Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life.  To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community.  The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church #1309 

Currently in the Paterson Diocese, one must prepare for at least two years at a high school level before one can come forward for the sacrament of Confirmation. 

Our diocesan guidelines state that Confirmation preparation is a part of Youth Ministry.  Therefore, in order to prepare for Confirmation, one is invited to participate in the parish in such a way that all eight components of Youth Ministry are experienced.  To learn more about Youth Ministry, go to the Youth Ministry pages.  When you do, you will find that the three goals of Youth Ministry are simply a re-wording of the previous text from the Catechism.