Confirmation
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16: 13
Confirmation is the second Sacrament of Initiation. At Confirmation we receive the Holy Spirit who will help us to grow in our relationship with God.
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” Acts 1:8
Confirmation completes Baptism, by which in the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
The Sacrament of Confirmation consists of the renewal of baptismal promises and the laying on of hands and anointing with the oil of Chrism. The anointing of the candidate is a sign of confirming the gift of the Spirit, and calling the candidates to use these gifts to become involved in the life and mission of the community.
Children can be confirmed from the age of 8 but must first attend the sacramental programme to learn and understand the sacrament they will receive. The Children’s Sacramental Programme at St Benedicts is offered once a year and usually begins in March, concluding on Pentecost Sunday.
It covers the sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Eucharist. Please contact Parish Office on 09 379 0624 for more information.
