Troubles at my confirmation class

[D_Quintero]

I am very perturbed about this. Today in my Confirmation class, we did absolutely nothing. In fact most of my companions said the same thing, that their class does nothing. Has the Vatican offered a teaching chart or something in that nature for the use in all Confirmation classes? I can see why many young teens don’t know about their faith, and this is really sad.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

D Quintero:

I am very perturbed about this. Today in my Confirmation class, we did absolutely nothing. In fact most of my companions said the same thing, that their class does nothing. Has the Vatican offered a teaching chart or something in that nature for the use in all Confirmation classes? I can see why many young teens don’t know about their faith, and this is really sad.

What I would suggest is that you speak with your Sponsor and your parents. Have them or have them go with you to speak with the catechist and if necesary the pastor. All the faithful have a right set fourth in Canon Law to receive spiritual support in their faith journey. That includes proper catechesis for the Sacraments.

 

[Argh]

Sounds like the religious education I got!

When I was about to be confirmed though, I detested Catholicism and the Church. While I was baptised Catholic, I was never raised Catholic. I didnt know ANYONE who was actually Catholic in my parish, my high school or any of my friends.

I think, to a good degree, the “problem” is that older generation(s) dont think that youth is either interested in their faith or able to understand its complexities. Confirmation education for my confirmation group was like going through kindergarden. We were told abortion, pre-marital sex, artificial contraception, pornography are all bad, but not why. We were taught praying, going to Mass, the saints, the martyrs and the Eucharist were all important, but not** why**. I didnt even know what a Rosary was for until a couple years ago, who St. Thomas Aquinas was and what Mass/the Eucharist is all about. The list goes on and on. I mean, we went on like 3 different stupid retreats that taught and achieved nothing than making sick and tired of confirmation.

It wasnt unitl a family friend, my martial arts teacher, gave me a collection of works by Meister Eckhart and said “read this”. That was my “epiphany moment”.

My advice is to ask to be taught “Theology of the Body” in confirmation class . Pope John Paul II believed that young people like yourself are very interested in our faith and capable of understanding it. So that’s a good start.

 

[Jonah]

I’ve always felt that it was the parents responsibility to teach their children about God and our religion. We leave too much up to the CCD teachers and to the director of religion.

 

[Maureen_Fiore]

I have a daughter who is going through the Confirmation process and will be confirmed this coming April. She does not like it and feels that it is a waste of her time. Her teachers don’t help and she is just going through the motion. I believe as parents it is up to us to keep them faithful and to help them learn about their faith. You can’t rely too much on the Confirmation teachers to teach them fully, it is up to the parents and how strong they are in their faith. Action speaks louder than words. Going to mass and showing by example help tremendously.

 

[Lux_et_veritas]

D Quintero:

I am very perturbed about this. Today in my Confirmation class, we did absolutely nothing. In fact most of my companions said the same thing, that their class does nothing. Has the Vatican offered a teaching chart or something in that nature for the use in all Confirmation classes? I can see why many young teens don’t know about their faith, and this is really sad.

My good friend, I will make you a suggestion similar to the one made to me by my father when I was making my confirmation.

Never leave home without it and it is by one of the finest modern theologians we have had. This is one of the cheaper ones.

Question and Answer Catechism by Fr. John A. Hardon

This one is more in depth and a great compliment to the Q & A version:

The Catholic Catechism by Fr. John A. Hardon

He has home-study catechisms that are more expensive, but very sound as well.

Catholic Home Study Courses by Fr. John A. Hardon

Bottom line is that if you want to learn anything, you will be an adult before you see appreciative changes in how catechism is taught, and possibly quite old. Therefore, take the lead and learn yourself and don’t get too distressed with what is or isn’t happening in your class. Just learn. Then as opportunities present themselves, you will be well equiped yourself to address these things. As you grow, you may consider becoming a catechism teacher yourself, to spread the fullness and truth of the faith, which is now being so neglected.

They probably won’t tell you that you should have sacramental confession prior to confirmation too, especially if there is mortal sin, or a chance of mortal sin. This is true of the sacrament of marriage as well.

 

[mozier]

Same with my daughter. She is up for confirmation in April, yet her classes are not run very well. The teachers mean well, but seriously, making felt banners in class doesn’t teach the Faith.

 

[Confiteor]

D Quintero:

I am very perturbed about this. Today in my Confirmation class, we did absolutely nothing. In fact most of my companions said the same thing, that their class does nothing. Has the Vatican offered a teaching chart or something in that nature for the use in all Confirmation classes? I can see why many young teens don’t know about their faith, and this is really sad.

What’s your textbook/preparation book? Last year I taught 8th grade )and confirmation prep) and found I had to supplement the designated texts extensively because they were so dumbed down. Also, they did away with Grade Level expectations the same year. No wonder, it was obvious that the students did not get taught any of what had been listed as covered in prior years. It was a thoroughly frustrating experience as the students were sometimes scheduled by their confirmation team leaders to go on field trips and service activities during RE time.

I recommend you check out the Faith and Life series if that is not what your parish is using…see if you can do “homeschool” CCD (get your parents’ support). If you are disciplined enough to learn it on your own, you’ll probably be better off. When you’re confirmed, go back and volunteer to teach the younger kids so that they won’t be in the same position.