retreat day for confirmation class

RETREAT DAY FOR CONFIRMATION CLASS
SATURDAY - APRIL 18, 2015  11.00 AM – 5.00 PM
Daysland – Our Lady of the Prairies  Church Hall
We are excited to have Mark Guevarra lead our Confirmation candidates on retreat.
The Confirmation Retreat will include icebreakers, a social justice lunch, skits, and
time for prayer and reflection.
Mark - as Pastoral Associate at St. Albert Parish in St. Albert is responsible for sacramental
preparation, RCIA, RCIC, ministry to schools, adult faith formation and general pastoral
care. Mark is a graduate of the University of BC where he attained a Bachelor of Arts, the
University of Toronto where he attained a Master of Religious Education degree and a
graduate of the University of Alberta where he attained a degree in Elementary Education.
He is nearing the completion of the Master of Theological Studies program at Newman
Theological College. Mark has 13 years of experience as a church catechist, 5 years of
experience as an educational assistant, one year as a classroom teacher and three years
experience as pastoral assistant at St. Matthew’s Parish in north Edmonton.
Confirmation Retreat Outline - “YOU ARE LIGHT TO THE WORLD”
1. Ice Breaker Activity
2. Opening Remarks & Opening Prayer
a. Introduction, Explanation of Retreat & Gathering Song
b. Opening Prayer & Gospel (Matthew 5:14-16)
c. Ritual Action
d. Closing Prayer
3. We Are Called to Be Light to the World
Candidates are given examples of how to be light to the world. They are to draw on a small piece of paper how they will be
light to the world. These are taped on the poster for display.
4. Recognizing the Light of Christ in Our Hearts
Candidates notice images of lamps on the wall with their name on each. During the course of the day they are invited to
write how they are a light to others and how others are a light. They write their responses on the flames.
5. Writing a Letter to Bishop to Express the Desire to be confirmed
Before the celebration of Confirmation, the Bishop is required by Canon Law to know that candidates have been properly
prepared. He should also know that each candidate has a desire for and knowledge of the sacrament. To help the Bishop
meet his responsibility, candidates are asked to write a letter to him.
6. Social Justice Lunch
7. Call for Liturgical Ministers
Candidates volunteer or are assigned jobs (Greeters, 1st Reader, 2nd Reader, Readers of Intercessions, Gift Bearers)
8. Gospel Story Skits
Candidates are divided into groups and are given scripts. They act the skit out. The facilitator highlights main points from the
gospel stories.
9. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Candidates are given a bag and are invited in groups to match the object with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Next, each group is
to wrap a box and tape a pre-written label on each box representing the 7 Gifts. These can be used as decoration.
10. A Candidate’s Prayer
11. Closing Prayer
Saturday - April 18, 2015 - 4.00 PM  Sunday Mass for Confirmation Class
(Everyone is welcome to attend)
Confirmation Mass - Daysland

Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 11.00 AM