Confirmation

"He presented himself alive to them by many proofs after he had suffered, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While meeting with them, he enjoined them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for “the promise of the Father about which you have heard me speak; for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the holy Spirit.”
When they had gathered together they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”  He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you,g and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (Acts 1:3-8)

At confirmation we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and strengthen the graces received at our baptism. 

Confirmation, in a very real sense, completes the grace received in baptism.  It is a firming, or strengthening of the Holy Spirit in your life received at Baptism.  Through Confirmation, you are more perfectly a member of the Church--the Body of Christ--and enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.  You become a true witness to Christ, and more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith.  Like Baptism, it is given only once as it imparts an indelible mark--or character--on your soul.

The Bishop is the ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation.  The Pastor may confirm those he receives into the Church at the Easter Vigil.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: (Isaiah 11:1-2)

• Wisdom
• Understanding
• Counsel (Right Judgement)
• Fortitude (Courage)
• Knowledge
• Piety (Reverence)
• Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe in God's Presence)

• Charity
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Goodness
• Generosity
• Gentleness
• Faithfulness
• Modesty
• Self Control
• Chasity

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Students:  Contact Mrs. Sarah Torres
Adults (11th grade +) Contact Deacon Greg

What are the form and matter of the Rite?

In continuity with the New Testament custom of laying hands on those who would receive the gift of the Spirit, the bishop extends his two hands over all those to be confirmed. He recites a prayer that begs the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the seven gifts traditionally associated with the Spirit. The Sacrament is conferred through the anointing with Chrism on the forehead, the laying on of hands, and through the words “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

What is Sacred Chrism?

During Holy Week (the week before Easter), the bishop consecrates the sacred Chrism during the course of the Chrism Mass. At this Mass, the entire Diocese comes together to celebrate and receive the oils from the bishop. These oils are then used by the parishes and institutions throughout the next year. Chrism is a perfumed oil and is used by the Church at Baptisms, Confirmation, and to anoint a newly ordained priest’s hands.

Who should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Each baptized person not yet confirmed can, and should, receive the Sacrament. In our parish, it is customary to confer the sacrament during the Sophomore year of High School.

What is the mission of the confirmed?

Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, work places, and in our world. Through confirmation, our personal relationship with Jesus Christ becomes strengthened. Confirmation strengthens us to act upon the commission each of us receives at the end of every Mass: Go in peace glorifying the Lord by your life!

Why do I choose a confirmation name?

The connection between Confirmation and Baptism is reflected in the choosing of a name by which the candidate will be confirmed; especially when the chosen name is one of the names by witch the candidate was baptized. If a saint’s name was not given at baptism, then it is appropriate that a saint’s name be chosen for confirmation

How should candidates for Confirmation be prepared?

Our parish offers an extended preparation program for our young adults preparing for confirmation. Catechesis for Confirmation strives to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church.

Why do we not receive Confirmation more than once?

Confirmation, like Baptism and Holy Orders, imprints a spiritual mark, or indelible character on the Christian’s soul. For this reason, one can receive this Sacrament only once.