Confirmation is a vital step in a young person’s faith journey—a moment of deepening commitment and empowerment through the Holy Spirit. In our diocese, preparation unfolds across four engaging stages, designed to connect faith with everyday life. From the initial spark of interest in Called by Name, to deeper learning in Called to Serve, local parish engagement in Called to Community, and finally, living out the faith in Called to Action, each stage supports young people in discovering their place in the Church and the world.
To encourage interest in the Sacrament of Confirmation through interactive and accessible activities.
Called by Name is the first stage of Confirmation preparation for Year 8 students.
Animate, the Archdiocese’s youth ministry team, will visit each Catholic high school to lead engaging, peer-led sessions introducing the Sacrament of Confirmation. Using games, activities, and personal stories, the sessions highlight how the Sacrament supports young people as they begin facing more significant life choices.
Each session lasts about an hour and is designed to be fun and accessible.
Schools can book a visit with Animate during the Christmas–Easter term or use our pre-recorded videos.
To offer a solid foundation of catechesis on the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Called to Serve provides the main catechetical input on Confirmation and takes place in RE lessons in Catholic schools during the Christmas–Easter term.
Using resources developed by the Diocesan Education Department, teachers help Year 8 students explore the Sacrament through scripture, reflection, and real-life experiences. Pupils will learn about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, reflect on the Apostles’ Creed and Baptismal Promises, and explore the meaning of signs and symbols like anointing.
The focus is on how Confirmation empowers them to live as priest, prophet, and king. By rooting the Sacrament in scripture and everyday life, this stage lays a strong theological foundation—leaving parishes free to focus on community at the Called to Community stage.
We created the following 3-part video series with Deacon Paul Mannings to help guide you through stage two.
To engage in different activities as chosen for the local community.
These parish-based sessions focus on what Confirmation means in daily Church life. While the theology is covered in school, this stage helps young people explore the Church’s role in their lives—and their role in the Church—through discussion, activities, and community engagement.
Sessions (around an hour each) are flexible and can be adapted to local resources. Parishes can use as many or as few of the suggested ideas as they like. Each session can begin with a simple icebreaker and end with prayer and social time—anything from snacks to a short trip out.
A four-week structure is suggested, but not required. Resources are easy to follow and available as PDFs or for use directly from a phone. For a more structured plan, contact: admin@animateyouth.co.uk.
To provide a memorable end to the preparation time and prepare the young people to be sent out into the world with all the gifts that Confirmation offers.
Called to Action is the final stage of the Confirmation journey, reminding young people that the Sacrament is not the end, but a call to live out their faith in the world.
Taking place after Confirmation, this stage encourages ongoing involvement in Church life through meaningful action—whether that’s joining a youth group, music ministry, fundraising, or going on pilgrimage.
Deaneries are encouraged to plan post-Confirmation opportunities shaped by earlier group discussions, helping young people continue their faith journey with purpose and community.