Confirming our Faith

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. … The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, (the baptised) are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285)

Christ himself declared that he was marked with his Father’s seal. Christians are also marked with a seal: “It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” This seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ…. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1296)

Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:– it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, “Abba! Father!”;– it unites us more firmly to Christ;– it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;– it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;– it 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: Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God’s presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1303)

The Church teaches: Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer. The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament. All baptized persons can and should be confirmed. The effect of the sacrament of confirmation is to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character.

Confirmation for Children

The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated here at St Luke’s for Children in Year 6 or above who have been baptised and have celebrated the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Confirmation dates are organised at the beginning of each year in collaboration with St Luke’s Primary School. Please Contact the Parish Office for more details.

Here are some answers to common questions about Confirmation that will help you better understand this significant act of faith.

FAQ about the Sacrament of Confirmation

• What is the Sacrament of Confirmation

  The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of Christian initiation. 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. We are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus, and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely.

• Who can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?

  Those who have been baptised continue on the path of Christian initiation through the Sacrament of Confirmation. In this way, they receive the Holy Spirit, conforming them more perfectly to Christ and strengthening them so that they may bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love. (Rite of Confirmation, n. 1-2)

• What do I need to do if I would like to have my child confirmed?

  To start the process to be confirmed you will need to contact your local parish. We have a page to help you contact your nearest parish if you are unsure of your parish contact details. Parents are the first teachers of faith to their children and therefore are required to take part in the parish preparation to enable them to understand the meaning of the sacrament and the commitment they will make to support their child’s growth in faith and life.

• Can your child choose confirmation name?

  Choosing a Confirmation name has never been an official part of the sacrament, although it has been a popular custom in many places. Our given names are a very important part of our identity. Parents put a lot of thought into choosing a child’s name. It is appropriate for a candidate to confirm the name given at Baptism. If a saint’s name is chosen, it should be a name of a saint that inspires the child. Choosing a Confirmation name helps put us in contact with our greater Christian story.

• Whom should I choose as a sponsor?

  Confirmation is a reaffirmation of the promises made at Baptism, therefore the Church recommends that a child’s godparent take on the role of sponsor for Confirmation. Sponsors should be: at least 16 years old, not the child’s parent, a Catholic who has been confirmed, receives Communion and who lives a life of faith.

• What is the responsibility of the sponsor?

  Since a sponsor has such a significant role to play in the development of the candidate for Confirmation, it is important that this person be one who is a living example of faith, one whose actions reflect the actions of Jesus. A Confirmation sponsor offers support and encouragement during the Confirmation preparation process. During the Confirmation ceremony sponsors bring the candidates forward and present them to the bishop.

• What happens during the sacrament of Confirmation?

  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. Usually the bishop presides over this sacrament.

• What are the effects of Confirmation?

  It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1302)

  From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
  • It roots us more deeply in the divine filiations which makes us cry, “Abba! Father”, (Rom 8:15)
  • It unites us more firmly to Christ;
  • It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
  • It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
  • It 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…(CCC, 1303 & CCC, 1304).

Please contact the Parish Office to learn more or email