As a Sacrament of Initiation, Confirmation is completely related to Baptism and Eucharist. Christians become members of the family of God in Baptism; they are strengthened by Confirmation, and sustained by the nourishment of Eucharist. In Confirmation, we are signed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In Confirmation, each person becomes a more perfect image of the Lord Jesus through the sanctifying grace bestowed upon us by God. Confirmation renews and strengthens our baptismal call to bear witness to Christ before the world and to work eagerly to build up the kingdom of God. As members of the Body of Christ we are the church and ambassadors of Christ in this world.

As parents and sponsors we are the primary educators of our children. Our job is to be personally involved in the instruction (catechesis) for the Sacrament of Confirmation. By example and mentoring we help them deepen their faith, strengthen their convictions and enable them to pass on the faith to their children.

We encourage our children to reflect thoughtfully on the decision to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Through prayer, study, Christian stewardship, and regular worship, our children come to realize what it means to be a member in the family of God. As we assist our children with their preparation for the sacrament, we lead them toward a deeper relationship with our Most Blessed Holy Trinity, God the Father, Jesus Christ His son and the Holy Spirit.

All candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation in Grade 8, must complete Religious Education for Grade 1-8. If a candidate has not completed this course work, the Director of Religious Education will provide make-up materials for the uncompleted years of religious instruction in the Catholic faith.

In the final year of study in Grade 8, candidates explore the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church through the Bible, the Sacraments, Social Justice and Stewardship. The Sacrament is usually celebrated in the spring of Grade 8.

In Grade 8, each candidate is asked to print out and complete the Stewardship Pages and the Journal Pages to help them through the preparation process. These pages are to be completed as soon as possible before the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Each candidate must register for the Sacrament of Confirmation by sending the completed registration form to the Religious Education Office.

Please scroll down the page for more information and the requirements of each candidate in preparation of the sacrament. If you have any questions, please contact the Director at 908-756-0633 extension 143 or via email message at sacredheartreled@gmx.com

The Confirmation Retreat is a required step in the process of sacramental preparation for all candidates. Dress for the day is casual and comfortable; however the selection of clothing needs to reflect an appropriately modest choice. If for any reason a candidate for confirmation cannot attend our retreat they will have to make up the retreat day at another parish on a date when they can attend. If your son or daughter needs to find another parish in which to attend the mandatory retreat please contact us.

Another important step in the sacramental process is the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession and Penance) by the candidate just prior to receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. The penance service for all candidates will be held at Sacred Heart Church You may invite your sponsor and other family members to participate in this step of the process.
Wednesday March 7, 2012  7:00-9:00PM  Lenten Penance Service for Grade 8

Candidates	Wednesday May 2, 2012     7:00-9:00PM
Candidates	Wednesday May 9, 2012     7:00-9:00PM
Candidates & Sponsors	Wednesday May 16, 2012   7:00-9:00PM

z	A copy of the Baptismal Certificate is required if the candidate was baptized at a parish other than Sacred Heart. If the candidate was baptized at Sacred Heart, please provide us with an approximate date and year on the Confirmation Registration form.
z	A completed Confirmation Registration form. This form is available by clicking the link at the top left side of this page.
z	A Sponsor Certificate is to be obtained by the sponsor. A sponsor must be fully initiated (has received Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation), if applicable, in a valid Catholic marriage, and a practicing Roman Catholic, 14 years of age or older. A parent may not be a sponsor. Sponsors must obtain a Sponsor Certificate from the parish where he/she is a member. Sponsors who are parishioners of Sacred Heart must contact the parish center to obtain a Sponsor Certificate, even if he/she has received all of their sacraments here. Please choose a sponsor before or as soon as you enter the 8th grade.
z	Choose a Confirmation name. This name can be your baptismal name, the name of a saint, or a Biblical name.
z	Complete the Confirmation Experience Report on what the experience of preparing for Confirmation has meant to you. Also explain the reason for choosing your Confirmation name. If it is the name of a saint, what was special about this saint? If it is a Biblical name, why this name? If it is your baptismal name, why were you given this name, and what is its meaning?
z	Twenty Hours of Stewardship (volunteer service)
z	Parish Mission - Candidate and one adult must attend the annual Parish Mission.
z	Participation in Confirmation Retreat