The Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the sacraments of Christian initiation. It strengthens the grace received in Baptism, enriches the baptized person with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and deepens their communion with Christ and the Church. Confirmation gives particular strength to profess the faith and bear witness to it.
What Does Confirmation Mean?
Confirmation strengthens and deepens the grace received in Baptism. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it strengthens the believer, unites them more closely with Christ, and deepens their belonging to the Church. Those who receive Confirmation are given particular strength to profess their faith in both word and deed.
Holy Spirit
In Confirmation, the baptized person receives a special outpouring of the grace and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Faith
The person being confirmed is strengthened in faith and embraces Christian life and membership in the Church more consciously.
Mission
Confirmation gives particular strength to bear witness to Christ in word and deed and to live faithfully according to one’s Christian vocation.
Preparation for Confirmation
During preparation for Confirmation, candidates deepen their understanding of the Christian faith, learn more about the meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation, and prepare to live out and bear witness to their faith consciously.
Registration
The parish publishes information about registration for Confirmation and current arrangements in its parish announcements.
Preparation
Preparation may include religious instruction, group meetings, prayer, and spiritual preparation.
Spiritual Formation
Prayer, participation in Holy Mass, and a more conscious practice of sacramental life.
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated during a solemn liturgical celebration.
Who Can Prepare for Confirmation?
Any baptized person who has not yet received Confirmation and is considered eligible to receive the sacrament according to the Church’s regulations may prepare for Confirmation. Once a person has reached the age of reason, they must be suitably prepared to receive Confirmation validly, be in an appropriate spiritual state, and be capable of renewing their baptismal promises. The parish determines the specific form and course of preparation in accordance with the applicable Church regulations and local pastoral practice.
Young People
Preparation for Confirmation may include religious instruction, group meetings, prayer, and personal spiritual preparation.
Adults
Adults may also undertake preparation for Confirmation. Further information about the preparation can be obtained from the parish.
Important Information
Registration
When and how can one register?
Preparation
Where and in what form does the preparation take place?
Required Documents
Which certificates or documents need to be submitted?
Dates
When will the next Confirmation take place, and when will the related preparation be held?
Frequently Asked Questions
Confirmation is not merely a festive occasion but one of the sacraments of Christian initiation. It strengthens the grace received in Baptism, enriches the baptized person with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and deepens their communion with Christ and the Church. Preparation therefore aims not simply to provide the necessary knowledge, but also to foster a more conscious life of faith and a worthy reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Sacrament of Confirmation may be received by any baptized person who has not yet been confirmed. Once a person has reached the age of reason, they must be suitably prepared to receive Confirmation validly, be in an appropriate spiritual state, and be capable of renewing their baptismal promises. During the preparation for the sacrament, it is important to deepen one’s relationship with Christ, become familiar with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and live one’s belonging to the Church more consciously.
The parish determines when and how registration takes place before a particular celebration of Confirmation. Current information about registration, deadlines, and preparation dates is published in the announcements of St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Parish.
A candidate for Confirmation must be baptized and must not have received Confirmation previously. A person who has reached the age of reason must receive suitable instruction and spiritual preparation, be in an appropriate spiritual state, and be capable of renewing their baptismal promises. It is advisable to receive the Sacrament of Penance, that is, Reconciliation, before Confirmation so that the candidate approaches the sacrament in the proper spiritual state.
The parish determines which documents and certificates are required according to local Church practice. The fact that Confirmation has been received is recorded in the Church’s records and is also entered in the baptismal register. A certificate confirming the relevant baptismal information may therefore be required.
The parish determines the length of the preparation in accordance with diocesan and local pastoral practice. The purpose is not merely to complete a prescribed number of sessions, but to ensure that the candidate is adequately prepared in faith and in spiritual life to receive the sacrament.
The role of the Confirmation sponsor is to support the candidate in living a Christian life and to help them faithfully fulfil the obligations that arise from Confirmation. The sponsor must be at least 16 years old, Catholic, confirmed, have received the Eucharist, and lead a life consistent with the faith. The father or mother of the candidate cannot serve as sponsor, and the sponsor must not be under a canonical penalty. The canonical requirements applicable to a baptismal godparent also apply to the Confirmation sponsor. It is advisable that the same person serve as Confirmation sponsor who was the candidate’s godparent at Baptism.
St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Parish determines where and when the preparation takes place and publishes the current arrangements together with registration information in the parish announcements. Exact dates can be found in the parish announcements and among the listed events.
Contact the Parish
For any questions about Confirmation or the preparation for the sacrament, please feel free to contact St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Parish.