Catholic Confirmation Ideas

Catholics preparing for confirmation may adopt a saint's name.

Confirmation is the final stage of initiation into the Roman Catholic Church. The preparatory period before receiving this sacrament is one of the most significant opportunities for young Catholics to grow in their faith. Confirmation catechists face the challenge of crafting meaningful lessons and activities which aid students in development as faithful young adults.

Community Service Project

In receiving confirmation, Catholics affirm their intent to become adults in the faith. Giving candidates a chance to take on greater responsibility within the Church and local community can guide them toward this maturity. Catechists can choose a parish ministry or a local organization for the entire class to offer service. Working in a food pantry or homeless shelter, participating in a clothing giveaway and tutoring children from low-income neighborhoods help candidates connect the principles of Catholic social teaching with their own call to serve.

Parent-Candidate Retreat

As candidates prepare to make their own commitments at confirmation, it can be helpful to enforce that their parents made this same commitment for their children in deciding to have them baptized. A parent-candidate retreat can remind young Catholics of the bond they share with their parents as they affirm their baptismal promises. Retreats give candidates a chance to discuss important faith issues with their parents and classmates. Retreat activities can include scriptural reflection, prayer, Mass, games and other faith-building exercises.

Saints Fair

Though most Catholic parishes have maintained the tradition of asking candidates to choose a saint's name for confirmation, many candidates are not well-informed on the lives of the saints. Holding a parish-wide saints fair can encourage candidates to make an educated decision. In preparation for the fair, candidates and other members of the parish create displays on a variety of saints. Displays can include posters with basic information, pictures, prayers, medals, relics and other religious items. Candidates not only learn about the saints they have researched, but they also have the opportunity to learn from others as they walk through the fair.

Interfaith Visitation

Many young Catholics have had little experience with non-Catholic faith traditions by the time they enroll in confirmation class. Exposure to the variety of Christian and non-Christian traditions can assist candidates in learning why Catholics worship differently from people of other religious groups. Requiring candidates to attend a Protestant service or taking the entire class to a Jewish synagogue can be an invaluable educational experience. Following up on this activity with a detailed discussion about interdenominational and interfaith similarities and differences solidifies the experience and gives candidates the chance to express their thoughts.

References

• "The Catechist's Guide"; Thomas Zanzig; 2001

Resources

• St. Anne's Helper: Catholic Confirmation Catechism