Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.”
Through the sacrament of Confirmation, the church affirms the view that growth in the Spirit is a continuing, lifelong journey. In the Rite of Confirmation, the bishop or priest prays that these seven special gifts will grow in the candidates:
- wisdom
- understanding
- right judgment
- courage
- knowledge
- reverence
- wonder and awe in God’s presence
Who may be confirmed? In Roman Catholicism, Confirmation requires full intention and willingness. Besides being baptized and being of the age of discretion (grade 10), a person must be the following:
- Willing to profess the Catholic faith
- In a state of grace, that is, forgiven of any grave sins through Baptism or the sacrament of Reconciliation
- Intending to receive the sacrament
- Willing to take on the role of a disciple of Christ.
At Sacred Heart preparation for Confirmation begins in grade 10 and includes parent/child classes and a retreat. Teens preparing for this sacrament should have completed the 9th grade year of Faith Formation including the Christian Sexuality class. For more information on the sacrament of Confirmation please visit our Faith Formation section or fill out our Contact form.
Adult Confirmation
If you or someone you know has been baptised and received first eucharist but has not been confirmed please contact our Parish Office at 518-668-2046 or fill out our Contact form.