In our parish communities — St Mary’s, St John Bosco, and St Edward’s — Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism and strengthens a Catholic to live and witness to the faith.
Confirmation is not a graduation or a coming-of-age ceremony.
It is a sacrament of mission, in which the Holy Spirit is given in a new and fuller way.
Through Confirmation, the baptised are:
- sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit
- strengthened to live the Catholic faith publicly
- united more firmly to the Church
- sent to share in Christ’s mission
What Confirmation Is
A gift of the Holy Spirit
In Confirmation, the same Holy Spirit given at Baptism is poured out more fully.
This sacrament strengthens what God has already begun, enabling a Catholic to live the faith with courage, clarity, and perseverance.
A sacrament of mission
Confirmation is not primarily about age or achievement.
It is about readiness to live as a Catholic disciple.
Those who are confirmed are called to:
- pray and worship faithfully
- participate in the life of the Church
- witness to Christ in daily life
- grow in holiness over time
A lifelong beginning, not an end
Confirmation does not end formation.
It deepens responsibility for one’s faith and one’s place in the Church.
Preparation for Confirmation
Preparation for Confirmation in the parish is personal, pastoral, and faith-centred.
We no longer will be running programmes based only on school year or age.
Instead, preparation is shaped around readiness, desire, and accompaniment.
This reflects the Church’s teaching that sacraments presuppose faith and proper disposition.
Who can be prepared for Confirmation?
Confirmation preparation is offered to:
- baptised Catholics who have not yet been confirmed
- teenagers or adults who desire to live the Catholic faith more fully
Candidates are expected to show:
- a willingness to grow in faith
- participation in Sunday Mass
- openness to prayer and formation
Preparation is never rushed, and timing is guided by readiness rather than pressure.
What preparation involves
Preparation normally includes:
- personal conversation and discernment
- structured catechesis rooted in Scripture and the Church’s teaching
- encouragement to attend Mass and pray regularly
- reflection on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and Christian life
Preparation may take place one-to-one, within families, or in small groups, depending on circumstances.
Sponsors
Each candidate for Confirmation chooses a sponsor.
A sponsor is not a formality, but a witness of faith who supports the candidate before and after Confirmation.
A sponsor must:
- be a practising Catholic
- have received Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist
- live in a way consistent with the Catholic faith
- be able to support the candidate spiritually
Where possible, a baptismal godparent is encouraged to serve as sponsor, expressing the unity of the sacraments.
The Celebration of Confirmation
Confirmation is normally celebrated by the Bishop or his delegate, within the life of the parish.
The sacrament includes:
- the laying on of hands
- anointing with Sacred Chrism
- the prayer for the Gift of the Holy Spirit
It is a solemn and joyful moment for the whole parish.
Interested in Confirmation? Let’s Begin
If you are:
- an adult seeking Confirmation
- a parent enquiring about Confirmation for your child
- unsure whether now is the right time
You are very welcome to make contact.
Preparation begins with conversation, not enrolment.
Where: St Mary’s, St John Bosco, or St Edward’s
Contact: Fr John — frowens@pm.me
“Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
That is the heart of Confirmation.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 