The Rite of Confirmation is celebrated by anointing a person with the sacred chrism, in which they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirm one’s Baptismal promises. It is normally conferred by the Bishop and strengthens the person for service to the Body of Christ.
Confirmation is often the sacrament that is the last of the “Sacraments of Christian Initiation” to be celebrated. The completion of these most fundamental Sacraments is why the Church asks that a person be confirmed before receiving one the “Sacraments of Christian Vocation,” namely Marriage or Holy Orders.
“Baptism, the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘Sacraments of Christian Initiation.’ 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, fully graced to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church)
At Sacred Heart, Confirmation is celebrated in many ways:
- For Children and Youth, we have a program for the development and deepening of our children’s faith, including preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- For Adults who were baptized Catholic and received First Eucharist, we offer a six-week course in both the spring and fall. Please note: Adult Catholics should have received this sacrament before celebrating their sacramental marriage.
- For Adults who have never been Baptized and/or come from another faith tradition, we encourage you to participate in our Order of Christian Initiation of Adults program.