Confirmation

Confirmation at SPAA

Are you checking out this page because you have a Middle School son or daughter? If so, it’s an exciting time for you and your child to go on this faith journey together! Check out the information below so you can see what Confirmation at St. Paul is all about.

At St. Paul, students go through a period of Catechesis during their 7th to 8th grade years. (Catechesis is a time of learning about God’s Word – often using a catechism as a tool to highlight portions of the Bible). Any student, regardless of whether his or her parents are members of St. Paul or not, is welcome to spend some time as a Catechumen at St. Paul. (A Catechumen is a student of God’s Word preparing for Confirmation).

Confirmation Requirements

Confirmation is a significant spiritual rite in which a person publicly confirms the faith given to them in their baptism. Our time of Catechesis is designed to help students encounter their faith through worship, education, relationships, and service. Students who wish to participate in the Confirmation rite must complete the following minimum requirements*

*We are more than willing to work with you on an individual basis. If you have a unique situation that prohibits you from completing all the requirements, please reach out!

Basic Knowledge & Faith in God’s Word

Students will learn about the basics of God’s Word by studying the 10 Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and teachings on Baptism, Confession and the Lord’s Supper. Additionally, students will discuss issues concerning their faith and life, challenges they will face to Christianity, the truths that we learn about God from His Word. The goal is not that the students receive head knowledge, but the desire is that these truths become the faith of their hearts. Students at St. Paul Lutheran School will receive instruction on weekday mornings, and students in public/private/home schools will receive instruction on weekday evenings during the school year.

Bible Study

During the school year, Bible study for Middle School students is held at 9:45 AM on Sunday mornings at our school location.

Additional Events and Activities

Additional events and activities may include First Communion instruction, retreats, Youth Gatherings, after-school Middle School events, group outings, and mission opportunities. Activities are communicated through email.

Family Faith Conversations

We encourage you to find a time for your family to chat about your life experiences over dinner, in the car, or anytime throughout the week. The simple outline of Share, Read, Talk, Pray, Bless is meant to be an easy way for families to have faith conversations every day. Share your highs and lows of the day, Read from God’s Word, Talk about how God’s Word speaks to your day/life, Pray with and for one another, and Bless each other. Pastor Roggow and Tyler Seehafer will be giving you ideas, suggestions, and resources to use to incorporate this into your family’s daily life.

Additionally, conversation sheets will be periodically sent home with students. Talk through these as a family and then return them to Pastor Roggow or Tyler monthly.

Memory Work

Memory work will be worked on and completed in your homes. You can complete the required memory work anytime over the two years of Confirmation instruction. Memorizing God’s Word is meant to be a tool that your child can use and return to throughout their lives. As you memorize these passages with your child, you also have the opportunity to discuss different faith topics together. Pastor Roggow and Tyler Seehafer will help you track your child’s progress.

Worship Related Service

Students may serve in any way that fits their unique abilities including, but not limited to: Ushering, Acolyting, Greeting, Reading, Singing/Playing Music, Serving on a Family Worship Team or Volunteering at a Nursing Home. Families will be asked to indicate which area(s) of service their child will participate in at the beginning of each school year.

Worship

Students are encouraged to worship at St. Paul Lutheran every week. To be Confirmed, students are encouraged to have 75% worship attendance. Worship service reflections are to be filled out and returned to the basket in church or to Pastor Roggow/Tyler 2x/month.

Statement of Faith

Confirmation is all about going public with your faith and acknowledging that you are part of a larger Body of Christ. Prior to the Confirmation Rite, students will prepare a statement that expresses their faith or faith story. These statements will be read publicly at the Statement of Faith night, the Friday prior to Confirmation Sunday.