Confirmation
“For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” John 6:27
At confirmation we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirm our Baptismal promises. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a special anointing that increases, deepens, and strengthens the sanctifying grace given us at our Baptism. While Baptism removes from our souls the stain of original sin, Confirmation pours into our souls the power of the Holy Spirit and His gifts, just like the Apostles received at Pentecost. Confirmation is, therefore, the sacrament most closely identified with the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
Wisdom helps us recognize the importance of others and the importance of keeping God central in our lives.
Understanding is the ability to comprehend the meaning of God’s message.
Knowledge is the ability to think about and explore God’s revelation, and also to recognize there are mysteries of faith beyond us.
Counsel is the ability to see the best way to follow God’s plan when we have choices that relate to Him.
Fortitude is the courage to do what one knows is right.
Piety helps us pray to God in true devotion.
Fear of the Lord is the feeling of amazement before God, who is all-present, and whose friendship we do not want to lose.
In order to be confirmed a person –
- must have reached the age of discretion, which is defined as about the age of seven;
- profess the Catholic faith and desire to receive the sacrament;
- be in a state of grace;
- be ready to live as a witness to Jesus Christ.
Faith Formation Office
609-585-0542
Director of Religious Education: Deacon Bill Palmisano, wpalmisano@srhap.org
Secretary: Margaret Cassarini, mcassarini@srhap.org
Assistant: Nora Williams, nwilliams@srhap.org