This week’s contribution is from Mark Dol, Director of Youth Ministry

and Confirmation Services for the Santiam Vicariate

Pastor’s Corner
Building a Quality Program:

Over the past few months many people have questioned and challenged my decision to introduce a more
comprehensive program for Confirmation into the Vicariate. I would like to take this opportunity to share some reasons
behind this decision in hope that you will understand and support our efforts and those of the youth of our Parishes who
are both making and will make this most important journey of faith.

The first question I posed was, “What are we aiming to achieve through our Confirmation Program?” For us in the
Vicariate, one of the most important goals of any formation program is discipleship. Are we helping those participating
in our programs to become quality disciples of Christ? We want to see quality disciples for life, those with a hunger for
ongoing formation. Secondly, I asked, "Are we establishing a quality program, in content and in presentation, or are we
just trying to meet the bare minimal requirement?” Finally, “Do we believe that being part of a formation program is so
important that it is worth sacrificing time and other things in order to allow our lives to be molded and formed?”

As I evaluated my first year of Confirmation formation at the end of last year’s program, I asked myself the above three
questions. I realized that although I did the best I could in the given circumstances of my first year of service here in the
Santiam Vicariate, there was much room for improvement. If we say that Confirmation is one of the most important
sacraments for our lives and that our relationship with Christ in the Holy Spirit is foundational for our existence, but
then turn around and offer a course that merely meets the bare minimal requirements, what message are we giving?
We are not deeming the sacrament very important.

At the end of last year’s Confirmation Formation Program, I felt that there was still so much to give to our youth to
prepare them for this most important sacrament. I want the youth and their parents, sponsors and families to know that
we believe that the Sacrament of Confirmation is important. Because it is so important, from our side we will do and
give the very best we can so that our youth have an excellent opportunity to be formed and ready to receive all that God
wants to give them. It is our desire to see that the youths of our Vicariate have hearts of quality disciples. We want
Confirmation to truly be an entrance into full membership in the Church for them, not the final mandatory element
before they leave the Church.

It is with this in mind that we have implemented this fully-comprehensive Confirmation program that requires
candidates to meet weekly throughout the school year. This current program allows us to have continuity and a sense of
community, giving us the opportunity to meet and build relationship with each other. The required attendance helps
them to know that this is serious, and like sports, drama, and other commitments, our faith and our desire to grow in
Christ takes personal sacrifice and dedication. Yes it necessitates work, yes it is a sacrifice, yes we must make choices,
but isn’t that how it is with all things in life? The bottom line is this: what is most important to you? Where is your heart
and for what will you make sacrifices?

I enjoy using the present program we follow. I see results in the development and openness of the Candidates, and I
love the parental participation. I think we have made a big step forward since last year. I am tough on the candidates
and I do expect a lot from them, but they are becoming full members of the Church and they need to understand what
this truly means. We have 50 Candidates this year from our four Vicariate Parishes. Please pray for them, and help us
support them as they make this very important journey of faith.

May God bless you all richly,