Confirmation

When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power to testify about me with great effect, to the people in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, about my death and resurrection. (Acts 1:8)

Confirmation is often called the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit, and it is closely related to Baptism. In Baptism we replace the spiritual limitations and flaws of our human condition with limitless, unending life as a member of God’s family. In Confirmation the hands of the bishop (or priest) are placed on our heads. He prays over us, and then anoints us with oil. Once again these external signs signify a powerful spiritual event taking place within us. The “laying on of hands” is an ancient practice, used to invoke God’s power and gifts on a person. The anointing signifies that the person is being called to special work and special status, like Jesus the “Anointed One” of the Father.

In Confirmation, God continues the work He began at Baptism as we are filled even more with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is a time to welcome the Holy Spirit to work in us more fully and an opportunity for us to put our personal “Amen,” our emphatic “Yes,” to what was begun at Baptism. The Spirit becomes the motivation for our attitudes and actions. Just as a person with a self-centered attitude acts out of selfishness, so confirmed Catholics with a loving spirit act out of God’s Spirit. We sometimes say they are "gifted." A gift of the Spirit is a charism, a spiritual quality given by God to serve and build the body of Christ.

Confirmation for the Youth of Our Parish

The youth of Our Lady of Refuge, ages 14-17, prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation by means of a two-year process of shared activities, community service, education, parish involvement, and spiritual growth. Their twice-monthly meetings, under the guidance of a trained parish team, also provide opportunities for fun, fellowship and personal reflection. For more information please see the Religious Education Sacrament Preparation Page.

Confirmation for Adults in Our Parish

Sometimes adults, for one reason or another, did not receive the Sacrament of Confirmation when they were younger. The opportunity is open for them to receive it now.  For more information on sacramental prepartion for adults please visit our Adult Confirmation page.