Confirmation is one of the sacraments of initiation and serves to “confirm” a baptized person in their faith. In our Archdiocese the rite of confirmation is typically celebrated around 8th grade; it is performed immediately after baptism for adult converts. A bishop or priest performs the rite, which includes the laying on of hands in prayer and blessing and the anointing of the forehead with chrism (holy oil) with the words, “Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit”. In so “sealing” that person as a member of the church, the outward rite of confirmation signifies the inner presence of the Holy Spirit, who is believed to provide the strength to live out a life of faith. At confirmation a catholic may symbolically take the name of a saint to be his or her patron.
Divine Mercy Parish Confirmation Preparation
Divine Mercy Parish provides a two year Confirmation preparation program for students in 7th and 8th grade. The overall purpose of this preparation is to prepare the candidate to celebrate the sacrament with greater faith and understanding and to incorporate them more fully into the life of the Holy Spirit in the Church.
Confirmation preparation includes:
•Catechesis on the Sacrament and Rite of Confirmation.
•Instruction on the Holy Spirit, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the practice of Christian virtues in daily life.
•Involvement in the sacramental and spiritual life of the Church.
•Challenge to live the faith in an ever more mature manner.
•Christian service to others.
•Witness to Christ through daily life and vocational commitment.
For more information, visit the Religious Education Confirmation Page