Frequently asked questions

Can't find the answer to what you need to know?  Contact Mimi Coleman, DRE:   mimistpaulre@gmail.com

1. WHAT IS THE AGE/GRADE FOR CONFIRMATION AT ST. PAUL’S PARISH?  ​

​THE REVISED RITE OF CONFIRMATION PERMITS THE CONFERENCE OF BISHOPS TO DESIGNATE THE AGE WHEN CONFIRMATION WILL BE CELEBRATED.  THE U.S. BISHOPS HAVE STATED THAT THIS SACRAMENT MAY BE CONFERRED ANYTIME BETWEEN THE AGES OF  7 AND 19 WITH EACH BISHOP ESTABLISHING THE NORM FOR HIS DIOCESE.  THE DIOCESE OF ST. AUGUSTINE CONFIRMS YOUTH WHO ARE IN THE EIGHTH GRADE OR HIGHER.
*** ST. PAUL’S PARISH HAS DESIGNATED 9TH GRADE AS THE MINIMUM AGE TO RECEIVE THIS SACRAMENT.  ​
Students at St. Paul’s prepare for Confirmation in the 9th grade and above.  Enrollment into the program may occur once students have satisfactorily completed two consecutive years of parish Religious Education or attended a Catholic school.  Eligible candidates must be registered and active members of the parish who participate in weekly Sunday Liturgy.

2.  ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES FOR  CONFIRMATION?  ​

YES, SUNDAY MASS, CATECHESIS, AND STEWARDSHIP/FAITH EXPERIENCES ​

​3. WHY IS SUNDAY MASS A REQUIREMENT FOR CONFIRMATION?

​​MASS:  "Sunday is the day on which the paschal mystery is celebrated in light of the apostolic tradition and is to be observed as the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church.” 
(CCC 2177)
 Youth are expected to attend Mass weekly, as well as explore ways to develop their personal prayer life and spirituality.
It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure weekly participation in Sunday Mass. 

​4. WHAT IS THE CATECHESIS REQUIREMENT?​

​​The policy for the Diocese of St. Augustine states that ongoing-remote  preparation (at least 2 years) is essential prior to sacramental catechesis.
St. Paul's has determined that students need at least 2 consecutive years of  catechetical study before Confirmation.   Catechetical formation takes place either in a Catholic School or parish Religious Education program.

​5. WHAT DO STEWARDSHIP and catholic faith experiences HAVE TO DO WITH CONFIRMATION?

Part of our Confirmation preparation is a STEWARDSHIP, giving of our time, talents, and treasure.  
Stewardship is different from other forms of 'community service" in that it is done as part of our Christian call to serve one another.  As Christ modeled servant leadership by washing the disciples' feet, he said, "I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you also should do." (John 13: 15)  When we realize that our service to others must flow from our connection with Jesus, then we are being faith-filled stewards, not just volunteers.
Examples of Stewardship: 
​Parish Based:  Clean-up after the Oyster Roast, Breakfast with Santa, Carnival Snow cone/Cotton Candy, Vacation Bible School,
First Communion Retreat, Altar Serving
Diocesan Based:  March for Life, MPact Day of Service

​In order "to awaken sense of belonging to the parish community," Catholic Faith Experiences, (approved social activities) are held in the Diocese and parish throughout the year.  As a large parish, we face the challenge of how to welcome each member of our faith community and make them feel like this is their own community.  Through participation in Parish and Diocesan sponsored activities, students are encouraged to develop a sense of belonging to the parish community.

Examples of Catholic Faith Experiences (approved social activities): 
DAD's club events (Howl In, Father-Daughter Dance, Fish Fry) St. Paul's Carnival (Up to 5 hours just for attending the carnival and having fun!)  Coffee/Doughnuts after Sunday Mass at St. Paul's, Rise Up events sponsored by the Diocese, Eucharistic Congress, Knight of Columbus events, Diocesan Youth Gatherings, etc.

6.  HOW MANY HOURS OF STEWARDSHIP/Faith experiences ARE REQUIRED EACH YEAR?

STUDENTS IN BOTH 7TH AND 8TH GRADES MUST PARTICIPATE IN AT LEAST 20 HOURS OF STEWARDSHIP/FAITH EXPERIENCES EACH YER.
AT LEAST 10 OF THE HOURS MUST BE PARISH OR DIOCESAN BASED ACTIVITIES.​
THE REMAINING 10 HOURS MAY BE PARISH BASED, DIOCESAN BASED, OR SCHOOL SERVICE PROJECTS, OR
​NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS.   (All school and Community/Non-Profit Service Projects MUST BE PRE-APPROVED.)

7. How do I know which events will count towards stewardship?

​Pre-Approved group activities include:  
St Paul’s Religious Ed, Youth Group, DAD’S Club, CCW,  Knights of Columbus, St. Paul Thrift Store, BEAM, St Vincent de Paul, Mission House, Altar Servings, Parish Christmas or Easter Children's Choir (Participation in events within these ministries DO NOT need to be pre-approved.)
 
**Some St Paul’s School events are also parish activities.  These include:
​ Christmas with Santa, Book Sale, Rummage Sale,  Carnival,  Oyster Roast. 
 
Some Diocesan activities include:
Youth rallies, March for Life, Rise-Up, Eucharistic Congress, Camp-I-Am Special, Chrism Mass, 
 
​If you are in doubt, contact the Religious Education Office!

​8. HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT I PARTICIPATED IN AN EVENT?

​Students must submit a brief Reflection Form for each event in which they participate.
Forms are available on this website.

Students will not receive credit for an activity until they submit a reflection form.  Reflection forms are for the students to complete - NOT the parent or grandparent.

9. WHAT HAPPENS IF A STUDENT DOES NOT COMPLETE THE STEWARDSHIP/FAITH EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS?​​

​Students who do not complete the Stewardship requirements in their  First Year, will have the opportunity to complete the hours during their Second Year,  
Students who do not complete the Stewardship requirements during their Second Year will be expected to complete them prior to entering Immediate Preparation for Confirmation.
(Students may be asked to delay the sacrament for a year or two while they complete their requirements.)

​ 10.  CAN WE STILL PARTICIPATE IN School service and LOCAL COMMUNITY OR NON-PROFIT SERVICE PROJECTS?   ​ CAN WE DO MORE THAN 20 HOURS PER YEAR?

You can use up to 10 hours of School or Community based service projects towards your 20 hours.  

School activities that are true 'Service Projects' (reaching out to others in need)  These school service projects may not be dances, sports, or after school activities.  All School Service Projects must be pre-approved.

Local Community/Non-Profit service projects are also accepted.  This is an opportunity to get involved in giving back to a cause or helping your community in a way that matters to you or your family.  All Community/Non-Profit service projects must be pre-approved.

11. If a student completes more than 20 hours in one year, do they have to do all 20 the next year?

The purpose of asking students to participate in Stewardship activitites is so they learn to give back to their community, and by giving, they become an active participant in our faith community. 
So, yes, students are asked to complete AT LEAST 20 hours EACH year.