8th Grade Confirmation 2026-2027

Service to others is an essential element of the Confirmation Program. 
As Jesus taught,
"Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant;
 whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.
 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve
 and to give his life as a ransom for many." 
Mark 10:43-45.
In the image of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came to serve others, we grow closer to God as we let go of self and focus on the needs of others.  As shown by these selected "Service Reflections" from Our Lady of Mercy 8th Grade Confirmandi, beautiful transformations occur during service to others:

 
" I found God in this experience [of serving food to those in need] because God says in the Beatitudes to feed the hungry, and that's what I did."
 
 " [Helping to care for people attending the Amercian Heart Association Luncheon] taught me that working for a goal is empowering and is something I would love to continue to do in the future."
 
 " I sang [Christmas carols] to the elderly and brought joy to them.  Jesus was kind like this."
 
 " [Making and serving Thanksgiving dinner to the poor] taught me that I don't judge a book by its cover and I am willing to help someone no matter what they look like.  There was a man there who others were afraid to go near, but I offered him food and he really appreciated it." 
 
 " I gave food to the people that didn't have money to buy food.  Jesus also fed the poor, so I am looking at Him as my role model and following Him.  I learned that I like to help people even if I don't get a reward."

 
 " [Spending a day with homeless children at the National Center for Children and Families,] I saw God when we all had fun even though some didn't have what I do - a family.  I should appreciate my family more and love them more."
 
 "[By helping with the Sunday 5pm liturgy,] I learned that it's very easy to become a part of the church."
 
 " [I found God in the experience of sorting coats for the Langley Park Coat Drive because] when times got long, tough, and tiring I could always look to God for help."
 
 "I found God in the experience [of making Valentine's Rice Krispie Treats for the patients at the NIH Children's Inn] when I was giving sick kids a nice treat.  This experience made me feel overjoyed because I knew that God would be proud."
 
 "[Through coaching Flag Football] I found that helping children grow is very special to see.  I feel that this is what God envisions us to do, to help the young become better."
 
 "This service taught me to be more patient with younger kids.  It also taught me that I can cope with others and help them in stressful situations."
 
 "[Helping to put table covers on the tables at the Pentecost Picnic taught me that] doing little things in my community really goes a long way even when I don't feel it.  It really has changed my perspective on how I can help in many ways." 
 
 "[When I worked on the Langley Park Coat Drive] I found out that I really enjoy doing something with a good intention.  It makes me feel good, and I know God was giving me that feeling."

 "I found God in [the experience of working in the Parish Library] because I was giving people books that educated them on their religion and God."
 
 "I made food for the Interfaith Works Women's Shelter.  [I found God in this experience] when I didn't want to do it in the beginning, but God helped me offer it up and in the end it felt good." 

 "I helped with religious formation classes.  I found God by teaching children the Word of the Lord.  The kids loved hearing how kind God is."
 
 "I volunteered at the Geneva Day School Fall Festival.  I found God in this experience by seeing the joy of the kids as I gave them their tatoos or face paintings.  I learned that I like to make people happy by giving up something of mine."  

"[Organizing my school's Best Buddies dance] I learned that I can easily interact with those with disabilities and I can be very friendly and kind."