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.

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.

“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