The Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation is one of the sacraments of Christian initiation. Together with Baptism and the Eucharist it forms a unity, and Confirmation is taught as necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. By this sacrament the baptised are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit, with a corresponding responsibility to bear witness to the faith in word and deed.

Confirmation “perfects” Baptismal grace: it roots the Christian more deeply in divine sonship, incorporates the person more firmly into Christ, strengthens the bond with the Church, and associates the person more closely with the Church’s mission. The Church also teaches that Confirmation, like Baptism, leaves an indelible spiritual mark, and therefore is received only once.

The essential rite of Confirmation is the anointing of the forehead with sacred chrism, together with the laying on of the minister’s hand, and the words “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Candidates who have reached the age of reason are prepared to profess the faith, to seek to be in the state of grace, and to be ready to live as disciples and witnesses of Christ.

If you would like to enquire about Confirmation preparation and practical arrangements, please contact Fr Barry.