Confirmation Class – 2010/2011

 

Purpose Statement

 

Confirmation instruction is a two year course of study for the purpose of teaching the 6 Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine as presented in Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation © 1986/1991, Concordia Publishing House.  The goal of such instruction is to prepare the catechumen for full participation in the life of the congregation.  This means the catechumen, after meeting the expectations of the congregation, will be admitted to the altar of God to receive the body and blood of the Lord.

 

Parents are to take an active part in the training of their children in the Christian faith and doctrines.  At the beginning of each section of the catechism, Dr. Martin Luther writes these words:

 

            “As the Head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.”

 

St. Paul wrote these words concerning the training of children in the Word of God.

 

            “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”   Ephesians 6:4

 

The Church assists the parents by providing worship services, Sunday school classes, and midweek Catechism instruction.  It is the parents’ responsibility to see that their children are present for these opportunities on a weekly basis.  Such opportunities will benefit the child of God by strengthening their faith in Christ, by reinforcing what is taught, by giving guidance for day to day life experiences, and by encouraging a life that will become rich in works of faith.

 

Confirmation is a privilege which allows the catechumen to participate in the Lord’s Supper.  There are certain expectations that are to be met by the parents and the students.  Attendance at worship, Sunday school and Confirmation classes is expected.   Memory work, demonstration of understanding the 6 Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine at public examination, and formal acceptance of the doctrines of the Christian Church in a Confirmation Worship Service are the basic requirements of this Church Rite.  Fulfillment of such expectations shows to the congregation that the catechumen understands the weightiness of the responsibilities of the Christian faith.

 

Course Requirements

 

Supply List

 

            Bible

 

            Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation, © 1986/1991 Concordia Publishing House

 

            pen or pencil

 

 

Catechetical Helps Work Book  provided

 

            Parents are to help their catechumen to prepare the assigned lesson/lessons each week before coming to class.  A schedule listing the lessons for each week is provided for parents and catechumens.  The catechumens are always permitted to work ahead.

 

Catechetical Helps: Revised and Expanded; Kurth, Wagener and Rathmann, CPH © 1997

 

Memory Work

 

            Memory work is required each week, beginning with the first class period.  Parents are to see that their catechumen is well prepared to recite the assigned memory work each week.  Catechumens are always permitted to work ahead.

 

Examination Day Questions (see attached schedule)

 

            These are the 75 questions the catechumen will be asked on the day of Public Examination.  Each catechumen will prepare their answers as scheduled.  Their answers will be reviewed each week in preparation for public examination.  The catechumen may also to make a set of 75 file cards with the exam question on one side and the answer on the opposite side to aid in memorization.

 

Sermon Summaries

 

            Catechumens are to fill out a Sermon Summary each week.  There will be a sheet provided for this assignment.  It will be available on the table under the mailboxes.  The catechumen will answer each question with specific information, the parents will sign the form, and the catechumen will turn it in that following Wednesday.

 

Class Schedule

 

            The catechumens will meet with Pastor Schneider each Wednesday beginning with August 18.  Class will run from 3:45 pm to 5:15 pm.  Classes will continue through April, or until all course work is completed.

 

            The classes will generally follow the school calendar.  Holidays that are observed in the school calendar will be reflected in the confirmation class schedule.  If school is cancelled on any Wednesday because of inclement weather, then confirmation class will not meet that Wednesday.  If you are unsure, please call Pastor Schneider 812-476-8707 or 812-480-8205.

 

 

Examination Day – Sunday, April 29, 2012 – 9:15 am

 

Confirmation Day – Sunday, May 3, 2012 – 9:15 am