By: Alex P. and Cali P.

On February 15, 2004 the Immaculate Heart of Mary’s 8^th grade class of 2004 was confirmed. After weeks and weeks of preparation, we were prepared to finish our last Sacrament of Initiation. The Students prepared themselves in many different ways such as completing 20 hours of community service, going to retreat’s, taking Saturday morning religious classes with guest speakers, and learning more about this sacrament from day to day in religion classes.

The Retreat

On January 10^th, 2004 the candidates for Confirmation went on a retreat in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. At the retreat we had a lot of fun. The day started early, and most kids came half awake, having no idea what we were about to do. First we met our retreat councilors and we were assigned to different groups. Then they put stickers on our backs with something written on the sticker, like salt. We had to ask other kids yes/no questions to find out what was written on our back. Then salt would find its matching partner pepper, and they would have to ask questions to each other to get to know that person more.

After that we had an intermission and had a few snacks. When we were finished eating we split back into our groups and played some games. We played games such as “Buddy-up”, “Honey I love You Will You Please Smile”, “The Human Knot”, and “Pick-a-Card and Ask-a-Question.” When were done playing games we had lunch.

When we finally finished lunch, we listened to our counselors tell their stories. Their stories were about how they discovered God, and how they changed their life. Their speeches were moving and uplifting and helped us see with eyes of faith. Over all the retreat was a fun, exciting, and an uplifting experience.

Saturday Morning Talks

On Saturday mornings the students would gather in the all purpose room, we would discuss all information needed, and we would meet people who could help lead our journey to complete our Sacraments of Initiation. Guest speakers would tell us ways to be more Christ like and helpful towards others. We had guest speakers from other religions explain their point of view to us of their religion.

Community Service Hours

The eighth graders did many different things to complete their hours of community service. Some girls baby-sat for free. Jenny H. and Mariette P. helped coach the third grade soccer team. Cali P. refereed Instructional Basketball. Brittany D. helped with the confirmation last year and helped out at the nursing home. Some people even helped out at the Confirmation last year to start some early hours, while others worked at the Parish Picnic last summer. After doing all sorts of services to complete their hours they were finally ready to get confirmed.

Day to Day Religion Classes

In our daily Religion classes we would learn a lot more about what Confirmation is. What is Confirmation, you ask? Confirmation is the final Sacrament of Initiation, or process towards the Christian life. It follows the sacraments of Baptism and First Holy Communion. It is the official welcome into the church. Once you’re confirmed, you have made a choice of taking the Catholic Religion and use it in your day to day life.

How Being Confirmed Felt

“I felt, the bishop touch my head and he said something like “be sealed with the holy spirit” or something like that, I felt great, special, and like a million bucks. I felt like there was an angel above me.”- Michael S.

“I felt Holy, and that God was right next to me, and in the Bishop”- Alycia H.

“Awesome” – Jimmy S. (Short sweet and to the point.)

“”It was fun.”- Jenny H.

Confirmation Pictures

Third Quarter Article: Confirmation