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Confirmation
Confirmation is a time for faith formation and growth for the junior youth of our congregation. Students join the class typically when they enter the 7th grade. It is a two-year program. It begins in September and ends in April. Classes are typically held on Fridays from 4:30 to 5:30 pm. There are no classes on the Fridays that fall during school holidays. In February, we have one class, a day long retreat that takes place on a school professional development day (a Friday).
Year “A” of our program is a year of faith formation. We answer these questions: What is faith? What does it mean to repent? What is a miracle? What is the basic story of the Bible?
During Year B, we study Luther’s Small Catechism (10 Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Creed) and the Reformation. We study these concepts in a unique way. We watch episodes of “The Simpsons” and other movies, including the recently released movie on the life of Martin Luther, as parables or stories which lead us into a discussion on important issues of faith. Either year A or Year B will be offered each year.
When a student has completed both year A and B, they are eligible for the Rite of Confirmation. They will make a Statement of Faith during worship the Sunday before Confirmation Sunday (which is the Sunday that falls on the Victoria Day Weekend). The Statement of Faith is a short speech which answers the question, “Who is Jesus to me today?” In the Rite of Confirmation, each student affirms his/her Baptism and promises to take greater personal responsibility in their life of faith. God speaks to each Confirmand through the laying on of hands and a special blessing that is given.
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