Confirmation is one of the Church’s sacraments – a visible sign of God’s love for us in which he bestows upon us his life giving grace. It marks the second part of the journey of faith begun at our baptism. Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey where those who have been baptised earlier in their lives make a firm commitment to Christian discipleship. As such, it is expected that individuals show a commitment to regular church attendance (preferably weekly) and a desire to grow in faith through prayer, study and action.
At Confirmation, through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop, the Church asks God to give those being confirmed power, through the Holy Spirit, to live a long life of faith and commitment to his Church. In the sacrament, the individual receives the outward Spirit of grace which inspires them to move from a personal to an outward and active faith. Once Confirmed, people are encouraged to explore their own ministries on behalf of God’s Church and provide a positive example of faith so that more people may come to know his love for them.
“Taking such a big step can feel scary or even foolish amidst the noise of today’s society. We may feel like we would rather run than take seriously what we know inside to be true. But to turn away from God is to live a life of denial. Only commitment to His goodness can bring us true contentment and only working at revealing His peace and compassion on the world can heal it.”
Fr Rob Parker-McGee SR 2014
The Box River Benefice 