Why do we choose another name? Does it have to be a name of a Saint?

Why do we choose another name?
Does it have to be a name of a saint?

God calls each of us by name and sees each of us as a unique reflection of God’s self. How do you reflect God? At Baptism, the name you were given was more than a combination of letters; it became a sign of you. When people hear your name, they don’t think of a word - they think of YOU!

In choosing a Confirmation name, you will choose a name that represents who you are, who you are becoming, and how you would like to reflect the Spirit of God in your life. You may choose a name that expresses your growth in living the Holy Spirit.

You can take the name of someone you know, living or deceased, whose Christian living has inspired you, or you can choose the name of a saint or biblical hero you admire. You can also retain your baptismal name. While you are deciding on a name, you will learn about that person, saint, or biblical hero who shares your Confirmation name and how that person can be an example for you. This friend will become a “patron saint” who “adopts” you and prays for you. He or she becomes your patron simply because you choose his or her name. That’s quite a deal, isn’t it? You may even be surprised to find that you have something in common with your patron.