St. Mary's Church

Confirmation is the Sacrament by which the baptised receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through ancient rituals and words, God sends his Holy Spirit to give us the strength needed to put into practice the message of Jesus in every aspect of our lives. Christians have held that when the Holy Spirit comes, God gives us the gifts of:

• being wise,

• increased knowledge, especially of spiritual things,

• the ability to judge between right and wrong,

• understanding how and why things might be as they are,

• courage to live life well,

• holiness to become more what God intends us to be,

• respect for God. These gifts result in the fruits of the Holy Spirit. We become:

• more loving,

• more joyful,

• more at peace,

• more patient,

• kinder,

• better,

• faithful,

• gentle,

• and contented people.

Each person’s ability to embrace these affects depends on his or her openness to the sacrament and willingness to accept it as God’s personal gift.

 

You Shall Be My Witnesses is a Confirmation preparation programme based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The programme is designed as a resource to parishes. It offers support, encouragement and a challenge as well as an invitation to parents to become more actively involved in the faith life of their children as they prepare for Confirmation. 

The programme runs over four nights. The parents help facilitate small group activities with the young people on the themes listed below. During the course of each session the parent leaders facilitate discussion/activities.

You Shall be My Witnesses explores the themes of:

1. What it means to Belong to the Catholic Church;

2. What we, as Catholics,  Believe;

3. How Being a Confirmed Catholic impacts and reflects on how we live our lives; and

4. Who we Become as a Confirmed Christian.

As stated, the four sessions are run by parents with the help of the parish community and parish priest.

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