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Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation dates for the Deanery for 2020 are yet to be announced.
If candidates wish to be confirmed they MUST be in year 8 or above and attend the two preparation days which are provided by the confirmation catechists. Prior to the preparation days there will be a registration meeting (date to be confirmed) which candidates are asked to attend with a Parent/ Guardian. At this meeting, Baptismal Certificates are checked so please bring these with you if you were baptised outside the parish. Preparation days for confirmation take place at St Mary’s. Candidates MUST attend BOTH preparation days if they wish to be confirmed.
More details for Confirmation 2020 will be published in the parish newsletters nearer the time.
Special thanks to catechists Jo & Annie who prepare our young people at St Mary’s to receive this sacrament and to the music team and other helpers behind the scenes who make celebrations run so smoothly.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a catechist or helping out at the confirmation celebrations in any way please see Father Tim or Deacon Philip.
Taken from The Faith Of The Catholic Church a CTS Publication
156. What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the Sacrament that perfects the grace of Baptism. It gives the Holy Spirit so as to root us more deeply in our relationship with God as His sons and daughters, to incorporate us more solidly in Christ, to strengthen our link with the Church by associating us more closely in her mission, and to help us to witness to the Christian faith in word and deed
Whereas the Sacrament of Baptism welcomes an individual into the Church, the Sacrament of Confirmation confirms the individual a complete member of the Catholic Church. For those who were baptised as infants, it is an opportunity for them to renew the vows that their parents and Godparents made on their behalf as the Baptismal vows are repeated by them again as part of the Confirmation ceremony. The Sacrament of Confirmation makes a Catholic a witness of Jesus in the world with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation (‘strengthening’) completes the initiation (entry) of Baptism, with prayer for the gift of the Holy Spirit who is poured out upon us, to fortify our Faith and deepen our Christian commitment. The Gift and grace of the Spirit dwelling within us moves us from being simply Disciples, followers, of Christ, to being also Apostles of Christ, proclaiming his Good News and making it happen by sharing in his work. In this way Confirmation is a sacrament of ongoing conversion, and a sacrament of mature and adult faith.
Adults are usually Confirmed immediately after Baptism to share then in Communion in the Body of Christ in the assembly of the Church. This triple sacrament of Initiation is usually celebrated on Easter Night.
Young People who have been baptized as infants in the faith of their parents are usually Confirmed by the Bishop in their early teens. If you feel you are ready and wanting to be confirmed in your faith and practice next time the Parish invites the Bishop to celebrate the Sacrament, please keep an eye on the newsletter for the announcement of the parish preparation, which usually starts early in the new year.
If you would like to find out more about being Confirmed at St Mary’s then please contact us
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