Confirmation

Confirmation is an initiation into the mission and the community of the church. It deepens and strengthens the life we received at Baptism, through a strengthening with the Holy Spirit. In our diocese, Confirmation is normally celebrated at 15 or 16 years of age but can be celebrated as an adult.

Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist together constitute the sacraments of Christian initiation. Baptism marks the beginning of Christian life; Confirmation brings about a completion of baptismal grace, while Eucharist nourishes disciples to be sent on mission and to offer their lives to the Father.

In the Catholic Church, Confirmation is usually celebrated with the bishop who lays his hands on each person, anointing their forehead with the oil of Chrism saying, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”.

Each person who is Confirmed is accompanied by a sponsor — a member of the Christian community who willingly supports him/her in their preparation for Confirmation and their ongoing commitment to growth as a missional disciple of Jesus Christ. Sponsors may be the same people who originally stood as godparents for them at baptism and now accompany, on behalf of the community of believers, this person as he/she takes on the responsibility of mission, the mission of Jesus.