Confirmation
About Confirmation
Confirmation is another sacrament of initiation by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of gifts from the Holy Spirit, strengthening them for service to the Body of Christ. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives them the increased ability to practice their Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in every situation.
WHEN THE DAY OF PENTECOST ARRIVED, THEY WERE ALL TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE. AND SUDDENLY THERE CAME FROM HEAVEN A SOUND LIKE A MIGHTY RUSHING WIND, AND IT FILLED THE ENTIRE HOUSE WHERE THEY WERE SITTING. AND DIVIDED TONGUES AS OF FIRE APPEARED TO THEM AND RESTED ON EACH ONE OF THEM. AND THEY WERE ALL FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND BEGAN TO SPEAK IN OTHER TONGUES AS THE SPIRIT GAVE THEM UTTERANCE.
- ACTS 2:1-4
BUT THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS
- GALATIANS 5:22
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Fear of the Lord is akin to wonder or awe. With the gift of fear of the Lord, one is made aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection of all one’s desires. This gift is a fear of separating oneself from God. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Piety accords with reverence. A person with reverence recognizes his total reliance on God and comes before God with humility, trust, and love.
The gift of knowledge allows one, as far as is humanly possible, to see things from God's perspective. It “allows us to perceive the greatness of God and his love for his creatures” through creation.
Fortitude is often identified with courage, but also encompass endurance. It is a willingness to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or physical harm. The gift of fortitude allows people the firmness of mind that is required both in doing good and in enduring evil.
Counsel functions as a sort of supernatural intuition, to enable a person to judge promptly and rightly, especially in difficult situations. The gift of counsel operates under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the will of God.
Understanding helps one relate all truths to one's supernatural purpose; it further illuminates one's understanding of Sacred Scripture; and it assists us to understand the significance of religious ritual. This gift strengthens one's insight through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments. This all gives a person a profound appreciation for God’s providence.
Wisdom is considered the first and the greatest of the gifts. It acts upon both the intellect and the will.
Receive Confirmation
Child
Children prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation during religion class St. Agnes Academy and they receive this sacrament in 8th grade.
Children who attend other non-Catholic schools, can receive 2 years of preparation at our Religious Education program and typically receive this sacrament together with the Academy students.
Adult
Adults who wish to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation for the first time, may prepare by attending our OCIA classes.
Sacrament Certificate
If you lost your Sacrament Certificate and wish to request a new one, please fill out this form