Confirmation, together with Baptism and Eucharist, form the Sacraments of Initiation that are all 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.
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 also be an active member of our Parish Youth Group, beginning in Grade 7.
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 begin preparation to last for 10 sessions, and can then be confirmed during the Easter Season.
This Program is offered free of charge.
A Confirmation Program for adults has begun with four Candidates participating. All adult parishioners are welcome to join us for the sessions at the Religious Education Center directly after the 9:30am St. Thomas Mass.
Please know your participation would be at your comfort level.
For future reference the topics and dates are:
Jan. 12 The Sacraments
Feb. 09 The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Feb. 23 Liturgical Calendar, Prayer
March 08 The Mass, Works of Mercy, Precepts of the Church
If an adult is asked to serve as a godparent at a Baptism or to be a sponsor for a Confirmation candidate, they are required to 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.
Patricia Hope and Alex Sousa, Co-Coordinators for the Adult Confirmation Program