confirmation

Confirmation is a continuance of what has begun at our Baptism: a continuance of the developing awareness of the reality of faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. At our Baptism faith was conceived: we became part of Christ’s Body, part of his Church. Our Confirmation is the gentle unfolding of what our Baptism means. Ephesians 4:30 (cited in CCC 1296) uses the the word “sealed”.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

— Ephesians 4:30

But were we not “sealed” at baptism? Not so, according to Acts 8:14-17:

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samar′ia 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 8:14-17

We see from the above that new (baptised) Christians evidently still needed to be “sealed” with the Holy Spirit, as St Paul taught in Ephesians 4:30 — this is Confirmation. The video below explains more.

 

Changes to the Sacrament of Confirmation Programme

Following consultation with Fr James, Fr Vic, our Catechetical Team, and in line with the practice of other parishes across our deanery, we will be making some important changes to our Sacrament of Confirmation programme.

From September 2026, candidates will be invited to register in Year 10 (or above), rather than Year 9 as is currently the case.

As a result, there will be no Confirmation programme running during the academic year 2026–2027. This pause will allow us the opportunity to review and strengthen the programme, making important structural improvements so that we can offer the very best experience for our young people as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

If your child will be in Year 10 or above when the new programme begins in October 2027 and you would like to register your interest, please complete the online Microsoft Forms registration using the link https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Ttt67Dt3GC

Those who register their interest will be contacted by email during the Autumn Term with further information about the new programme, registration dates, and the preparation process.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact:

Daniela Bourke
Catechetical Coordinator
danielabourke@rcdow.org.uk

We thank you for your understanding and continued support as we develop our Confirmation programme to help our young people grow in faith and prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

CONFIRMATION FOR ADULTS

For many adults who missed out on their Confirmation when they were younger and feel that there is no way to rectify the situation. This is our solution.

We don’t want to make people jump through hurdles, but we do need to be sure that they understand the Sacrament and to be ell prepared.

Accordingly we will arrange an interview with you and ask you to attend some preparation sessions. The plan would then be to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on the Easter Vigil Mass the following year.

This is a serious step on your journey of faith, an encounter with Christ and the Holy Spirit which will enrich your life.

If you are ready to take this step please fill in the online application form under our RCIA heading or contact danielabourke@rcdow.org.uk