Frequently Asked Questions

Why is memorizing scripture so important? The Bible has the answer to this question.

1 John 2:24-25 See that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.  And this is what he promised us-even eternal life. NIV

Ps 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. NIV

1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, NIV

Why should we make time in our busy schedule for Confirmation?  There are many wonderful opportunities available for young people today: dance lessons, music lessons, sports and more. Young people have much to gain from participating in these actives, but consider that Confirmation classes have ETERNAL benefits.

Can we as parents help our kids with their assignments? Yes, please do. Students benefit from the input of their parents. The best way to help is through encouragement and discussion, but you can also help with typing, proof reading and more. Quiz your child on their memory work and go over their workbook assignments with them.

Does this program expect too much from these kids? There is a saying that anything worth having is working for. We want students to see the value in what they are doing and we want to encourage them to strive for excellence in the area of their faith life, as they would do in other areas of their lives. In the expectations of the Confirmation Program, students follow the expectations of St Paul School students. St Paul students must meet most of these same requirements starting in the first grade, especially in the area of memory work.

How does being enrolled in the St Paul Day School benefit my confirmation Student? There are several benefits to having your Confirmation student enrolled in St. Paul’s Day School. Having the students in school at St Paul all day gives them additional access to pastors, teachers and resources. Their Confirmation class time is a half hour longer each week and divided into two days. St Paul Day School students will also have a religion class to reinforce topics and work on memorizing verses. Students in the Day School will often have the opportunity to work on confirmation essays and projects during their English class and other classes. Students who have attended St Paul through the lower grades will recognize all the memory assignments, so memory work will just be review for them.

Will non-Confirmation Students be included in the St Paul Day School Confirmation class? NO, Day School students that do not wish to be confirmed at St Paul will take part in a separate Bible Study Class instead of the Confirmation Class. They will have memory and assignments in that Bible Study.

What if I feel my child is too young or just not ready for First Communion or Confirmation? If you as a parent feel your child is not ready then they are not ready. Students are first eligible to begin the confirmation program in 6^th grade, but they can wait and begin the program anytime after this. If your child is in the confirmation program and you would like them to wait to receive First Communion or to be Confirmed, your child can wait to submit their First Communion or Confirmation essays at a later time.

What if my child has a learning disability? Please let the teacher know right away. St Paul’s Confirmation program will make accommodations for students with special needs. We will also provide additional assistance for any student that asks for it.

Why do the students need to attend Church service and Sunday School each week? Isn’t confirmation Class enough? The habits and patterns they set as young people will most likely be the habits and patterns they will then continue as they become adults. We would like our confirmation students to form the habit of attending church weekly. By having them attend Sunday School we are hoping to encourage them to continue that pattern into adulthood with Bible Studies. Also, there is much to gain by gathering with the family of Christ in his house each week. If young people can not find time for the Lord and His church now, chances are they won’t find time for him later.

Heb 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  NIV

Why do St Paul Confirmation students wear white robes on their confirmation day? The white robes symbolize the putting on of Christ.

Gal 3:27-29 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. NIV

Why do St Paul confirmation students give a public statement of faith on Confirmation Sunday?

Rom 10:9 That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. NIV