Our kickoff session was a beautiful gathering with more than a hundred people in attendance with the shared mission of supporting the forty-two Confirmation candidates we have here at Christ the King this year.

We learned about our first ‘golden ticket’ items (my method to highlight important concepts our children will be focusing on) and provided you and your child with ways to discuss together how they can be incorporated into their life.

1. What does being a DISCIPLE mean? Praying, Obeying the laws of God, Witnessing your faith to others, and Serving others

• Please talk with your child about someone in your life who has/had been an example of a disciple and how that has affected your faith.

2. What is a SACRAMENT? An outward sign, instituted by Christ, to give grace.

• Please take some time to pull out a picture and/or talk about your child’s Baptism or First Eucharist and talk about what that day meant for you and what your hopes are for your child as they prepare for Confirmation.

3. What is a MISSIONARY DISCIPLE? One who grows in relationship with God, can share that relationship with others, and helps others find God for themselves.

• Please talk with your child about how they can develop their own missionary discipleship as they prepare for Confirmation and a fuller life with Jesus.

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We will also be incorporating the Spiritual Works of Mercy into our family life outside of our time here for Purpose sessions. See below for this month’s featured activity.

Spiritual Works of Mercy: Pray for the living and the dead

Prayer is a powerful way to support each other. This month we join together in prayer for the living and the dead and entrust our concern and love for those around us to God. It is in this way that we remember our part in the Communion of Saints and strive daily to honor God and continue to be saints in the making.

Ideas for this month’s spiritual work of mercy:

• Dedicate a Mass for someone going through a tough time or someone who has passed away

• Make your own prayer intention book

• Be sure to ask your friends and family members if there’s something they want you to pray for

Our October Purpose session was a dynamic encounter with our candidates and volunteers doing group activities and getting to know each other better as we learned about this week’s golden tickets:

THE THREE PERSONS OF THE TRINITY

• Father
• Son
• Holy Spirit

THE CHURCH AS A SACRAMENT OF SALVATION

• Sign of our communion with God
• Instrument of our communion with God
• Means by which God gives us grace

THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS

• Christ unites all members of the Church on earth, the souls in purgatory, and the saints in heaven to Himself and all to one another

Our Bible Adventure included finding verses in the Bible referring to the persons of the Trinity which led nicely into the beginning of our discussion about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We began with Wisdom and Understanding and talked with our groups about how we encounter them in our lives. How beautiful it is to see the concepts we are learning brought to life through their reflections and experiences!

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Spiritual Works of Mercy: Counseling the Doubtful

Everyone has a time of doubt in their faith journey. Despite that, we should remember that Christ is always with us and turn to Him along the way.

• “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may eventually become wise” (Prov 19:20)
• When someone asks you for advice, respond with a statement oriented toward Christ.
• Let your life be a witness to how to follow Christ, so that others may see the revelation of God’s love in your actions
• Accompany a friend who is struggling with their faith to join a parish group for faith formation or service or bring them or accompany them at Sunday Mass

Our November Purpose session was a fun morning of learning, listening, and fellowship! Our candidates and volunteers did a review game and then jumped into group activities as they continued to develop friendships and learned about this week’s golden tickets.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A SACRAMENT

• Matter
• Form
• Minister

EFFECTS OF HOLY EUCHARIST

• Strengthens our union with Christ
• Increases our ability to love
• Forgives our venial sins
• Unites us to fellow Catholics

EFFECTS OF BAPTISM

• Cleanses us of all sin
• Makes us part of the Church
• Infuses us with theological and moral virtues
• Gives us sanctifying grace

Our Bible Adventure included finding verses in the Bible referring to Baptism and Eucharist. This was followed with a moving presentation of the parts of the Mass, including the Introductory Rite and the Liturgy of the Word. We then moved into a discussion on the next Gift of the Holy Spirit – Counsel – and talked within our groups about how we encounter it in our lives. The Holy Spirit continues to move our candidates and help us all grow in faith and friendship as we continue our journey together.

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Spiritual Works of Mercy: Comforting the sorrowful

During the month of November, we remember those who have gone before us. Be open to listening and comforting those who are dealing with grief over the loss of a loved one. Even if we don’t always know what to say, being present to someone who is grieving can make a big difference.

• Try to listen more intentionally to those going through a tough time.
• Offer to make a meal for a friend who is facing a difficult time.
• Send a card to someone who is going through a tough time.
• A few moments taken out of your day may make a lifetime of difference to someone who needs love and encouragement.

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