For the Confirmation II specific year, proximate preparation for the sacrament is added in as separate but distinct from the ongoing faith formation they receive through Encounter each week. At CtR, students have one of two options to complete the proximate preparation: Students are given the option to either work one-on-one monthly with a mentor (typically their sponsor), or to attend monthly large group session with their sponsor.
If they decide to choose a mentor, they can opt for their sponsor to be their mentor but it doesn't have to be. Mentors should be adults out of college who are further along on their faith journey who can accompany a student on the road to Confirmation.
Students have the option to work with a mentor one-on-one. They can meet in person or virtual, whichever works for them. Ideally this would be their own sponsor, but not every sponsor feels like they're capable to go through the provided information with the students. The mentor would fall under the same qualifications as the sponsor as a practicing and fully initiated Catholic and not the parent of the student. Mentors will meet with students once a month for seven months starting in October.
If the large group time does not work for you, consider having your sponsor be trained by Angela to be your mentor. If they are unable to do so or are still in college, you can reach out for the church to provide you a mentor if available.
The goal for mentors is to have an adult who is further along in their faith life walk with our teens and help them to discover their beliefs. In this situation, we don't want the mentor to be a parent so that the student has another voice and is able to articulate their beliefs, doubts, and struggles to an adult who is able to listen, guide, encourage, and get information with them. Mentors help to build upon and encourage the foundation the parents worked so hard to set. If you have someone in mind, contact Angela who will get in touch with the mentor, train them, and supply all necessary information.
We have it spread out over seven months because it's more than just about the material. It's someone who checks in on them, and it gives the students time to think, assess, and ask questions.
Large group will meet once a month for six months to go through the proximate preparation. Students must come with their sponsor. If their sponsor is unable to attend, a parent can come as a proxy. Students will be given information and activities to do during the night with their sponsor/parent. Students are expected to attend, with their sponsor or parent, all six large group sessions, held in-person on Tuesdays from 7-8:30pm at Christ the Redeemer in the Auditorium of the Redeemer Activity Center.
If students have to miss more than one large group session, they will need to go the mentor route.
Proximate Preparation Dates for 22-23 are: Oct 4, Nov 8, Dec 6, Feb 7 and Mar 7, from 7-8:30pm each night. January will be a "take-home" session.