Blessing Application Process & General Information 1/14/13

1 FAQ’S

BLESSING APPLICATION PROCESS & GENERAL INFORMATION 1/14/13

1. If I completed a Blessing application in the past, do I need to begin all over again and complete the new online application on familyfed.org?  Yes, everyone should complete the new online Blessing application. Thereafter, applications should be reviewed and updated on an annual basis. If the HIV and STD tests are over a year old, they will need to be taken again.  The required tests are: HIV I & II, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Herpes II. We understand that Planned Parenthood has a “CDC package” that includes these tests for around $150.  Purity Interviews should be repeated if there are unreported issues to address, or every two years. Any new purity interview should only consist of what has never been reported before in a previous interview for the Blessing.  Re-Blessing candidates should also complete the new online Blessing application.

2. Where can I find the new online Blessing application?  The online application can be found at www.familyfed.org/BFM . Click the logo with the wedding bands.  There is one additional form only for candidates for True Parents’ matching: “Confirmation of Qualification for True Parents’ Matching.”  The online application must be fully completed before you can submit. (Click submit at the end).  When submitted, a copy will go to your District Director, as well as to the Blessed Family Ministry.

3. What if I do not feel comfortable conducting my Purity Interview with the District Pastor?  Each District Pastor is responsible to verify the qualifications for each Blessing candidate, and is therefore responsible for the purity interviews as well. However, if you would prefer to be interviewed by someone of your own gender, or have another understandable and good reason, you can ask the District Pastor to designate an authorized person you feel comfortable with.  The Purity Interview is confidential, and only the last page with the authorizing signatures should be uploaded on your online application. The interview itself, and your responses will remain secured and private at your district BFM, and its content destroyed after you are Blessed.

4. When do I submit my Matching Report?  If couples matched by their parents have never submitted a “Matching Report Form for Blessed Children,” it should be done so immediately. This form can be found at www.familyfed.org/BFM under “Blessing & Matching/ Forms. Submit a copy to your District BFM Rep and email a copy to the Blessed Family Ministry at [email protected] or fax (212) 997-0054. Also, you will need to upload a copy of the Matching Report to your online application.  Ideally you should complete your Purity Interview before finalizing a matching commitment. The interview signature page does not need to be submitted with your Matching Report, but should be included with your online application as described above.

5. What is an equivalent of a 7-day Divine Principle education? The following can be considered as equivalent of 7-day DP education:  Full 3-day Original Divine Principal Workshop (not abbreviated).  40-Day Cheong Pyeong Workshop, with full cycle of Divine Principle from beginning to end.  One year on STF, NGA (Next Generation Academy) or OLT (Oceanic Leadership Training).  Obtain DP Series DVDs from National BFM, and study fully with parents or mentor.  If the above are impossible, reading and discussing the DP from beginning to end with parents or mentor can be substituted with permission. 2 6. Which HIV and STD tests are required?  Candidates should obtain the STD tests recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) , which include HIV I & II, Chlamydia, Herpes II and Gonorrhea. These tests can all be taken in one test called the "CDC Package", which is more economical at Planned Parenthood.

7. Is the 7-day fast condition still required for 2 nd Generation?  Candidates for True Parents’ match should complete this condition absolutely. True Parents strongly suggest that the 7-day fast be completed by all Blessed Children, not for indemnity but for a sincere investment to receive the eternal value of the Blessing. If a 7-day fast is difficult because of health problems or a heavy schedule at work or school, the following are some alternatives:  A 3-day fast, followed by a 4-day fast.  A 21-day breakfast fast (12:00 midnight to 12:00 noon) . For other alternatives, please contact the Blessed Family Ministry at [email protected].

8. What is the Blessing Workshop certificate requirement? A Level 3 Blessing Workshop must have been attended within the previous 2 years. In preparation for the February 2013 Blessing, two Level 3 workshops were scheduled, one on the East Coast and one in the West coast:  December 28-30, 2012, at the UTS Training Center in Barrytown, NY.  January 19-21, 2013 at the Bay Area Family Church in San Leandro, CA.

9. Is there a payment plan for the Blessing donation fee? No. This expression of gratitude from your family and lineage should be prepared prior to and during the matching process, and must be paid fully before the Blessing. A portion of your offering is used to cover the costs of the event, your lodging and meals. The remainder is offered to True Parents:  $2,000 donation fee  $1,500 if you travel to Korea.  The fee for Re-Blessing candidates who paid their original Blessing fee in full is: $500 if you attend the Blessing ceremony in the USA. $600 if you attend the Blessing ceremony in Korea (the additional $100 is to help cover your meals, lodging and transportation in Korea).  If there is a balance from a previous Blessing, it must also be paid in full.

10. Where can I purchase my Blessing ring?  At HSA-UWC Japanese Publications, 4 West 43rd St. NY, NY 10036. To order your size: TEL (212) 302-6216 , FAX (212) 764-5160 Because the value of gold has risen, the approximate cost is $450 for men and $400 for women.  If you travel to Korea, 14K gold official Blessing rings with a diamond embedded will be available for purchase at approximately $445 each for men and women.

11. What if I cannot afford to purchase a Blessing ring before the Blessing?  If you travel to Korea, the Cheong Pyeong store & church gift shop sells metal rings for about $10.00.  You can buy an inexpensive symbolic ring and later buy the official Blessing ring.

12. What is the Blessing attire?  Brides: White wedding dress  Brides: Bouquets, veils, flowers will be provided at the national Blessing Ceremony & Korea  Grooms: Dark suit (blue or black), white shirt, red tie.