Confirmation
Sacraments are meeting points where God himself is present, waits for you, blesses you and leads you into deeper community of the Church.
Catholics believe that that they are outward signs of an inward grace through which we share in God’s love – a visible way in which the invisible gifts are given to us through the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation is a sacrament of Initiation and bestows upon us an outpouring of the Holy Spirit as it was given to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost. It is the completion of our baptismal graces.
Sacraments are administered through Prayer Services known as liturgical rites.
Before the confirmation takes place, the candidates are invited to renew the vows made on their behalf at Baptism and make a profession of faith. The bishop will then extend his hands over those to be confirmed calling down the gift of the Holy Spirit. He then lays his hands on each individual candidate, calling them by the chosen “confirmation name” and anoints them with the holy oil of Chrism, saying:
“Be Sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Confirmation places an indelible seal on the soul and marks our total belonging to Christ and his church.
Why do we need Confirmation if we have been Baptised?
Just as our bodies and minds grow, Catholics believe that the soul needs to grow in the life of Grace. Confirmation completes the process of initiation into the Catholic Church, building on the Sacraments of Baptism, Holy Communion and Reconciliation .
During Confirmation, the focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the Apostles on Pentecost and gave them courage to practise their faith. Catholics believe that the same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts.
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
The seven supernatural gifts given to the soul by the Holy Spirit are:
- wisdom,
- understanding,
- counsel,
- fortitude (courage),
- knowledge,
- piety,
- fear of the Lord (reverence).
The fruits of the Spirit are
- love, joy, peace,
- patience, kindness, goodness,
- trustfulness, gentleness and self-control.
- modesty, chastity and longanimity
Why is it called Confirmation?
This is the Sacrament that allows the candidate to freely confirm by themselves the promises made on their behalf at Baptism. Thus, becoming a full member of the church.
Who can be Confirmed?
Any Baptised Catholic who is in a State of Grace can be Confirmed. (Some diocese will have age restrictions)
Confirmation within our parish
The parish runs Confirmation preparation classes allowing candidates to explore their beliefs, understanding and relationship with Christ before “Confirming” their faith.
Confirmation within the parish is usually a triennial event but depends on the number of candidates.
The start of a new course will be announced in the parish newsletter and if you would like to attend, please print off and return the form below.