As a way of ensuring your student does not fall behind due to absences, we have created an online program that will allow your student to make-up a maximum of three missed classes. Please note: this is not intended to replace in-person learning. Before you make-up a class please contact the office to ensure this option is available for your student.
These lessons include a parent portion and parents are encouraged to work with their students at home. Every lesson will include a parent handout with questions that must be by you and the student for your student to get credit.
Online Video Lesson Instructions
Session One
Step 1: Watch the video by clicking the image:
Step 2: Discuss the video with your parents at home and answer the follow-up small group questions in the parent guide.
First Reconciliation Parent Video hosted by Nancy Keegan
A Child’s First Penance – Informational Video
Is My Child Ready?
How do I know if my child is ready to prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation? Consider these general guidelines to determine if your child is ready to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation:
My child knows when he or she has done something wrong.
My child shows sorrow for wrongdoing and seeks forgiveness.
My child is beginning to acknowledge the consequences of his or her actions.
My child knows that God loves each of us and forgives us when we sin.
What is the most important thing I can do to help prepare my child to celebrate First Reconciliation? Every time we teach a child to understand the difference between right and wrong, we are helping form his or her moral conscience. Every time we explain the difference between loving and unloving actions, we are preparing our children to choose that which is good. Each time we forgive or ask forgiveness of others, we help our children trust God’s mercy and forgiveness. In ordinary family life, such opportunities occur almost every day.
How can I help my child realize the importance of this time of preparation for the sacraments? Make a commitment to participate fully in all the elements of sacramental preparation that we offer. Ask other family members to take part as well. The special one-on-one time that you will spend with your child on this journey results in a life time of grace for your child (and you!). It also speaks to your child of the importance you place on his or her faith development.
Our first Confirmation classes are scheduled for either Monday, September 20th or Tuesday, September 21st depending on the day you signed up. These classes are scheduled for in person sessions starting at 7:00pm and will end at 8:30pm. Due to the current Covid protocols all students must wear a mask and sanitize before participating. If you student is feeling sick, please have them stay home. We will not be offering an online learning option this year, but will have online lessons available upon request for students who miss a class and would like to make it up.
Remind Text Message Sign Up
STUDENTS:
For those returning to Confirmation, please sign up for our Remind messages. This is our primary form of communication with students. So if you want updates about classes, special events, or any other information about Confirmation then make sure to sign up.
PARENTS:
St. Margaret Mary’s confirmation program will be using TEXT MESSAGES to send you important information about your child’s activities and events throughout the year. This is our main form of communication to our parents, so please ensure you sign up today.
Orientation
Our parent orientation was scheduled for Sunday, September 12th at 7:00pm in the teen center, but because of Covid and the Diocesan policy to keep gatherings small we have decided to offer the parent orientation online only. This does not affect our in person learning for the students. Students will still gather in person at the scheduled dates and times since we are able to offer the reduced class sizes and practice our new safety measures. Thank you for your understanding.
Day 1: Our first day of retreat is scheduled for Saturday, December 11th at the Santiago retreat center in Silverado, CA. We will depart the church by bus at 7:30am on Saturday. All students should arrive by 7:15am. Please make sure to eat breakfast before your arrival as food will only be provided for lunch and dinner at the retreat site. The busses will return on Saturday, December 11th at 10:45pm. Please be ready to pick up your teen at this time.
Day 2: To complete our retreat, we are asking students to return to St. Margaret Mary on Sunday, December 12th at 4:45pm for the 5:00pm evening Mass at our parish. After Mass we will conclude the retreat with dinner and activities in the youth center. The retreat will officially end at 8:00pm on Sunday, December 12th.
Permission Slip:
Please follow the instructions via the link to fill out the camps online permission slip.
Turn in your permission slip with cash or check for $100 to the religious education department before Tuesday, November 30th, 2021.
Please note: If you have already paid in full and it is more than our new price, then we will credit your account for next year’s registration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are parents required to do anything? (PLEASE READ)
Yes, we ask every parent to bring a snack for a small group of 6-8 people. Also, we ask parents to write a letter of encouragement to their teen. This can be a card or letter sharing your love for your teen. Lastly, on the day of departure we ask all parents to stay for a brief prayer session in the Sacred Heart building before the teens leave.
What students should bring:
Students, please dress warmly, include a jacket and warm clothes. We will be indoors and outdoors with the option to play sports, so an extra pair of shoes or athletic clothing might be useful. We are also asking students to bring snacks that can feed up to 5 people. This snack will be collected by the food team when the teen is dropped off and will be handed out during the retreat.
What students should not bring:
Mp3 players, cell phones, video games, DVD players, electronic devices. (We can make it through a day without this stuff). Actually we want to make sure we all get a chance to get to know each other on the bus and during the retreat. Don’t worry; music will be a big part of our weekend!
What are the dates?
Second Year Confirmation Students: Retreat Dates (December 11th and 12th 2021)
Do I have to go on a retreat?
Yes, the church considers it to be a vital part of the overall confirmation process. Plus, it is a very wonderful experience that will have a positive effect on the students who attend. In addition, it is a requirement of the diocese, so all students are encouraged to attend.
Less than 24 hours?
Yes, because of Covid, our retreat this year will be divided into two separate days with no overnight accomodations. We will depart Saturday, December 11th, return home and then ask students to return on Sunday, December 12th for the 5pm Mass and closing activities in the youth center until 8:00pm. Please consider this a very important experience for your teen. We ask students to attend the whole retreat, with no late arrivals, early departures, or leaving during portions of it. This is a process that builds upon each moment from arrival to departure, and this format is gives the best opportunity for your teen to grow in their faith.
What is the retreat center like?
Santiago retreat center is designed specifically for teen retreats. There is an open activity area, an outside field, a cafeteria, a conference room and a chapel. The safety of the students is a top priority.
What do we do?
The retreat is a highly structured process of active learning experiences, large and small group discussions, ice breakers, Mass, and individual time to think about our connection to God. We will focus on receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation and what that means for our lives. It will be an exciting and fun experience.
What happens if I absolutely can’t attend?
If these dates absolutely cannot be worked out, please talk with Joe, the confirmation coordinator, about attending another retreat weekend with another parish. Please do this as early as possible in the year because the student will still be required to attend a retreat.
What should I write in the parent letter?
Parents or guardians, in addition to siblings or close loved ones, are encouraged to write a letter of love, support and affirmation for your teen who is attending the retreat. In our busy lives it is easy to overlook the necessity of telling children how much we care for them. This letter will be given to them at retreat and it plays a large part of the retreat experience. This letter is often the highlight of their weekend. Please ensure that we receive this letter no later than November 30, 2021. All letters can be dropped off at the religious education department.
Welcome! We are excited about your son or daughter’s First Eucharist. What an exciting time for your family as you help your child prepare to receive their first Holy Communion. This is such a profound and important step in your child’s faith journey.
First, the religious education office encourages you to be involved. Though each student has a “teacher” or “catechist,” the true catechesis, or “faith sharing” takes place in your home. There are so many opportunities and ways for you to be apart of your child’s faith development this year, especially as we near the reception of the Sacrament.
Some ideas include praying with and for your child, and your family. This is a special year for everyone in the family. Consider lighting a special candle at certain points leading up to and after the special day to pray for your child. Take time to do the activities in the first communion packet, making it a special day with your child, maybe even a special meal to celebrate.
Second, please watch the following videos with your child. This special time of preparation as a family will make a lasting impression and these videos will give you some imagery of what’s to come.
Lastly, know that we are praying for you and are excited to share in this special time with your family. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us and we will do our best to accommodate.
Mine are days that God has numbered I was made to walk with Him Yet I look for worldly treasure And forsake the King of kings But mine is hope in my Redeemer Though I fall, His love is sure For Christ has paid for every failing I am His forevermore
Mine are tears in times of sorrow Darkness not yet understood Through the valley I must travel Where I see no earthly good But mine is peace that flows from heaven And the strength in times of need I know my pain will not be wasted Christ completes his work in me
Mine are days here as a stranger Pilgrim on a narrow way One with Christ I will encounter Harm and hatred for His name But mine is armour for this battle Strong enough to last the war And He has said He will deliver Safely to the golden shore (Continue on Back)
And mine are keys to Zion city Where beside the King I walk For there my heart has found its treasure Christ is mine forevermore
Come rejoice now, O my soul For His love is my reward Fear is gone and hope is sure Christ is mine forevermore
Come rejoice now, O my soul For His love is my reward Fear is gone and hope is sure Christ is mine forevermore
Come rejoice now, O my soul For His love is my reward Fear is gone and hope is sure Christ is mine forevermore
And mine are keys to Zion city Where beside the King I walk For there my heart has found its treasure Christ is mine forevermore Christ is mine forevermore Christ is mine forevermore
