So disappointed in confirmation class

[MagicalMerriment]

I just started my confirmation class last night, and I was so very excited about it; I was anticipating to learn a lot, pray, and simply experience fellowship with other Catholics, which I haven't done in a while.

Nine teenagers showed up, and they were so very rowdy. They didn't care what was going on. One talked about how far he had gotten with a girl in a movie theatre recently. They were disrespectful and couldn't stay on the topic of Confirmation, the Bible, and what it means to be a Catholic. I literally went home that night and didn't want to go back. I do want to go through Confirmation, though - just not like that.

Does anyone know if Churches have been known to provide small, private sessions or anything? I don't feel like I'm learning what I'm supposed to be learning in the Confirmation class the way it is.

Thanks in advance
Samantha

 

[Irenaeus]

Dear Samantha,

When I was 13 I had Confirmation Class. My classmates were so cruel to me because I actually wanted to learn I was driven to tears.

I understand what you're going through, and will be praying.

 

[MagicalMerriment]

Dear Samantha,

When I was 13 I had Confirmation Class. My classmates were so cruel to me because I actually wanted to learn I was driven to tears.

I understand what you're going through, and will be praying.

I have yet to see cruelty, but the disrespect to the teacher and the profanity and stories I hear are horrible enough. I'm sorry for what you had to endure; I hope it doesn't get that bad here.

Thank you,
Samantha

 

[Paul S]

Samantha,

Maybe you could ask the teacher or pastor if you could have private classes, and tell them the behaviour in the class was distracting and you won't really be able to learn anything if it continues.

Good to hear that some teenagers are still interested in the Catholic faith.

 

[FullyMT]

There was a girl in my 2nd year confirmation class (we had to go through 2 years of Catechetical Confirmation classes) who didn't know that Satan was real. That ended up to be an interesting evening. Most of our classes had to do with social justice, which was always fun, although there was always about 2 or 3 kids per class who were disruptive. I can't think of any of my classmates who didn't end up receiving the sacrament, but I can think of a few who stopped going to Mass afterwards. Talk to the religious ed director and see what can happen. Pray for the other kids

 

[Metanoia02]

Samantha,

I am sure it must be difficult when you are the only one who really wants to learn, especially in Confirmation class.

I hope I don't sound too much like an adult here, but understand that you will be dealing with people like this the rest of your life. People who do not care about the important things you are interested. You will find rude people in Church who would rather talk to the person next to them instead of listening to the homily. It can be very hard on someone who is trying to learn the faith. I know it happened to me when I converted a few years ago. I thought everyone had the same reverence and and love for God that I did. Well I was wrong and it was very disheartening. Still to this day I am easily distracted by those who seem to think Mass is a social function where they can caught up on the latest gossip.

God has placed you in a particular place and time. He will make sure that you will be cared for spiritually cared for if that is your hearts desire. Let go of those things that tend to distract you for Christ and grab hold of Him. After all that is all that matter, in the end.

 

[Dream]

My Confirmation program was just awful. We really didn't learn anything.

I thank God that I have a father who is very knowledgeable about the Catholic Church.

 

[epiclesis]

Mine was horrible. Absolutely horrible. I was in a group of about 20. They hardly acted Catholic and really didn't know anything at all.
At one of the classes, this guy was like "well i think Mass is too long. ditch the music, and the collection, and have a box at the door on the way out"... i wish i was as outspoken then as i am now, i would have said something.
the deacon always picked on me. he knew i had a religion course, and already knew some stuff... and he always came up with weird questions, and cornered me by asking me these question, i, nor anyone else, had any clue the answer... to the point i was about to cry... being centered on for a question.. like 5 times during the night... i hated it.

I knew just as much before the classes as i do now.. they really didn't teach anything at all, and it was never good preparation for confirmation... it didnt help me in any way...

 

[geocajun]

I just started my confirmation class last night, and I was so very excited about it; I was anticipating to learn a lot, pray, and simply experience fellowship with other Catholics, which I haven't done in a while.

Nine teenagers showed up, and they were so very rowdy. They didn't care what was going on. One talked about how far he had gotten with a girl in a movie theatre recently. They were disrespectful and couldn't stay on the topic of Confirmation, the Bible, and what it means to be a Catholic. I literally went home that night and didn't want to go back. I do want to go through Confirmation, though - just not like that.

Does anyone know if Churches have been known to provide small, private sessions or anything? I don't feel like I'm learning what I'm supposed to be learning in the Confirmation class the way it is.

Thanks in advance
Samantha

Samantha, sorry to hear about that
I teach the Confirmation classes at my parish, and the class is 25 students strong this year, and uses just common Catholic prayers, the Bible and Catechism for materials.
I can send you [and anyone else interested] our program syllabus if you PM me your email address. It could be that your confirmation teacher simply does not have a good system, and it could help if you were to give a copy of it to them as an example.
Also, it wouldn't hurt to ask for a one on one session, but don't take it personally if you do not get it; your teacher may be overwhelmed as it is, and not have the time.

 

[krstlros]

Dear Samantha:

I am glad to hear you started your road to becoming a full fledged initiated member of the Catholic Church. It's really nice to see young people enthusiastic about learning about their faith.

That being said, I understand what you are saying. As a former first year Confirmation teacher, I know what it's like to have disruptive people in a class you really want people to learn and grow in. Bear in mind, that not all of your peers are coming from the same place where you are in your faith life. And, believe it or not, a lot of them come to the program being "forced" by their parents to attend and not becaue they want to, which can add to the rebellion in class.

Be patient. Remember, it's only the beginning of the journey. Things may change as they always do.

Also, speak to your teacher about your frustrations because I know they probably feel the same way. It's not easy being in a class where you feel the teacher and others who want to be there the respect they deserve.

Pray for your teachers, for yourself, and especially for your classmates that the Spirit of God enters into their journey.

 

[MagicalMerriment]

Thank you all so much - I'm sure I'll continue to need words of encouragement along the way when the classes are particularly horrible.

Someone said God put me in this place and time for a reason - I hadn't thought of that, though I see that I should have. He put me here, and He'll carry me through.

It makes me feel much better to know I'm not the only one who's had this experience. Thank you all - this really helps more than you know.

 

[Irenaeus]

The funny thing about talking about social justice is that a lot of people want to talk about the "Social gospel", but not the gospel of the salvation of man.

Few know that today in the nominal Western Church.

 

[Machiavelli]

In my opinion, there is no gospel without social justice, and no social justice without the gospel. The two are inextricably linked.

Just my thoughts ...

 

[mheffernen5]

Dear Samantha,

I read your letter. Some people just don't really act their age when they're suppose to. If this problem persists, talk to your parish youth minister and maybe they can help you get through the confirmation process.

Good luck

 

[geocajun]

In my opinion, there is no gospel without social justice, and no social justice without the gospel. The two are inextricably linked.

Just my thoughts ...

Hi Machiavelli,
Our concept of social justice flows from the Gospel, not the other way around.

 

[Victrixa]

Samantha,

I'm really sorry about this.

It's really sad to hear about those teenagers' behaviour in Confirmation Class and that they were forced to attend. May the Holy Spirit enlighten them as to what they are rejecting. May they discover the Treasure of the Church.

Ste. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, please pray to Jesus for the teenagers who feel obliged to attend their Confirmation Classes. May they learn to love Jesus as you did when you were their age!

 

[princess_ballet]

Maybe those kids are ready for Confirmation? Talk to your priest and maybe they can do something and about getting those kids out of the class if the problem persists.

Sometimes it won't happen because of how much money their parents give to the church (the case with my classes was much like this), but hopefully your problem can be fixed. And please, talk to your teacher. And talk to your priest. Talk to the religious eductaion director (I became good friends with mine and taught Sunday school classes after I was confirmed). They should be able to help. These other kids need discipline.

 

[AveMaria]

I'm so sorry to hear how your confirmation class has been so far! A good friend of mine teaches those classes in my parish, and I know there are times when she is ready to pull her hair out from frustration - I think, were it not for students like you, she would probably be bald by now! So please do know that your enthusiasm and zest for learning is noted and greatly appreciated by your teacher(s)!

I pray that the situation will get better. Perhaps you can set a good example for some of the others?

 

[bigsierra]

Every week, you could ask questions and start a discussion with the teacher about why people would be sent to hell. The fear of hell had a pretty big impact on me at that age.

Then it would end up being more of a "Scared Straight" class. hehe

 

[Carlos Vigil]

I just started my confirmation class last night, and I was so very excited about it; I was anticipating to learn a lot, pray, and simply experience fellowship with other Catholics, which I haven't done in a while.

Nine teenagers showed up, and they were so very rowdy. They didn't care what was going on. One talked about how far he had gotten with a girl in a movie theatre recently. They were disrespectful and couldn't stay on the topic of Confirmation, the Bible, and what it means to be a Catholic. I literally went home that night and didn't want to go back. I do want to go through Confirmation, though - just not like that.

Does anyone know if Churches have been known to provide small, private sessions or anything? I don't feel like I'm learning what I'm supposed to be learning in the Confirmation class the way it is.

Thanks in advance
Samantha

YES !..Samantha,
Where there is a WILL, there is A WAY.

Ask around in your Parish, or other Parishes if necessary...search around for people whom you suspect are Filled with The Holy Spirit.

Every Parish has a few (some have many) Catholics who know The Holy Spirit experientially...some are even "CATECHETICAL CARISMATICS".
Ask them and they will put you in touch with A LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR.

These are seminars taught by Spirit Filled Catholics for Catholics (and others)
who WANT TO BE THERE,
who WANT TO KNOW AND EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT

if you can't succed in your Parish (God forbid), Call the Diocese and ask for "CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC" laison.

Here is a tip on how to detect a Charismatic.

When you see some Catholic who seems to REALLY ENJOY THEIR FAITH, their Love of Christ...ASK THEM;
"are you Charismatic...?"
"are you Spirit filled...?"

Your "DISSAPPOINTMENT" is really ...a blossoming, bearing a
Fruit of The Spirit.

1cor.13:6..."Love does not rejoice with what is wrong...
but rejoices with the TRUTH."

Gal.5:22..."the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace,
patient endurance, kindness, generosity,
faith, modesty, and chastity.
against such there is no law."

You are in my prayers.

Carlos