Preparing Teens for Confirmation
Leader Manual

The Send Out Your Spirit Leader’s Manual is a comprehensive, user-friendly guide that equips parish leaders to confidently plan and lead an engaging, faith-filled Confirmation preparation program. It offers clear direction, practical strategies, and catechetical support as leaders accompany teens through the core truths of the Catholic faith—within the specific context of preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. In addition to session plans for each of the ten chapters in the Candidate’s Handbook, this manual offers essential guidance and practical tools for effective, parish-based implementation.

 

Key features include the following:

• A detailed introduction that outlines the Church’s instruction on sacramental catechesis, especially initiatory catechesis for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The manual explains how Send Out Your Spirit fully aligns with the expectations set by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Clear descriptions of the roles various members of the parish community play in the Confirmation process, including the pastor, the religious education director, youth ministers, catechists, sponsors, parents, adult volunteers, and the candidates themselves.
• An overview of all program components, with explanations of how each element contributes to a successful and spiritually enriching experience.
• Scope and sequence charts that map out the content of the Candidate’s Handbook.
• A variety of teaching strategies proven effective for engaging adolescents, such as presentations, small and large group discussions, on-the-spot interviews, panel discussions and guest speakers, and community-building activities.
• Practical advice for setting up, preparing for, and leading candidate sessions.
• Guidance on the importance of hosting a retreat for your Confirmation candidates during preparation for the sacrament. 
• Ideas for how to integrate Christian service into the preparation program. 
• Instructions for writing letters to the local bishop, a traditional element of the Confirmation journey.
• Flexible implementation options, including support for both one-year and two-year program models.