This renewed version of the Confirmation Pledge Programme has been developed in response to growing demand from schools participating in the Leave Your Mark Confirmation Programme, alongside increasing concern about the sharp rise in vaping among young people.

There is widespread concern that many adolescents are now facing what can be described as a vaping crisis. Within this context, the Confirmation Pledge provides a timely and meaningful opportunity to encourage, guide, and support Confirmation candidates as they make informed, healthy, and positive lifestyle choices during a critical stage of their formation.

Addressing Vaping Through the Confirmation Pledge

In recognition of the real challenges facing young people today, vaping is now explicitly named within the revised Confirmation Pledge prayer. This ensures that the programme speaks directly to contemporary issues affecting students and supports schools, parishes, and families in promoting healthy decision-making.

While firmly rooted in Confirmation preparation, the Confirmation Pledge Programme is designed to be fully inclusive, welcoming all students regardless of religious background. Students who are not preparing for Confirmation are invited to reflect personally and to make their own Confirmation Pledge-style commitment — for themselves and their families — to:

  • Choose a healthy lifestyle

  • Avoid vaping and smoking

  • Refrain from alcohol consumption until at least eighteen years of age

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Confirmation Pledge

The Confirmation Pledge Programme weaves the Gifts of the Holy Spirit throughout each module, helping young people to understand how these gifts:

  • Strengthen resilience and confidence

  • Guide decision-making in situations involving peer pressure, vaping, smoking, alcohol, and other risky behaviours

  • Support young people in choosing healthy, life-giving paths

  • Connect Confirmation Pledge commitments with real-life decisions that shape their future

  • Encourage reflection on how faith, character, and personal values influence lifestyle choices

Through this integrated approach, the Confirmation Pledge supports young people not only in their sacramental preparation, but also in developing the skills, values, and moral awareness needed to make positive choices for lifelong wellbeing.