Confirmation Preparation
Confirmation Programme 2023
Confirmation Day 2023 - Saturday March 4th at 12:00pm noon
The 2023 Confirmation Programme is now enrollling. Please read the letter to families here If you wish to apply for a child to make Confirmation in 2023 please complete the Confirmation Form and return it to the Presbytery as soon as possible
Welcome!
This page is for the children who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation in our parish. Here you will find some resources, prayers and ideas that may be help you as you prepare to celebrate this special day. As a parish we want to do all we can to help you in the months ahead so that your Confirmation day may be meaningful and special for you and your family!
The Sacrament of Confirmation
A sacrament is special moment in our life when God gives us strength, ability and healing.
There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church, these are:
Baptism
Reconciliation
Eucharist
Confirmation
Marriage
Holy Orders (when one becomes a priest)
Anointing of the Sick
In the Sacrament of Confirmation God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is a gift that helps us become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind and gentle. We are asked to use this gift everyday by being kind to others and by making time for God in our life.
The sacrament of Confirmation 'confirms' us in our faith and enables us to become full and active members of our parish community.
Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit help us to live life to the full!
Wisdom is the gift of knowing the right choices to make in life.
Understanding is the gift that helps us know God better by paying attention to his presence in our lives.
Right Judgment helps us to make the right decisions and do the right thing.
Courage is the gift that helps you stand up for your faith and for others, even when it is unpopular to do so.
Knowledge enables you to choose the right path that will lead you to God.
Reverence is a gift that enables us to have a deep respect for God and for all that is sacred.
Wonder and Awe in God's presence allows us to know how great God is by recognising the wonders of his creation.
How can I put these Gifts into practice in my daily life? Discuss this with your family
When we put these gifts into practice we live 'Spirit-filled' lives. St Paul described Spirit-filled lives as lives filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. These are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The Story of Pentecost
We read about the Gift of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. After Jesus had returned to heaven his disciples were alone and afraid, but God gave them Gift of the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had promised. Suddenly they were changed and began to tell others about God!
Read this story in the Bible from the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-31.
Prayer
At Confirmation our relationship with God matures and grows. The best way to maintain this relationship is by talking to God in Prayer. We do this in many ways such as using words, reading the Bible or just sitting in silence and becoming aware of God's presence. Below are some familiar prayers including special prayers to the Holy Spirit
Confirmation Ceremony
The Rite of Confirmation takes place during the celebration of Mass.
The structure of the ceremony is as follows:
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Welcome
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Readings
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Homily
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Rite of Confirmation
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Prayer of the Faithful
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Offertory (Bread and Wine are placed on the altar)
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Eucharistic Prayer
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Communion
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Final Blessing and Dismissal
There are three parts to the Rite of Confirmation:
Renewal of Baptismal Promises
Laying on of Hands
Anointing with the Oil of Chrism
In the Renewal of Baptismal Promises the Archbishop will ask you questions about our faith and you respond by saying 'I do' These promises were made for you by your parents on the day of your baptism.
Afterwards the Archbishop and the priests will lay their hands over the young people who are to be confirmed. This symbolises the descent of the Holy Spirit.
Next, each candidate will be anointed on the forehead with the Oil of Chrism. The Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam and was blessed by the Archbishop on Holy Thursday. It represents spiritual strength and fulness of grace. As the Archbishop anoints you he will say:
Archbishop: 'Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit'.
Candidate: 'Amen'
Archbishop 'Peace be with you'
Candidate: 'And with your Spirit'
This Video shows these three parts of the ceremony taking place: