Confirmation/Reaffirmation at CTK is an experiential, reflective and conversational engagement with the Baptismal Covenant of the Episcopal Church. Designed for both teens and adults, the course consists of monthly group dinner sessions paired with asynchronous assignments and projects throughout the month. The goal of this course is to foster a deeper relationship with God and the Church through communion with one another, active participation in worship, and loving service in the wider community.
Course Outline
Session 1: Baptism, Confirmation & the Covenant
Session 2: Teaching, Bread & Prayer
Session 3: Word & Example
Session 4: Repent & Return
Session 5: Seek & Serve
Session 6: Justice, Peace & Dignity
Dates TBD for Diocesan Confirmation/Reception
Confirmation/Reaffirmation Course Overview
Session 4: Repent and Return
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
Evil, sin, repentance. Big, loaded words for many of us. This session is an opportunity to explore some of these terms more deeply, and hopefully create some new meanings around them. For adults especially, it’s important to be in touch with your emotions during this time, and remain gentle and attentive to what comes up for you. When words or phrases pop up that catch your attention, or that you don’t understand, make a note.
To complete before our 1/22 group session:
Learning
Youth
Read My Faith, My Life Chapter 9 (focus on pp. 168-172)
Read the Litany of Penitence from the Ash Wednesday Service, Book of Common Prayer (pp. 267-269)
-Online version: use the side menu to go to Proper Liturgies for Special Days > Ash Wednesday
Adults
Read Your Faith, Your Life pp. 199-202
Read “Sinner, Wretch, and Reprobate” from Kathleen Norris’ Amazing Grace
Read the Litany of Penitence from the Ash Wednesday Service, Book of Common Prayer (pp. 267-269)
-Online version: use the side menu to go to Proper Liturgies for Special Days > Ash Wednesday
Read the Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent (read “Concerning the Rite" first) from the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 446-451)
-Online version: use the side menu to go to Pastoral Offices, then scroll down to Reconciliation of a Penitent
Further Reading/Listening
Listen to “Real Repentance” with Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg on MPR
How the Bible Talks About Sin - The Bible for Normal People Podcast
Worship
Attend (at least) one service this month
Service
Sign up to host coffee hour, read or usher before our next session
Extra Credit
Come to the Epiphany Afternoon Retreat on Saturday, 1/14 from 2-5 p.m.
Attend the Lay Eucharistic Minister Training on Sunday 1/15 at 11 a.m.
Session 3: Word & Example
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
What is “the Good News of God in Christ?”
What does it mean/look like to “proclaim by word and example?”
To complete before our 12/18 group session:
Learning
My Faith, My Life - Youth
Chapter 2 - The Bible: Stories about Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Chapter 3 - Knowing Our History
Your Faith, Your Life - Adults
Chapter 2 - Bible Stories
Chapter 3 - History
Worship
Attend (at least) one service this month
Service
Sign up to host coffee hour, read or usher before our next session
OR
Help set up and serve at the Reveillon Christmas Party on December 4th
Extra Credit
Come to the Advent Contemplative Retreat on Sunday afternoon, December 11th
Session 2: Teaching, Bread & Prayer
Learning
My Faith, My Life - Youth
Chapter 5 - Worship: Responding to God’s Blessings
Chapter 6 - Sacraments: Signs of Grace
Your Faith, Your Life - Adults
Chapter 8 - Worship: Responding to God’s Blessings
Chapter 9 - Sacraments: Symbols of Grace
Extra Credit - Watch some or all of the How2Charist to learn more about the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist
Reflecting
Respond to the reflection questions before the next group session
Add your own questions to the mix
Worship
Attend (at least) one service this month
Service
1 - Reflect on the 5 promises of the Baptismal Covenant
2 - Where in your life did you practice (any of) these promises over the past few weeks?
Come to the 11/13 session prepared to share about this
Session 1: Baptism, Confirmation & the Covenant
Learning:
Chapter 1 - Baptism & Confirmation: Beginnings
Chapter 4 - Faith: What Do We Believe?
Reflecting:
Learn the story of your baptism (if you have one!)