"All people are born as originals, but many die as photocopies."

— St Carlo Acutis

Welcome to this Catechist Guide for the journey towards the Sacrament of Confirmation.

To accompany young people towards Confirmation is much more than delivering a programme, teaching lessons or helping candidates reach a particular milestone. It is an opportunity to walk alongside them as they encounter Jesus Christ in a deeper and more personal way. As catechists, you are invited to help them discover who they are, why God created them and how the Holy Spirit wants to guide and strengthen them throughout their lives.

This guide has been prepared to help you accompany the candidates throughout this journey. It provides opportunities for reflection, discussion, prayer, activities and learning, but most importantly, it is intended to help you create opportunities for the candidates to encounter Christ. Your role is not simply to give them information, but to listen to them, encourage them, ask questions, share your faith and help them recognise God's presence in their everyday lives.

The journey begins with a simple but important question: What am I looking for? From there, you will help the candidates explore who Jesus is, what He teaches, and why millions of people throughout history have chosen to follow Him. You will introduce them to the Holy Spirit and the gifts He gives to help us live with courage, wisdom and love. Together, you will explore the Church and the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist, which is at the heart of our Catholic faith.

The life of St Carlo Acutis offers a powerful example for both the candidates and those who accompany them. Carlo showed that holiness is not something distant or impossible. He lived with joy, used his gifts well, loved the Eucharist and remained close to Jesus in everyday life. His challenge to be "originals and not photocopies" reminds us that God created every young person uniquely. He has a purpose for each of their lives that no one else can fulfil.

As catechists, we are called to help candidates recognise their own unique gifts and encourage them to use those gifts in service of God and others. We are not called to make them all the same, but to help each one discover the person God is calling them to become.

Your own witness is an important part of this journey. The candidates will learn not only from what you teach, but from the way you live your faith. You do not need to have every answer. Be willing to ask questions with them, learn with them and allow the Holy Spirit to work through you.

"Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love."