We managed to fit a lot of learning into this fun session

We talked about how Confirmation is one of the 3 Sacraments of Initiation along with Baptism and Eucharist and how at our Confirmation we receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

We talked about the symbols of the Holy Spirit and read John 14:15-31 when Jesus promises the Holy Spirit.

We talked about Pentecost and watched a youtube clip about it.

We blew up a balloon and thought that the Holy Spirit is like the air in the balloon – when we are filled with the Holy Spirit we can do lots of amazing things like the disciples did at Pentecost.

In our small groups we learnt about the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit, and received a small gift to represent each one.
Wisdom – the ability to see God in everyone and everything (jetplane)
Understanding – the ability to see from another person’s heart, and comprehend the teachings of the Church (Hershey’s kiss)
Right Judgment – the ability to know right from wrong, help solve problems (pretzel)
Courage – to stick to our faith no matter the obstacles (chewing gum)
Knowledge – the ability to find information and understand the meaning of God (Smarties)
Reverence – the ability to have a deep respect for God and the Church (flower)
Wonder and Awe – the ability to be aware that God is all-powerful, all-loving and be amazed by things in life (popcorn kernel)

We finished with a song about the fruits of the Spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit we produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control, generosity, modesty and chastity. (The last 3 are not in the song based on Galatians 5:22 but are taught by the Catholic Church)

We briefly talked about choosing a confirmation name and Saints and will go into more detail about this next week, as well as explaining the rituals and what happens at the confirmation ceremony.

Choosing a name
When we are confirmed it is a tradition that we get to choose a new name to remind us of this sacrament, it signifies a new stage in our lives. You can choose to keep your Baptismal name or middle name or you may want to choose the name of a Saint who inspires you. You need to learn as much as you can about that Saint as you are asking them to become your patron saint and friend for the rest of your life. Ideas of where to start are to look up Saints with your name, the patron Saint of something you associate with, which Saint has their Feast Day on your birthday?

Here are some links that may be useful.

http://sevendolors.com/news/files/doc_view/34-confirmation-saint-names

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints

In our small groups next week children will have the opportunity to share what their chosen confirmation name will be. In the Belonging Booklet on page A10 is a place they can record this.