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Confirmation

"Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit."

Acts of the Apostles 8:14-17

Confirmation (or Chrismation) is the Sacrament that graces one with the Holy Spirit.

The rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead with chrism, together with the laying on of the minister's hands and the words, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."

The recipient receives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit [Isaiah 11:2-3] and on occasion may receive one or more of the charismatic gifts of the Spirit [1 Corinthians 12:7-11].

The ecclesial effect and sacramental grace of the sacrament give the recipient the strength and character to witness for Jesus.

At St. Patrick’s, there are two programs of preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation depending on the age of the person being confirmed:

  • Confirmation of Children
  • Confirmation of Adults

Confirmation of Children

The policy in the Auckland Diocese is that children receive the Sacrament of Confirmation before receiving First Eucharist. At St. Patrick’s, parents who wish to have a child confirmed need to attend a number of preparation sessions with the child. The child will need to have already received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation. Confirmation preparation usually takes place between Easter and Pentecost. Keep an eye on the Cathedral newsletters for the dates of the next session. For enquiries or further information, contact Sr Mary Neven 303 4509 x501.

Confirmation of Adults

The RCIA program is a wonderful series of steps that can lead an adult to participation in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist (Communion).

Click here for more information regarding the RCIA programme.

The Celebration of Confirmation

Regardless of the person’s age, the blessed sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated as follows:

  • Gathering – those who are being confirmed, their families, friends and the church community gather together.
  • Welcome – words of welcome are exchanged and all present unite in the opening prayers.
  • The Word – everyone present listens to the word of God read from Scripture
  • Vows – all present renew their own baptismal vows
  • Hands – a prayer is offered, calling on the power of the Holy Spirit, and the Bishop then lays his hands on the head of each candidate
  • Presentation – the sponsors each present their candidate to the Bishop giving their candidate’s chosen confirmation name
  • Oil of Chrism - each candidate is then anointed by the Bishop with Oil of Chrism, calling them by their chosen name, to be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
  • Prayers - prayers are then offered for all present, for the Church and all men and women.
  • Eucharist - the celebration of the Eucharist may follow.
 
 

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