share the story of faith with you.
When considering your sponsor choice, you should look for someone you trust, whose faith you admire and who will be there for you. You should choose someone who is able and willing to share with you why faith is important to him/her. Your sponsor must be a practicing Catholic. You can choose a relative, personal friend, family friend or someone from your parish who you admire as your sponsor.
The Catholic Church requires that Confirmation sponsors meet the following qualifications: that they are confirmed Catholics, at least 16 years old and practicing members of the Church, while not being your parents.
So in choosing a sponsor, take all these things seriously. Pray about it, and when you think you have the right person, ask him or her to help you grow in faith by being your sponsor!
Information to Share with Your Sponsor
He/She must have a certificate from his/her church mailed to St. Matthew Parish (at the address below) as soon as possible. The form must be received by Mrs. Thurston no later than May 7, 2012.
Mrs. Bridget Thurston
St. Matthew Faith Formation
P.O. Box 100
Tolland, CT 06084
He/She should be able to attend Confirmation Rehearsal on Saturday, June 2, 2012 from 12-2pm with you. Note: The rehearsal will be held at St. Matthew's. If travel distance is a concern, a parent can stand in for your sponsor at rehearsal.
He/She must attend the Confirmation Liturgy, held at Saint Matthew Church, 111 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT 06084, on June 9, 2012 at 11:00am. (Students and Sponsors must be at St. Matt's no later than 10:00am.)
One-on-One Meeting Confirmation Prep - Year 2
A One-on-One Meeting cannot be scheduled until the required form is received. You may download and print the form by clicking the link below.
The One-on-One Meeting Form is due to Mrs. Thurston no later than Thursday, February 26, 2012.
Home Study
The following Home Study program materials may be downloaded and printed by clicking on the links below:
Linked below is a list of Catholic prayers and practices that should be memorized by each child in the program. You will note that new prayers are added each year, and each year builds on the prior year.
You may download a printable form of the Prayers and Practices of Our Faith chart by clicking this link.
Faith Formation (Grades 7 & 8,
Confirmation Prep)