What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, together with Baptism and the Eucharist.
In Baptism, we receive new life in Christ and become members of the Church. In Confirmation, that baptismal grace is strengthened and completed. The Holy Spirit gives us His gifts so that we can live our Catholic faith more fully and bear witness to Christ in the world.
At Confirmation, the Bishop normally anoints the candidate with sacred chrism and says:
“Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
This is not simply a ceremony for becoming older, or a way of “graduating” from childhood faith. It is a sacrament. Through it, God gives real grace.
Preparing for Confirmation
Young people who wish to be confirmed will normally take part in preparation classes.
These classes help candidates understand the Catholic faith more deeply, think about their own relationship with God, and prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Preparation includes teaching, prayer, discussion, Confession and time with other young people preparing for the same sacrament.
The details of the programme may change from year to year. Please contact the parish office or speak to Fr Alex to ask when the next Confirmation preparation will begin.
Is Confirmation arranged through school?
Some young people attend a Catholic school, where they may learn about Confirmation as part of their religious education.
However, Confirmation belongs to the life of the Church and the parish. It is not only a school event.
If your child goes to a Catholic school, another school, or is home educated, you are very welcome to ask about preparation at St John Payne. The parish will help you understand what is needed and how the preparation will work.
The role of parents and families
Parents and families have an important part to play.
You do not need to have all the answers before you ask about Confirmation. Some families come to Mass regularly. Others may be finding their way back to church, or may be unsure what is expected.
Please do not let that stop you from getting in touch.
The best support you can give a young person is to help them come to Mass, pray, ask honest questions, and see that faith is not only something studied for a short time before a sacrament. It is a life with Christ and His Church.
Choosing a sponsor
Each candidate for Confirmation normally has a sponsor.
A sponsor should be a practising Catholic who has already received Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion, and who can support the candidate in living the Catholic faith.
It is common for one of the candidate’s godparents to act as sponsor, because this highlights the link between Baptism and Confirmation. However, the sponsor may also be another practising Catholic whom the candidate knows and trusts, and who can encourage them in faith.
If you are unsure who can be a sponsor, please speak to Fr Alex before making arrangements.
Adults who have not been confirmed
If you are an adult Catholic and have not been confirmed, you are very welcome to ask about receiving the sacrament.
Adults who are becoming Catholic normally prepare through RCIA. Adults who were baptised Catholic but did not receive Confirmation when they were younger should speak to Fr Alex, who will help them understand the right next step.