CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is the third sacrament of initiation. It can be said to be the sacrament of
maturity, as we confirm the faith and the gifts which we received at Baptism. Jesus
promised the Apostles that He would send an advocate to guide them. He promised that
He would send the Holy Spirit. In the sacrament of Confirmation, we encounter Jesus as
He sends the Holy Spirit upon us in power. As we receive the Holy Spirit, we open our
lives to the strengthening grace and the gifts which the Holy Spirit brings. The gifts of
the Holy Spirit include wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and
fear of the Lord, all of which help us to live out and proclaim the Faith which we profess.
CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
The celebration of Confirmation varies widely. Because it is a sacrament of initiation, it
may be celebrated at the same time Baptism and Eucharist are celebrated. This is
especially true for adults who are welcomed into the church. The bishops of the church
have been given great leeway in the celebration of Confirmation. Therefore, young
Catholics in the United States are confirmed at various ages from seven years old to the
late teenage years. Holy Redeemer Parish celebrates Confirmation every other year for
the young adults who are in the ninth and tenth grades.
If you are a Catholic who has not received the sacrament of Confirmation, or have an
older child who has not, you are warmly invited to contact the parish office or Father
Hadden for information and assistance in helping you and your family celebrate this
beautiful sacrament.
If you are a non-Catholic who would like to know more about the Catholic faith or the
sacrament of Confirmation you are warmly invited to check out the newcomer’s section
of this website, and to contact the parish office or Father Hadden for more information.
WHAT THE SAINTS SAY ABOUT CONFIRMATION
“Remember then, that you received a spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and
understanding, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear. Keep safe
what you received. God the Father sealed you, Christ the Lord strengthened you, and
sent the Holy Spirit into your hearts as the pledge of what is to come.” St. Ambrose
“I wish not merely to be called Christian, but also to be Christian.” St Ignatius of Antioch
“Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire.” St. Catherine of
Siena