Confirmation
Confirmation is a sign that a person has reached maturity and is now able to take responsibility for their own faith. It also strengthens and deepens the connection to the Church that is established at baptism. Once Confirmed, one is considered a full member of the Catholic Church.
The sacrament of confirmation typically takes place in early teenage years, when a child starts to be seen as an adult member of the Church. This is because they are now considered old enough to renew and confirm for themselves vows that were made on their behalf when they were baptised. However, there is no set age for the confirmation rite, and people are often confirmed as adults.
Following Baptism and First Eucharist, Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation.
Once Confirmed, one is considered a full member of the Catholic Church.
Provided one practices the faith by attending Mass weekly and living a life in keeping with the moral teachings of the faith, a Confirmed Catholic now qualifies to serve as a Godparent for Baptism or as a Sponsor for another’s Confirmation.
Young people in Year 6 or above are invited to join the Confirmation Programme each year. Notices are usually given in November and December at every Mass and in the parish newsletter, inviting young people to enrol for the preparation programme which usually takes place from January until the Sacrament is celebrated.
If you miss all of these notices, it is an indication that you should begin to practise the Catholic faith, together with your child, (including Sunday Mass each week) to ensure that your child is properly disposed to begin preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation, perhaps next year.
Application forms will be made available once details are known, and you will need to collect one in person after any Mass.
Candidates meet on a regular basis. Each session involves the use of modern resources, and aims to prepare the candidates for the Sacrament and give them an opportunity to explore their faith and the relevance of Jesus in their lives.
As with First Holy Communion, preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place within the parish community with the full and active support of both the family and local schools.
All candidates are also invited to attend a Day of Recollection which forms an essential part of the preparation.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults welcomes people into the fullness of the Catholic Church.
It is the process by which people become members of the Church and consists of a set of sessions in which those who are interested in the Catholic faith journey together toward a deeper understanding of that faith.
In the process, the candidates are offered sacraments they have not yet received (Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation as needed).
Please follow this link for more information.
