Sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses.”
— Acts 1:8
Confirmation in the Faith
Faith begun at Baptism has continued to mature and develop in our lives. Confirmation completes this initiation process in becoming a member of the Church; a Christian called to play a part in revealing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our world. Confirmation completes what has begun at Baptism with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is a sacrament of growth in the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. In the Acts of the Apostles chapter 2, verses 1 to 13, we read of the Apostles receiving the Holy Spirit. They had been hiding after Jesus’ death, afraid and uncertain. The coming of the Holy Spirit with his gifts inspired them and enabled them to take the step of preaching the good news.
We are made members of God’s family at Baptism. At Confirmation, our Baptism is completed or “sealed” by the Holy Spirit and we are called to be Christian witnesses, just like the apostles. The whole of our Christian living and the life of the Church, too, are sustained by the same Spirit.
The Meaning of Confirmation
Confirmation goes back to that first experience of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down on the apostles in the upper room. It directed and guided them in the continuing mission of Jesus. Confirmation is our own Pentecost, so that each can play his or her part in assisting the spread of the message of Christ.
Confirmation is a unique experience, an individual and personal invitation to accept the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This day will carry memories and is one we can look back on as our faith emerges and continues to grow.
It is important to remember that the same Spirit guides us to a mature, committed and active disciple of Jesus.
- Confirmation deepens our baptismal grace and strengthens our bond with the Church.
- It brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace – roots us more deeply as children of God.
- It unites us more firmly to Christ and strengthens our bond with the Church.
- It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
- 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.
Who Can Receive?
Any baptised Catholic wishing to advance on the path of developing their faith. For young people, this is usually part of the 5th/6th class primary school programme.
For adults who were not confirmed as children, it means taking part in the Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)
The Sponsor
A sponsor stands behind the candidate for Confirmation at the Confirmation ceremony and places their hand on the shoulder of the candidate as a sign that they will support them in living out their baptismal promises. However, the role of the sponsor is not just for one day. The sponsor undertakes to assist the confirmed person in growing in the fullness of their faith and in their membership of the Catholic Church.
A person qualifies as a sponsor by being a reasonably mature adult, who is at least 16 years old, and has already received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) themselves. The Confirmation sponsor may be one of the people who was a sponsor at Baptism.
To be admitted as a sponsor, a person must:
Be appointed by the candidate or by the parents; be not less than sixteen years of age; be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role; not labour under a canonical penalty; and not be either the father or the mother of the candidate.
Signs & Symbols
Choosing a Confirmation Name
The tradition of taking a new name at Confirmation emphasises the new identity of a Christian being called to witness to their faith. People are encouraged to take the name of a saint or a person from the Bible who inspires them in some way.
The Oil of Chrism
The oil used is called the Oil of Chrism. It is olive oil mixed with balsam that is blessed by the bishop and priests of the diocese in the Cathedral at the ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday. The Sacrament is conferred with the anointing with this ‘Oil of Chrism’ on the forehead as the Bishop says ‘Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit’.
Preparing Your Child
The Role of Parents
Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith. Your support and encouragement throughout the preparation programme is vital. Attending Mass together as a family, praying together, and discussing what your child is learning all help to reinforce the importance of this sacrament.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Through Confirmation, your child receives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit in a deeper way: Wisdom to see God’s plan, Understanding to comprehend the faith, Counsel to make right choices, Fortitude to stand firm, Knowledge to know God’s will, Piety to worship God with love, and Fear of the Lord to recognise God’s greatness.
Living the Faith
Confirmation is not a “graduation” from the Church but rather a deeper commitment to live as an active member of the Christian community. We encourage all newly confirmed young people to remain active in parish life through youth groups, volunteering, and regular participation in the sacraments.
Preparation & Arrangements
1
Do This in Memory
Students participate in parish Masses throughout the year, learning about the Eucharist and their role in the parish community. Families are invited to special Masses with reflections tailored for young people.
2
Choosing a Saint’s Name
Each candidate researches and chooses a saint whose life inspires them. They write a short reflection on why they chose this patron saint.
3
Choosing a Sponsor
Candidates select a sponsor – a confirmed Catholic aged 16 or over who will present them to the Bishop and support them in living their faith.
4
Enrolment Ceremony
Candidates are formally enrolled at a parish Mass, publicly declaring their intention to receive the sacrament and asking for the prayers of the community.
5
The Confirmation Ceremony
The Bishop (or his delegate) confers the sacrament during a special ceremony. Candidates renew their baptismal promises, are anointed with Sacred Chrism, and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Requirements
- Must be a baptised Catholic
- Must have received First Holy Communion
- Must be in 5th/6th class (or older if specified by the diocese)
- Must complete the full Confirmation preparation programme
- Must choose a Confirmation sponsor (confirmed Catholic, aged 16+)
- Must select a Confirmation name (a saint’s name)
- Regular attendance at Sunday Mass is expected
Documents Required
- Baptismal Certificate (if baptised outside the parish)
- First Communion Certificate
- Sponsor Eligibility Form (signed by sponsor’s parish priest)
- Registration Form
- Confirmation Name reflection
Get in Touch
The Sacrament of Confirmation is carried out every year in the parish with the help of the parish’s primary schools. More details will be announced closer to the date on the parish website. Contact the Parish Office on 046 907 3805 for more information.