Confirmation
Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, § 1316
Confirmation completes the sacrament of baptism and makes someone a full member of the Church. Like baptism, confirmation is a sacrament that can only be received once because it confers a (1) ‘character.’ What this means is that at Confirmation the Holy Spirit is poured out upon as and effects a permanent change to our souls. In baptism the image of Christ is drawn at the heart of who we are. In confirmation that image is further drawn out and completed. (2) By a special pouring out of the Holy Spirit confirmation is each Christian’s personal pentecost, where we receive the fulness of the gifts of the Spirit. These gifts are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. (3) These special graces are given so that we might be strengthened for the work of Christ, namely to grow in holiness and share the Gospel with others.
The usual age for confirmation is during the first few years of Secondary School. Confirmation is celebrated roughly every 3 years for our four churches, and preparation programs are advertised in the parish newsletter. However, if you missed confirmation in your teenaged years and still haven’t been confirmed then don’t miss out! Please let one of our priests know you haven’t yet been confirmed, no matter what age you are, and we will make arrangements for you to receive the sacrament.
The next session will be on Thursday 3 November, 19.30-20.45 at St. Philip Neri Church Hall.
Confirmation by Bishop Patrick will be on Friday 18 November, 19.00 at St. Philip Neri Church.
