Confirmation
Students must register over the summer and with registration closing on September 5, 2023. Please watch the bulletin for updated information on registration and fees. A calendar of dates will be distributed to all parents.
Children who are preparing for confirmation (8th Grade) meet 2-3 times per month on Sunday mornings during the school year. Parents attend The Family of Faith Parent meetings once a month but not student Confirmation Classes. The following is general information about Confirmation. Updated information including key dates will be provided each year.
For more information, contact stjohnpcl@gmail.com or 732-968-0233
Sponsor requirements and eligibility: A Confirmation Sponsor must 1) be a Baptized, Confirmed practicing Catholic who attends Mass weekly and receives the Eucharist in his/her own parish; 2) be at least 16 years old, and 3) lead a good moral life in keeping with Church teaching and be a good role model for the candidate. Parents are not eligible to be a sponsor for their own child; however in the case of emergency, parents may stand in for the sponsor on Confirmation day. We require TWO different types of Sponsor forms which need to be returned by mail or dropped off at the Parish Office:
Saint (Confirmation) Name and Report: Throughout salvation history, when God assigned a special task to someone, he gave them a new name in light of that mission. Each candidate should choose a Confirmation name by selecting the name of a recognized saint who inspires the candidate. Alternatively, candidates may also choose their Baptismal name. Each candidate must write and submit a typed report (100 words in length) about the saint. Candidates should answer the question: Why did I choose this saint? For a list of more than 2,000 saints, visit Catholic Online. The report will be due in early November.
Liturgical Ministers: Candidates will serve in different ministry roles as assigned by their catechist (Readers, Ushers, Choir, Gift Bearers, Food Collection, etc.) at a 10:30 AM Mass in January. Rehearsal for ministry roles will take place in November at the beginning of a class in the church.
Confirmation Stewardship Projects: Candidates and their families will work on Stewardship project of their choosing. Candidates may work together. The project will follow the Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy as a guide.
Confirmation Retreat: “Wake Up....you’ve gotta plug into His power!” is a retreat that is directed to enrich the candidate's awareness of the Holy Spirit in a personal way. With fun activities and in-depth talks they can see how God is calling them to build the church. The retreat is held for candidates must attend with their sponsors or a sponsor representative. More information will be provided at a later date.
Family Life: A special guest speaker will be used to address this.
Confirmation Day:
Children who are preparing for confirmation (8th Grade) meet 2-3 times per month on Sunday mornings during the school year. Parents attend The Family of Faith Parent meetings once a month but not student Confirmation Classes. The following is general information about Confirmation. Updated information including key dates will be provided each year.
For more information, contact stjohnpcl@gmail.com or 732-968-0233
Sponsor requirements and eligibility: A Confirmation Sponsor must 1) be a Baptized, Confirmed practicing Catholic who attends Mass weekly and receives the Eucharist in his/her own parish; 2) be at least 16 years old, and 3) lead a good moral life in keeping with Church teaching and be a good role model for the candidate. Parents are not eligible to be a sponsor for their own child; however in the case of emergency, parents may stand in for the sponsor on Confirmation day. We require TWO different types of Sponsor forms which need to be returned by mail or dropped off at the Parish Office:
- Sponsor Information Form: This is completed and returned by the candidate by September 30.
- Sponsor Certificate of Eligibility: Sponsors are to contact their own parish, including St. John’s, to get this form. This is a standard procedure and form in the Catholic Church. To prevent confusion in our office, please be sure the sponsor includes the candidate's name on the form. The form will be due November 30.
Saint (Confirmation) Name and Report: Throughout salvation history, when God assigned a special task to someone, he gave them a new name in light of that mission. Each candidate should choose a Confirmation name by selecting the name of a recognized saint who inspires the candidate. Alternatively, candidates may also choose their Baptismal name. Each candidate must write and submit a typed report (100 words in length) about the saint. Candidates should answer the question: Why did I choose this saint? For a list of more than 2,000 saints, visit Catholic Online. The report will be due in early November.
Liturgical Ministers: Candidates will serve in different ministry roles as assigned by their catechist (Readers, Ushers, Choir, Gift Bearers, Food Collection, etc.) at a 10:30 AM Mass in January. Rehearsal for ministry roles will take place in November at the beginning of a class in the church.
Confirmation Stewardship Projects: Candidates and their families will work on Stewardship project of their choosing. Candidates may work together. The project will follow the Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy as a guide.
Confirmation Retreat: “Wake Up....you’ve gotta plug into His power!” is a retreat that is directed to enrich the candidate's awareness of the Holy Spirit in a personal way. With fun activities and in-depth talks they can see how God is calling them to build the church. The retreat is held for candidates must attend with their sponsors or a sponsor representative. More information will be provided at a later date.
Family Life: A special guest speaker will be used to address this.
Confirmation Day:
- Arrival time: candidates and sponsors should arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of Mass and meet in the Auditorium to check in, receive last minute instructions and be lined up for procession into the Church.
- Seating: candidates and sponsors will have assigned seating in the first several pews on both sides of the Church which will be discussed during Confirmation rehearsal. The rest of the Church has open seating on a first come, first served basis. This includes all family members.
- Attire: candidates and sponsors are asked to wear Confirmation robes provided by us.
- Certificates: Confirmation certificates will be provided to the candidate in the Sacristy upon return of the Confirmation robes.