The bishop anoints one’s head with perfumed oil (chrism) and prays, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The person confirmed is strengthened by a deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit and is equipped with the spiritual gifts necessary to live a life of Gospel faith and charity. God calls the person confirmed to be a missionary witness of Jesus Christ in their families, neighborhoods, society, and the world.
In the New Testament, Jesus breathes his Holy Spirit upon the Apostles after the Resurrection, and on the Feast of Pentecost the Holy Spirit comes upon the Apostles and Mary in the form of fire. In the first days of the Church, the Apostles baptized and then bestowed the Holy Spirit by a laying on of hands. Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark on the soul, deepening the Christian’s baptismal life.
Celebrating Confirmation at St. Patrick’s parish:
The Confirmation program for adolescents takes place during 8th and 9th grades. The students will meet twice a month for class beginning in September and concluding in April. The students will be meeting on Sunday mornings, beginning with the 10 AM Mass. After Mass, the students will attend class until 12 Noon. As much as possible, parents are expected to attend Mass with their children. On the off weekends, families may choose which Mass they attend.
Confirmation preparation for baptized Catholic adults is offered by the Faith Formation Office of the Diocese of Fall River in both spring and autumn. Please contact the Parish Office (508-295-2411).
To learn more about the Sacrament of Confirmation: