Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation

For those wishing to enrol your children for the Sacrament of Confirmation, please download and complete the ENROLMENT FORM

For information including dates and details for this year's Confirmation programme, please download the Sacramental program here (PDF 852.6KB).

confirmation book

Other enquiries can be made through the Parish Office.

 

The Sacrament of Confirmation

"Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit" (Acts 8:14-17).

Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds. (CCC 1316)

The essential rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism, together with the laying on of the minister's hand and the words: "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC  1320)

The gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit:

confirmation6The moral life of Christians is sustained by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These are permanent dispositions which make man docile in following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. (CCC 1830)

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations. (CCC 1831)

Let your good spirit lead me on a level path. (Ps 143:10)

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God . . . If children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. (Rom 8:, 14,17)

The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: "charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity." (CCC 1832)

The sacrament of Confirmation concludes the sacraments of Initiation of the Church. We look forward to sharing this special moment with your family at Our Lady Star of the Sea. Preparation for Confirmation is presented at special meetings organized prior to and culminating in the celebration of the Sacrament. Special circumstances may be discussed on an as needed basis. Preference is given to families that are registered and active in the Parish.

Confirmation Schedule

Confirmation usually takes place in June each year. 

Notification for Enrolments are published in the Parish Bulletin or inquiries may be made at the Parish Office.