Our young people traditionally begin preparing for their final Sacrament of Initiation in the January of their 7th grade school year for a reception of the Sacrament during their 8th grade school year.

To begin the process candidates and their families attend an information session where the program is outlined and questions regarding the preparation process are answered by the Religious Education Staff and Pastor.

Preparing for Confirmation is a time for the candidate and their family to draw closer to the Catholic Church and come to a deeper understanding of our shared faith. Holy Family affirms that parents are the first teachers of the faith, as promised at Baptism, and includes the families and parents in the preparation process.

Candidates attend 6 Workshops aimed at helping them relate and understand the Sacrament through a series of speakers, hands on activities, time for personal and group prayer and discussions.

It is also during this time that Candidates attend weekly Mass and hand in a Faithwork, This is a chance for the Candidate to reflect on the Gospel and come to a deeper personal understanding of it.

An official Confirmation packet is distributed to all families with ample time given to return with the required information.

A Sponsor is someone the Candidate has a connection with and asks this person to stand with them on Confirmation Day. The Role of the Sponsor is to be a source of support for the Candidate on Confirmation Day and after on their faith journey through life. Sponsors can be either male or female and must be 16 years old on Confirmation Day. They themselves must be a practicing Catholic and provide a Certificate of Eligibility from their home parish.

Service to others is a core belief of our faith and Candidates are asked to reflect and write about a service activity that they have participated in. Many opportunities for service are available through the parish and Youth Ministry Office and are shared regularly to our Candidates and families.

The journey to Confirmation also involves Candidates choosing a Confirmation name. The name is a Saints name that the Candidate feels a strong connection to. Through at home research Candidates prepare a report on the Saint they have chosen which parents and sponsors are asked to also take part in.

An official practice the week of Confirmation is held and in the weeks before an immersive and dynamic Retreat.

Confirmation is the first step on the next phase of the Young Church. Holy Family offers many resources and opportunities for our newly Confirmed to stay connected to their parish community and Catholic Church of South Jersey and beyond.