The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of initiation, by which we grow up and are strengthened in the grace of God; for, as St. Augustine observes, to the Apostles who had already received Baptism, the Redeemer said: "Stay you in the city till you be endued with power from on high."

Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It perfects our Baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday. It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacrament of Baptism. If Baptism is the Sacrament of re-birth to a new and supernatural life, Confirmation is the sacrament of maturity and coming of age. Confirmation is a Sacrament of empowerment. It gives the strength to follow Jesus and to become involved in the mission which Jesus left to the Church. 

The Church Teaches

Confirmation is a true Sacrament instituted by Christ and different from Baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer. The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the Sacrament. All baptised persons can and should be confirmed. The effect of the Sacrament of Confirmation is to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character. 

“I have baptised you with water; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”  – Mark 13:11 

• Children's Confirmation – Children are eligible to receive Confirmation if they have been baptised (or received) into the Catholic Church and are at least 8 years of age.
• Adult Confirmation – For those who are already baptised Catholic but have not yet been confirmed.

If you want to know and understand further about the Roman Catholic faith, please feel free to contact your local parish for more details. 

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