What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Confirmation is the Sacrament that completes Baptism; in it the gift of the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon us. Anyone who freely decides to live a life as God’s child and asks for God’s Spirit under the signs of the imposition of hands and anointing with Chrism receives strength to witness to God’s love and might in word and deed. He / She is now a full fledged, responsible member of the Catholic Church.’ Catechism of the Catholic Church – Reference [1285-1314]
When a coach sends a player onto the pitch, he puts his hand on their shoulder and gives them final instructions. We can understand Confirmation in a similar way. A hand is placed upon us. We step out onto the field of life. Through the Holy Spirit we know what we have to do and we have been given power to do it.
The Confirmation programme is a Parish based though much preparation also is given through religious instruction at our local primary schools. It is for boys and girls of 6th Class, however adults who have never been Confirmed in the Catholic Church may apply to do so.
