Please join me in praying for our Confirmation candidates this week as they finish preparing for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop John Noonan next Sunday at the 11:30 a.m. Mass. This week our candidates will be attending their last of their six preparation sessions where we have been breaking open the signs and symbols of the Sacrament of Confirmation. On Saturday morning they will attend a final Morning of Reflection and rehearsal. In most of the dioceses in the United States, this sacrament reflects the maturity of the candidates and their willingness to assume for themselves the faith they have inherited from their families. May our prayers be with them as they continue on their journey of faith. Their gifts and talents are greatly needed by the Church. Let us pray that this sacrament is just the beginning of their walk with the Lord and with us, their brothers and sisters in faith.
May the Holy Spirit enlighten the hearts and minds of these Confirmation candidates, drawing them ever closer to Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
-- Jo Ann Elder
Jo Ann Elder holds a Master’s degree in Religious Education from Loyola University – New Orleans.
 
Last Wednesday Family Faith Formation!!!
Our last evening of the year will take place this Wednesday, May 17 ^th starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Center. Please bring a side dish that goes well with fried chicken OR an ice cream topping!  We will enjoy an evening of outdoor family games, a Classroom Showcase, and celebrating our year together with Ice Cream Sundaes!!!
 
Confirmation Update for All Ages

ADULT Confirmation: If you are a baptized Catholic who never received the Sacrament of Confirmation, this is your last chance to get confirmed this year!!! Bishop Noonan is coming next Sunday on May 21, 2017 at the 11:30 a.m. Mass to confirm all eligible Catholics here at Nativity Catholic Church. If you would like to be confirmed next weekend, please come by the Faith Formation Office with a copy of your certificates of Baptism and First Eucharist (Holy Communion) by Thursday, May 18^th. Our Faith Formation Director, JoAnn Elder, will be happy to meet with you and help you prepare for the reception of this sacrament. You will need a sponsor (a practicing Catholic who has been confirmed, as well) and be able to attend the Rehearsal/Morning of Reflection on Saturday, May 20 ^th at 9:00 a.m.
 
Confirmation of young people currently in Faith Formation:  The final sacramental preparation session for Confirmation is this Monday evening, May 15th, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. In addition, there will be a mandatory Morning of Reflection and Rehearsal for the confirmation candidates and their sponsors or proxies on Saturday May 20^th from 9-11 a.m. in the Parish Center. Any candidates who have missed a session will be asked to stay for a make-up review after the rehearsal. Bishop John Noonan will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation here at Nativity Catholic Church on Sunday, May 21^st at the 11:30 a.m. Mass.
 
Would you like to know more about the Catholic faith? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is an ongoing process of inquiry and formation by those individuals who would like to know more about the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church. If you or someone you know is interested in exploring Catholicism, please contact Jo Ann Elder, the Director of the Faith Formation Office at 407-322-3961 or by email at [email protected].