Just as Baptism gives new life, Eucharist nourishes life, and Reconciliation restores life when it is broken, Confirmation strengthens that life by the gifts of the Holy Spirit (cf. CCC 1285). It is about strengthening what God has given, and continues to give, to his sons and daughters (cf. CCC 1302-1303).

Preparing students for the Sacrament of Confirmation involves a true partnership among the young person, their family, the catechists, our parishioners, and parish staff.

In the first year of preparation or PHASE 1, the foundations of faith formation are presented in 
a small group setting with an emphasis on Church History, Prayer, Sacraments, and an ongoing 
exploration of the Sacred Scripture.

In the second year of preparation or PHASE 2, students strengthen their faith by diving deeper into our Catholic teachings and traditions.  Emphasis is placed on a more mature exploration of sacred scripture and the sacrament of Confirmation.  Throughout the year, students are encouraged to develop an understanding of their commitment to the promises made for them at Baptism, and to discern the meaning of Confirmation in their lives today.

We have also developed a special track for any older student, still of high school age, who wants to enter into the preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The students who attend this program are usually ones that have made a decision to wait to be confirmed or who have been away from the church and religious education for a while.  If you or your child meet this criterion, please contact our Youth Minister, Mike Peterson, so that he may guide you through the process.

• A Christian (preferably Roman Catholic) Baptismal certificate
• Family must be registered in St Anthony of Padua parish
• Student must attend religious education sessions - home schooling is not an      option as Confirmation is a sacrament of community
• Full participation in the preparation process - class, service, retreat, mass

• Completed registration forms for the Confirmation sacramental program
• Completion of a 2 year sacramental preparation program  
• Attendance at sacramental prep classes, special sessions & retreats
• Parent participation  
• Completion of 30 hours of community service (per year).
• Completion of a community service reflection worksheet    
• Affirmation of baptismal name or selection of confirmation name
• Completion of Confirmation Name / Saint Reflection report  
• Selection of a Confirmation Sponsor:    
  • Sponsor must be a confirmed Catholic
  • Sponsor must be active in his/her faith and christian life
  • Sponsor can not be the candidate’s parent

•  List of Catholic Saints  

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Questions, please contact the Coordinator of Youth Ministries at (973) 838-0031 ext. 13