Whereas the Sacrament of Baptism welcomes an individual into the Church, the Sacrament of Confirmation confirms the individual a complete member of the Catholic Church. For those who were baptised as infants, it is an opportunity for them to renew the vows that their parents and Godparents made on their behalf as the Baptismal vows are repeated by them again as part of the Confirmation ceremony. The Sacrament of Confirmation makes a Catholic a witness of Jesus in the world with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation (‘strengthening’) completes the initiation (entry) of Baptism, with prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit who is poured out upon us, to fortify our Faith and deepen our Christian commitment. The Gift and grace of the Spirit dwelling within us moves us from being simply Disciples, followers, of Christ, to being also Apostles of Christ, proclaiming his Good News and making it happen by sharing in his work. In this way Confirmation is a sacrament of ongoing conversion, and a sacrament of mature and adult faith.
Adults are usually Confirmed immediately after Baptism to share then in Communion in the Body of Christ in the assembly of the Church. This triple sacrament of Initiation is usually celebrated on Easter Night.
Young People who have been baptized as infants in the faith of their parents are usually Confirmed by the Bishop in their early teens. If you feel you are ready and wanting to be confirmed in your faith and practice next time the Parish invites the Bishop to celebrate the Sacrament, please speak to Fr Mark.
If you would like to find out more about being Confirmed then please contact us
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Taken from The Faith Of The Catholic Church a CTS Publication
156. What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the Sacrament that perfects the grace of Baptism. It gives the Holy Spirit so as to root us more deeply in our relationship with God as His sons and daughters, to incorporate us more solidly in Christ, to strengthen our link with the Church by associating us more closely in her mission, and to help us to witness to the Christian faith in word and deed
