ST. THOMAS CHURCH

Confirmation Program

GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING A CONFIRMATION NAME

Adapted from Confirmed in a Faithful Community by Thomas Zanzig

IN ORDER TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION, CANDIDATES AND PARENTS SHOULD REVIEW THE FOLLOWING:

· From ancient times, the act of naming a child has had deep significance. One’s name was understood to have great power, capable of influencing the child’s entire future.

· While parents may not have attached religious significance to the naming of their child, they have taken great personal care in choosing a name for her or him.

· There are numerous examples in the bible where both name selection and the changing of a name reflect either important characteristics about the person or are a sign of their conversion.

· Whether or not the candidate takes a new name or uses their baptismal (given) name, they should do so thoughtfully and seriously.

· The name should honor a particular saint whose holiness or charitable works have inspired you, or

· You can select a name of someone you think models a Christian life and who you admire.

· Part of the Confirmation process is researching Saints, and writing a one page report on the Saint of your choice.

ALL CANDIDATES SHOULD:

· Gain a basic familiarity with the life story of the saint whose name they select or who they are named for, or

· Explain why they selected the virtue, value or goal they selected for the name.

· BE PREPARED TO ANSWER SIMPLE QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR NAME IF THE BISHOP INQUIRES.

· Candidates need to prepare and hand in a one page report about the Saint they have chosen.