Confirmation is a sacred sacrament in the Catholic Church that marks a deepening of a person’s faith and commitment to Christian life. Through Confirmation, Catholics receive the Holy Spirit in a special way, empowering us to live a life of faith, service, and witness. It is considered the sacrament of maturity in faith, where we recognise the gift of the Holy Spirit first given to us in the waters of Baptism and confirm our commitment to be living witnesses of Jesus Christ.
The Confirmation Ceremony
Confirmation is a beautiful and meaningful sacrament that marks a significant step in a person’s spiritual journey. It is a testament to the power of faith and the enduring connection between God and humanity.
Confirmation candidates typically participate in a parish Sacramental Program to deepen their understanding of the Holy Spirit; the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord; and the way these spiritual gifts can empower them to live a life of faith, service, and witness.
As for Baptism, Candidates for Confirmation fittingly seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. To emphasise the unity of the two sacraments, it is appropriate that this be one of the baptismal godparents.
During the Confirmation Mass, you may witness several symbols and rituals of significance. The laying of hands by the bishop, the pouring of oil of chrism, and the affirmation of faith are all symbolic actions that signify the impartation of the Holy Spirit and the strengthening of one’s faith.
In the Latin Rite, confirmation is administered by the Bishop, who is a successor of the apostles. This demonstrates that the Sacrament’s effect is to unite those who receive it more closely to the Church, to her apostolic origins, and to her mission of bearing witness to Christ. Where a priest confers Confirmation, he does so with sacred chrism consecrated by the bishop to express the apostolic unity of the Church whose bonds are strengthened by the sacrament of 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
Preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation
Preparing for the sacrament of baptism involves a journey of faith, reflection, and commitment. When preparing for baptism, whether for an infant or an adult, you should:
1. Contact your local parish to enrol in the Confirmation sacramental program:
Your parish’s Sacramental Coordinator will explain the process for receiving Confirmation and any documentation you may need to provide. The program includes classes that allow the candidate to deepen their understanding of the Sacrament and what it will mean for their life in the faith.
2. Regularly attend Mass:
This allows Confirmation candidates to actively participate in the sacramental life of the Church and deepen their connection with God. Mass provides opportunities for prayer, reflection, and spiritual nourishment.
3. Nurture a personal relationship with God:
Encourage regular prayer, reflection, and examination of conscience to foster spiritual growth, self-awareness, and an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God.
4. Choose a Confirmation Sponsor:
Your sponsor may be your Baptismal godparent, or another adult Catholic who will serve as a spiritual mentor and guide throughout the preparation process for Confirmation and beyond. Your sponsor should be someone you respect and admire, someone who can help you grow in your faith.
5. Engage in Service and Charity
Actively participate in acts of service and charity, demonstrating your commitment to living your faith in action. This practice reflects the Holy Spirit’s call to love and serve others, to contribute to the life of the church, and deepen your spiritual growth.
6. Continuing to Nurture One’s Faith After Confirmation:
Confirmation is not an endpoint but a beginning in one’s faith journey. Regular participation in Mass, ongoing religious education, and active involvement in the Church community are essential for continued spiritual growth.
Resources
Need more information?
For more information about the Sacrament of Confirmation for yourself or your child, you can contact your local Catholic parish or a priest or complete the form below: