Confirmation
(8th grade)
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Children preparing to receive Confirmation at St. Paul Parish must be enrolled in PREP, attend St. Paul School, or another local Catholic school. Our parish asks that students complete the 6th–8th grade curriculum before receiving the sacrament to ensure a strong foundation in the faith.
Like all parishes in the Diocese of Trenton, we follow a two-year preparation process during 7th and 8th grade. Students should have a 6th-grade level understanding of the Catholic faith before beginning, so they can fully engage with the lessons and discussions that lead to receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Preparation begins in 7th grade with weekly sessions and continues through 8th grade, in addition to regular catechesis. The curriculum we use is Decision Point by Dynamic Catholic. Our youth ministry format makes the experience engaging and meaningful, encouraging students to grow in faith and respond to God’s grace.
If your child has been away from religious education for a year or more, we will work with you to determine the best placement and get them back on track for the Confirmation journey.
SPY 4:12
As part of their preparation, students will also participate in SPY 4:12 Group sessions held outside the classroom. These sessions not only enhance the Confirmation process but also help teens to transition into our parish youth ministry following the celebration of the sacrament. SPY 4:12 meets on the fourth Saturday or Sunday of each month from October thru May. With a focus on evangelization and mission, the combination of Decision Point and SPY 4:12 equips teens to be strengthened by the Holy Spirit at Confirmation and empowered to live as disciples well into adulthood. By the time they are confirmed, young people are expected to give witness to what it means to live faithfully as Catholics.We encourage all families and sponsors to journey alongside their Confirmation candidates during these two years by reviewing and sharing the online resources provided by Dynamic Catholic.
Acts of Faith
All children will be required to participate in Acts of Faith. On September 21, Catechetical Sunday, they will receive a journal to guide them in becoming more involved in the Eucharist, their parish and faith community, and service to others.
Children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation are asked to complete 15 Acts of Faith. Families will have the flexibility to choose the opportunities that best fit their schedule and gifts.
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2025-2026 calendar*
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*Will be updated for 2025-2026 soon!
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Name and Sponsor Selection
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Sponsor for Confirmation
We ask that Candidates choose their sponsor by October, and that all forms must be completed online by the deadline provided for each grade level. To ensure a place as a sponsor, two items must be completed:
- The Candidate and their family must complete the required form.
- If the sponsor is not registered at St. Paul Parish, they must request a Letter of Eligibility from their home parish.
Please note the following:- Eligibility requirements for sponsors are listed below. Siblings who meet the requirements may serve as a sponsor; Parents may not.
- If a sponsor is unable to attend the Confirmation Celebration, a proxy sponsor may be chosen. The same eligibility requirements apply to the proxy. If a proxy is necessary, please contact Jaime directly [email protected]
Requirements for Sponsors:
According to Canon Laws (cc. 872-874, 893:1), sponsors for the sacrament of Confirmation must be:- 16 years of age or older
- Fully initiated Catholic (having received Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist)
- Leading a life in conformity with the faith and the role of a sponsor
- Not bound by a canonical penalty (e.g., invalid marriage)
- Not a parent of the one to be confirmed
Additionally, the sponsor may be:
- The same as the sponsor (or godparent) for Baptism
- Male or female (i.e., female candidates may have male sponsors; male candidates may have female sponsors)
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Confirmation Name
Here are some details about the choice of a name for Confirmation.
- May retain baptismal name or choose new name (Diocese of Trenton. Parish Religious Education Administration Manual, Section 507:A. rev. 2012).
- New name must be name of a recognized saint of the Church (Diocese of Trenton. Parish Religious Education Administration Manual, Section 507:A. rev. 2012).
- Newly chosen name does not need to be gender consistent (Diocese of Trenton. Parish Religious Education Administration Manual, Section 507:C. rev. 2012).
Please note: Candidates choose ONE name for Confirmation. For example:My name is Kaitlyn Christine. When I was confirmed, I took the name Rose. I was confirmed as "Rose" (not "Kaitlyn Rose"). Had I chosen to retain my baptismal name, I would need to specify whether I would use "Kaitlyn" OR "Christine" as my Confirmation name. There is only one Confirmation name. When candidates receive their confirmation certificate, it will have their first name, confirmation name (if different than their first name), and last name.
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