The Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation, along with Baptism and First Holy Communion. It is necessary in order to become full members of the Church and it completes the grace that is received through Baptism.
Originally the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation were celebrated together. The local Bishop would Baptise and then confirm new Christians in the same ceremony. As it became more difficult for the Bishop to attend every Baptism in his diocese, it was decided to split the Sacraments into two stages with the priests or deacons administering the Sacrament of Baptism and the Bishop usually conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation at a later date.
What happens at Confirmation?
In Confirmation the candidates are asked to declare their own faith by renewing their Baptismal promises. The Bishop then extends his hands over the whole group being confirmed, and asks for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit saying, “All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.”
Then each one is individually anointed with sacred oil (called Chrism) on their foreheads while the Bishop says, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Then they make the sign of peace with the Bishop to show their union with him and with all the Church members. (In ancient times oil was a sign of abundance and joy and it symbolised cleansing, strength, beauty and healing.) When a person is anointed with Chrism at Confirmation and filled with the Holy Spirit, they are given the seal of ownership to show that they belong totally to God. They are enrolled into His service for ever and share in the mission of Christ.
What are the effects of Confirmation?
Those who are Confirmed receive the Holy Spirit, just as the Apostles received it on the Day of Pentecost. They are united more closely with Christ and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit to enable them to go out and be true witnesses of Christ in their words and actions.
At Confirmation they are given the seven fold gifts of the Spirit mentioned in Isaiah 11. These are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The fruits of the Spirit are the attitudes that are formed in those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. The tradition of the Church lists twelve fruits of the Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.
There are Confirmation preparation classes in Leamington for young people who would like to be Confirmed. For adults wishing to receive the Sacrament there is an RCIA course (Rite of Catholic Initiation of Adults) .
If you would like to find out more about receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, please submit your details below and our catechetical coordinator will contact you with more details.
Originally the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation were celebrated together. The local Bishop would Baptise and then confirm new Christians in the same ceremony. As it became more difficult for the Bishop to attend every Baptism in his diocese, it was decided to split the Sacraments into two stages with the priests or deacons administering the Sacrament of Baptism and the Bishop usually conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation at a later date.
What happens at Confirmation?
In Confirmation the candidates are asked to declare their own faith by renewing their Baptismal promises. The Bishop then extends his hands over the whole group being confirmed, and asks for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit saying, “All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.”
Then each one is individually anointed with sacred oil (called Chrism) on their foreheads while the Bishop says, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Then they make the sign of peace with the Bishop to show their union with him and with all the Church members. (In ancient times oil was a sign of abundance and joy and it symbolised cleansing, strength, beauty and healing.) When a person is anointed with Chrism at Confirmation and filled with the Holy Spirit, they are given the seal of ownership to show that they belong totally to God. They are enrolled into His service for ever and share in the mission of Christ.
What are the effects of Confirmation?
Those who are Confirmed receive the Holy Spirit, just as the Apostles received it on the Day of Pentecost. They are united more closely with Christ and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit to enable them to go out and be true witnesses of Christ in their words and actions.
At Confirmation they are given the seven fold gifts of the Spirit mentioned in Isaiah 11. These are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The fruits of the Spirit are the attitudes that are formed in those who are filled with the Holy Spirit. The tradition of the Church lists twelve fruits of the Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.
There are Confirmation preparation classes in Leamington for young people who would like to be Confirmed. For adults wishing to receive the Sacrament there is an RCIA course (Rite of Catholic Initiation of Adults) .
If you would like to find out more about receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, please submit your details below and our catechetical coordinator will contact you with more details.