Confirmation Mission Statement

The purpose of the St. John Confirmation Ministry is to engage the adolescent in a season of study, community building and reflection designed to help each youth embrace new life in Jesus Christ and make public affirmation of his or her baptism.
  • Meets on Wednesday evenings at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall for Large group session.
  • Small group study (4-5 students with two adults per group), by grade and gender.
  • Confirmation Guides lead the students through their 3 year journey.
  • Faith Statements are prepared by each student and are shared at a celebration near the end of the ninth grade.

For more information contact Mike McQuaid.
General Information

Our confirmation program begins as students begin the 7th grade and continue throughout the program year through their 9th grade year. The group meets at 7:00 PM on Wednesday evenings in a large group setting until about 7:30 when the group goes into their small groups with their small group leaders for in-depth discussion about the topic of the week. This small group time usually begins with sharing of Highs and Lows from the past week and prayer following the small group discussion. These small groups remain intact throughout the entire confirmation experience, creating a safe environment for sharing and support through the mentoring process. Pastor Mike oversees the confirmation program, which is structured using numerous resources.

The season of spiritual growth really begins when the 9th grade confirmation students make public declaration of their faith story in late May (see details below) or early June immediately prior to the end of program reception, which is held in the Fellowship Hall around the Day of Pentecost.

Important Information for Confirmation Families

Tuesday, April 29th from 7-9 PM: Faith Project Practice in the Sanctuary
Attendance is mandatory for all 9th grade Confirmands

Wednesday, April 30th from 7-9 PM: BASH Finale Celebration and Ice Cream Social in the Fellowship Hall.
Parents of 9th grade youth are invited and encouraged to attend.
6th grade youth and their parents are also invited and encouraged to attend.

Wednesday, May 7th from 6-9 PM: Dress Rehearsal for the Rite of Confirmation and Formal Photographs in the Sanctuary.
Attendance is mandatory for 9th grade Confirmands and their parents. Confirmands need to dress for their photographs; parents will not need any particular dress as they will not be photographed.

Saturday, May 10th from 6-9 PM: Faith Project Presentations and Reception in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, respectively. Dress attire for Confirmands.

Sunday, May 11th at 11:30 AM: 2008 Rite of Confirmation in the Sanctuary. Dress attire for Confirmands.

If you have any questions please contact Chris Irvin.

6004 Waterloo Road • Columbia, MD 21045 • 410.799.8888 • office@stjohnmd.org