The Sacrament of Confirmation

WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?

Confirmation is a sacrament in which God freely offers us God’s grace. Confirmation gives us the strength to live as Christians, stirs up the grace we received at Baptism, and offers us the gifts of the Holy Spirit in order that we may become disciples willing to witness the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in need.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."  Acts 1:8

The sacraments of Christian initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist – lay the foundations of every Christian life. “The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life.” Catechism of the Catholic Church 1212

Confirmation

  • Brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace . . .
  • Unites us more firmly to Christ . . .
  • Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us . . .
  • Gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.
    Catechism of the Catholic Church 1303

WHO CAN RECEIVE CONFIRMATION?

Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1306

HOW DO WE PREPARE FOR CONFIRMATION AT HOLY SPIRIT PARISH?

At Holy Spirit parish we prepare for Confirmation as a community. We are excited to offer a comprehensive Confirmation Program where the young people receive catechesis in the Holy Spirit school or PSR, and gather as one in regular sessions for formation for the sacrament.  All candidates for Confirmation prepare together in several Sunday sessions that begin in January of their 7th grade year. The youth continue in faith formation through all of 8th grade.

The program we have chosen is Dynamic Catholic’s Decision Point. This program is designed to spark conversations, enhance learning and strengthen faith through prayer, videos, witness from catechists, small and large group discussion, and journaling. We intentionally include and expect participation from parents and sponsors in gatherings, sessions and our retreat because we know that young people need support from adult role models who are a regular part of their lives.

For more information or to join the Confirmation community, contact

Donna Eisenbath
deisenbath@holyspiritstl.org  
314-954-1326.