The Sacrament of Confirmation strengthens the baptized and deepens their union with Christ through the gift of the Holy Spirit. It completes the grace of Baptism and strengthens Christians to live and witness to their faith.

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Can. 879 The sacrament of confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith. It imprints a character, enriches by the gift of the Holy Spirit the baptized continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to the Church.

(CCC 1285) Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence, they are as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.

The Effects of Confirmation

(CCC 1302) It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.

(CCC 1303) From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
– it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, “Abba! Father!
– it unites us more firmly to Christ;
– it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
– it renders our bond with the Church more perfect.
– it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.

Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God’s presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts.

Who Can Receive Confirmation?

(CCC 1306) Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation.Since Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist form a unity, it follows that “the faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time, for without Confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete.

(CCC 1309) Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his actions, his gifts, and his biddings – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. The latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands.

(CCC 1310) To receive Confirmation one must be in a state of grace. One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act.

Preparation for Confirmation

Preparation for Confirmation is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the Catholic faith, grow in prayer and strengthen our relationship with Christ and the Church. Through catechesis and participation in the life of the parish, candidates are encouraged to reflect on the meaning of Confirmation and the responsibilities that come with receiving the sacrament.The parish will provide information about preparation, enrolment and any arrangements for candidates and their families when dates and programmes are confirmed.

Celebrating Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated through the anointing with sacred chrism and the laying on of hands, through which the baptized person receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. The celebration takes place within the liturgy of the Church and expresses the candidate's deeper incorporation into the life and mission of Christ and his Church.

Confirmation and Christian Life

Confirmation strengthens us to live as faithful witnesses to Christ in our daily lives. The gifts of the Holy Spirit help us to grow in faith, hope and charity, and to use our gifts in the service of God, the Church and others.Those who receive Confirmation are called to continue growing in their relationship with Christ, participating actively in the life of the Church and bearing witness to the Gospel in the world.

Arranging Confirmation

If you or your child are approaching the age for Confirmation, please contact the parish for information about preparation, enrolment and arrangements for the celebration of the sacrament.

Further information about preparation programmes, dates and practical arrangements will be provided by the parish when available.