We would like to offer a shared framework for the catechetical journey of those with and without disabilities who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is meant to be a common path—in the hope that this unity itself becomes a deep source of growth and communion.
1 - CREATION: Life as God's first gift. Life in constant evolution and growth. I grow from child to adult. From baptism, I grow toward fuller union with the Father (Ps 139; Mt 6:9-13; Mt 7:25-34).
2 - WE ARE CALLED to grow and bear fruit; to choose between good and evil in family, with friends, and in community (Ps 1; Mk 12:28-34; Lk 1:39-45).
3 - THE NEW COVENANT: the gift of the Spirit through baptism (Ps 91; Jer 31:31-34; Mt 3:13-17).
4 - TO CELEBRATE WITH JESUS (Ps 131), I must be at peace: reconciliation (Lk 15:11-32; Jn 21:1-14).
5 - THE EUCHARIST (Ps 42). Eating together is a celebration for all. At a banquet, Jesus gives himself to me (Jn 6:1-15). "Do this in memory of me" (Mt 26:26-29). Growing up means sharing and bearing witness (Jn 13:1-20).
6 - Jesus died and rose for us (Ps 23). He returned to the FATHER. He left us his SPIRIT as a gift (Jn 19:28-37; Acts 1:6-11).
7 - We have been called by name to be part of GOD'S PEOPLE (Ps 122) in the Christian community (Lk 24:13-35; Acts 2:42-48).
8 - THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH (Ps 149; Jn 15:1-11; Acts 2:1-13).
9 - At the end of the journey, one session will focus on the liturgical preparation for Confirmation.
The gatherings of catechists, respecting each person's pace and needs, might follow this pattern:
1. Welcome.
2. Reading of a Scripture passage (see references in the "framework").
3. Commentary.
4. Silence.
5. Sharing: How do I experience this biblical text in my own life?
6. Silence.
7. Exchange about others' experiences: What struck me in what was shared? How can I apply this to my own life?
8. Spontaneous prayer.
9. Closing.
Sessions with friends and young people with disabilities might instead follow this pattern:
1. Opening song.
2. Around the Word (see references in the "framework"): varied activities.
3. Connection to our own lives.
4. Learning prayer and silence.
5. Closing song.
These are modest suggestions. What matters most is finding the right channel of communication with each young person. This search may be the hardest part of the work.
How we communicate will differ from person to person. We must find what works. For this reason, talking with parents—who know their child's way of communicating and what captures their interest—is invaluable. We might use drawing, painting, collage, music, dance, gesture, audio-visual materials, and more. It will benefit everyone to show parents what the young person created during the catechesis session with their companion.
It is crucial that the young person understands they are taking part in something set apart from ordinary life, something that goes beyond the joy of meeting friends. To support this, we can create a "special corner" in the catechesis space—a place with a statue, an icon, a candle, a sacred sign—that gradually becomes a space of quiet prayer as the sessions unfold.
When it is hard to establish contact or communication with a young person preparing for Confirmation, the presence of parents becomes essential. Both their growth in faith and that of the companions will involve the young person. The sacramental responsibility becomes, in these cases even more than others, the community's.
For the work to be continuous and faith's power to be shared more fully by all, a weekly gathering is strongly encouraged.
To lighten this task, when possible, it helps to gather several companions around one family.
For teaching prayer and silence, the catechists themselves need a personal practice of these. Their inner silence and their listening to God in his Word will be the most lived and tangible sign of God's presence for the young person.
Paul Gilbert, Spiritual Assistant, Fede e Luce Rome, 1995