In this sacrament, the grace first received in baptism is perfected. By the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are united more closely to Christ and our relationship with the Father as adopted sons is strengthened. As our connection with the Church is increased, so is our responsibility to take part in her mission deepened - by our words and deeds we bear witness to the Christian faith.
All those who have been baptised are encouraged to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation, since it completes the initiation process begun in baptism, and of which the apex is the celebration of the Eucharist. How does someone decide that they want to be confirmed? By Confirmation a person declares their faith openly in the middle of the community and commits, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to live out that faith every day.
Preparation to receive the sacrament involves various meetings and a weekend retreat. The aim is to deepen the candidates personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit and to awaken in them a sense of belonging to the Church in whose life they are to take an active part.
Those who are 14 years of age on the 1st September (Year 10) are invited to prepare by joining the parish programme.
