For Christian, Charlotte, Hannah, and Mackenzie…
The Methodist Church confirmed me when I was 12. It was a big day, and my sweet friend Mandy gave me a beautiful jar of pot-pourri. She wanted me to remember the sweet grace that was poured out that day. That jar moved with me through high school and college. I remember her thoughtfulness fondly.
In college, I was confirmed into the Catholic Church. I spent months going through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA, now OCIA), learning and unlearning.
I had so many misconceptions about the Catholic Church. At the end of the RCIA classes, I faced a huge decision. Would I embrace the ever-ancient and ever-new beauty of the Catholic Church, or continue my life without the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist?
The decision was simple – painful, but simple. I became Catholic and learn more every day about our beautiful faith.
Since that day, I’ve had the joyful privilege of being a Confirmation Sponsor for a few amazing youth. Every time I am a sponsor, I am encouraged to improve how I support someone during their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
I began with a spiral notebook. I would write letters of encouragement to the candidate for confirmation and invite them to ask questions or thoughts about the confirmation process. They would write back as time permitted and pass the journal back to me. This was such a fun way to show them I was there – like a pen pal for the journey.
I realized I was putting a lot of the burden of asking questions on the candidate for confirmation.
I wanted to create something that was easier and more focused for them. This summer, I finished a printable Confirmation Sponsor Journal for the very special young lady I am walking with right now.
I created a question-and-answer journal to be passed back and forth.
After creating it, I realized others could probably use it as well – so it is a free printable for you to download and print out! (click here)
I hope you enjoy the Confirmation Sponsor Journal and that you find it useful!
You are amazing, Kate. I would love to have it and keep it for when Victoria is ready! Thank you.