What's a Saint Report?

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TomS333

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I’m thinking about converting to Catholicism (formerly agnostic), so I am researching lots, but I keep seeing things about a writing a Saint Report for Confirmation (I’ve seen that some converts don’t have confirmation names but I would like to have one if I do decide to join). I’m terrible at writing and don’t understand why the church would prevent someone from joining just because they can’t write well. I think I must have misinterpreted it, but could someone provide some clarity for me please?

I don’t know if this is in the right topic either.
 
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I have never heard about a Saint Report, but I would assume it was a way of getting a teen to do some research into the saint they were choosing for their confirmation name, and not just choosing a name because it sounded pretty. I can’t imagine it being of much importance, and certainly an adult wouldn’t be turned away if they did a scrappy one, even if they were asked to do one at all, which I very much doubt. I certainly wasn’t asked to do one, but perhaps it’s an American thing?
 
That makes more sense to me if it’s for teens to have a genuine reason for choosing a Saint. Thanks.
 
there’s no formal definition of it, but you are correct- It’s just a way to get a catechumen to research the life of a saint.
 
Don’t worry. They’ll give you clear instructions on what they want and keep it simple.

I did my report when I was thirteen, one of nineteen about to be confirmed. Our reports were not ranked or graded in any way. No one was penalized for poor writing skills. Your instructions may vary from mine, but all I had to do was state the name of my chosen saint, give a short summary of her life, and explain briefly why I picked her. They only want to know you’re taking it seriously and provide a patron.

I’ve known many people who were confirmed in the faith. Only one got in any kind of trouble from her saint report. She chose the name Hermione, not because she had any interest in St. Hermione at all, but because she wanted the name of a character from Harry Potter. I’m sure you wouldn’t do any such thing, so you’re fine!

By the way, welcome, I hope you decide to join the Catholic family. May the dear Lord bless and keep you!
 
Thank you for explaining it to me. I’m not going to try after a fictional character like your friend did.
 
Most people wouldn’t! I was torn between sadness at her disregard for the sacrament and amusement that she actually said that in her saint report.
 
The process for an adult convert is different than that of a child/teen who is completing their Sacraments of Initiation.

We adults do not have to jump through the hoops the way that kids must. (soapbox re hoops for another day).

One hoop that is required of kids is to write an essay about a saint, pass a test, do community service hours, and much more.

You are an adult, your pastor will determine if you attend classes or have one-one-one instruction.
 
Trust those who are saying this is unnecessary and probably aimed at kids. Choosing a patron saint for confirmation is a custom in some places and not in others. It’s not anything to worry about because it’s not required by the Church.
 
I’ve never seen it required for RCIA. However the youth in Confirmation prep do have to write a saint report in my youth program. The main reason is so the youth put some thought into the saint they choose.
 
Your post is perfectly coherent. I’m not sure you’re quite as bad of a writer as you seem to think.

In any case, yeah, the Church is not going to keep you out just because you’re not a talented writer. I assume what you’re describing is more of an exercise to get you to research an individual saint and learn some lessons from their life. It’s not like an academic assignment where you’ll fail if you don’t get at least a 70% or whatever.

You’ll be fine.
 
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