Sponsorship Form

The Sacrament of Confirmation

               The Bible tells us about Confirmation. Not under that name, of course. Aside from Baptism, our present names for the sacraments were developed by the early theologians of the Church; “Laying on of hands” was the earliest name for Confirmation. This is the name which the Bible uses in the following passage taken from the Acts of the Apostles:

“Now when the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John. On their arrival they prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for as yet He had not come upon any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. But when Simon [the magician] saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the Apostles’ hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me also this power, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit’.” (Acts 8:14-19)

At St. Mary’s and Fatima Confirmation is a two-year sacramental preparation process that begins in the seventh grade.

Video : “Chosen: What happens at Confirmation.       

https://youtu.be/OrCUkEmCfi8

Confirmation in the Catholic Church

“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.”

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285)

The Five Spiritual Gifts of Confirmation

Child of God: It roots us more deeply as children of God!

Closer to Christ: It unites us more firmly to our Savior Jesus Christ!

Gifts of the Holy Spirit: It increases the gifts of the Spirit in us!

Fully Catholic: It renders our bond with the Catholic Church more perfect!

Defend the Faith: It gives us a special strength to spread and defend the faith as true witnesses of Jesus Christ!