Confirmation Programme

The sacrament by which we are nourished and strengthened in the grace of God and sealed with the gift of his Holy Spirit as “soldiers for Christ.”
As St. Augustine observed, the significance of the sacrament is manifested according to Our Lord’s command to those Apostles who had already been baptized: “…you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49).

Sacraments of Initiation: Confirmation

At Baptism, we begin a life-long journey and a way of life. At Confirmation, the graces received in Baptism are sealed with the reception of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. . The words that Jesus shared with his disciples at Pentecost apply to each one of us at Confirmation, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8).

In our Parish, the Sacrament of Confirmation is typically received by young people, who are at least thirteen years of age or at Year 9, baptised. Confirmation is administered by the Bishop.

Anointed and Gifted

The Sacrament of Confirmation confers ‘the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost (CCC 1302)’. As such, Confirmation is ordinarily administered by the bishop, who is the successor of the apostles.

Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighbourhoods, society, and the world.

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, understanding, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord. In this way, the Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacrament of Baptism (see CCC 1303).

The Rite of Confirmation

In the Rite of Confirmation, the bishop traces the Oil of Holy Chrism on the candidate’s forehead in the shape of the cross. This recalls Christ’s title as ‘the Anointed’. In the Old Testament, we also read about the anointing of priests, prophets, and kings.

In Baptism, we receive an anointing (which cleanses and strengthens us for the Christian life), the anointing then received in Confirmation acts as a consecration, a setting apart for mission (CCC 1294).

Want to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Contact Parish Faith Formation Coordinator, Ceci Li (ceci.li@dioceseofnottingham.uk) for more details.