We offer a shared framework for catechetical formation suited to both friends and young people with disabilities preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a common journey, one we trust will deepen growth and fellowship for everyone involved.
- CREATION: life as God's first gift. Life in constant evolution and growth. From childhood to adulthood. Since baptism, I grow toward fuller union with the Father (Ps 139; Mt 6:9-13; Mt 7:25-34).
- 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).
- THE NEW COVENANT: the gift of the Spirit through baptism (Ps 91; Jer 31:31-34; Mt 3:13-17).
- TO CELEBRATE WITH JESUS (Ps 131), I must be at peace: reconciliation (Lk 15:11-32; Jn 21:1-14).
- THE EUCHARIST (Ps 42). Eating together is a feast for all. At the table, Jesus gives himself to me (Jn 6:1-15). "Do this in remembrance of me" (Mt 26:26-29).
Growing up means sharing and witnessing (Jn 13:1-20). - 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).
- We have been called by name to become part of GOD'S PEOPLE (Ps 122) in the Christian community (Lk 24:13-35; Acts 2:42-48).
- THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH (Ps 149; Jn 15:1-11; Acts 2:1-13).
- At the end of this journey, one meeting will focus on the liturgical preparation for Confirmation.
Structuring a Session
Catechists, respecting each person's pace and needs, might structure their work like this:
- Welcome.
- Reading from Scripture (see references in the outline above).
- Reflection.
- Silence.
- Sharing: How do I experience this biblical text in my own life?
- Silence.
- Exchange: What struck me in what others shared? How does this reflection apply to my life?
- Spontaneous prayer.
- Closing.
Sessions with friends and young people with disabilities might follow a different structure:
- Opening song.
- Around the Word (see references in the outline): differentiated activities.
- Connection to personal life.
- Training in prayer and silence.
- Closing song.
These are small suggestions. Finding the right way to communicate with each young person will be crucial—and often the hardest part of the work. Every person is different, and every person needs a channel suited to them. Parents know best how their child communicates and what captures their interest, so check in with them regularly. You might use drawing, painting, collage, music, movement, gesture, audio-visual materials, and more. Show parents the work their child creates during catechesis; they will treasure it.
It is essential that the young person grasps that this is different from daily life, that it reaches beyond the simple joy of meeting friends. Consider creating a "sacred corner" in your meeting space—a place for a statue, an icon, a candle, or another sign of the holy. As sessions continue, this space will become increasingly a place of stillness and gathering.
For young people with whom direct communication is difficult, parental presence becomes vital. Their own growth in faith, and that of their companions, will support the young person's participation. The sacramental responsibility will rest more than ever on the whole community.
Weekly meetings help sustain momentum and allow faith to take deeper root in everyone.
To lighten the load, gather several companions around one family when you can.
For training in prayer and silence, the catechists themselves must practice it. Their interior stillness and their listening to God in his Word will be the most lived and tangible sign of God's presence that the young person receives.
Fr. Paul Gilbert, 1996
Spiritual Adviser, Fede e Luce Roma