Confirmation, together with Baptism and Eucharist, form the Sacraments of Initiation. They are intimately connected.
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is "sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
The preparation for the the Sacrament of Confirmation is parish-based, as the parish remains the center of lifelong faith development for Catholics.
As per Diocesan guidelines, it is a two year program for those preparing to receive the sacrament and involves catechesis, service, and more.
Bishop Serratelli approved that, going forward, the Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered to our 8th Grade students, instead of in Grade 10 as in the past.
This year (2019 - 2020) will be a transition year, as we will be preparing 8th, 9th and 10th Grade students at the same time.
{The Sacrament of Confirmation was to be administered by Bishop Serratelli on April 26th at St.Thomas the Apostle - but is postponed due to the Bishop's mandate. Our young parishioners will receive their Confirmation on July 11th and 18th - accompanied by their parents and sponsors only.
Because the preparation for Confirmation is a two-year process, all students who are to be confirmed must attend at least two consecutive years of instruction. For example, if a student enrolls in our 8th Grade program, but did not attend Grade 7, then he or she will need a second year of instruction and will receive the Sacrament in 9th grade.
As a condition for Bishop Serratelli’s approval to confirm 8th Grade students, the Bishop has insisted that every student must become an active member of our Parish Youth Group. It is a joint group with, and meets at, Our Lady Queen of Peace. Students in Grade 7 through high school are welcome.
This remains suspended due to COVID 19 restrictions on gatherings.
Bishop Serratelli has approved our request that, going forward, the Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered to our 8th Grade students. This year (2019-20) is a transition year.
For questions on any of this, please speak directly to Mrs. Mary Flexer, D.R.E. or with Father Wayne - pastor.
We encourage any adult who has been Baptized a Catholic and received the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist who wishes to be a fully initiated Catholic to join us in a preparation to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
These preparation sessions are for adults {ages 18 & over} who were baptized Catholic, have received the other Sacraments of Initiation, and for whatever reason have not received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Those who present themselves for the Sacrament will have an initial interview and then will begin preparation to last for 10 sessions
[Were to be confirmed during the Easter Season on May 9th at the 4:30PM Vigil Mass at St. Thomas - until all meetings/ services were suspended. It will be resceguled at a future date TBD].
This preparation is offered free of charge.
The 2020 Confirmation Program for adults has begun with four Candidates participating. All adult parishioners are welcome to join us for the sessions being held at the Religious Education Center directly after St. Thomas' 9:30am Mass.
Please know your participation would be at your comfort level.
The remaining topics and Sunday dates:
- now postponed - TBD once coronavirus mandate is removed
The Creeds, The Father & the Son { Chronology of Christ's life}
The Holy Trinity, The Church, The Communion of Saints
The Bible
Christian Mortality, Conscience, Christian Living
If an adult is asked to serve as a godparent at a Baptism or to be a sponsor for a Confirmation candidate, it is required that they have been confirmed.
Please call the Religious Education Center at 973-948-7004 for any questions you might have, leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
Alex Sousa,
Coordinator for the Adult Confirmation Program