The Sacrament of Confirmation
We often say that Catholics are “sealed” with the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, because the sacrament deepens and strengthens the baptismal gift of the Holy Spirit. This Sacrament is typically administered by a bishop of the Church.
Here’s what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says about the Sacrament of Confirmation:
From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
- It roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, “Abba! Father!”
- It unites us more firmly to Christ
- It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us
- It renders our bond with the Church more perfect
- It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross. (CCC 1303)
8th Grade Confirmations
Preparation for Confirmation typically happens in eighth grade as part of our school curriculum, the Parish School of Religion (for students who attend public school) or special sessions in the spring semester (for students who attend private Catholic schools unattached to a parish, such as Priory, Chaminade, Visitation, and Villa Duchesne.
In addition to reflecting on their faith in class, candidates are asked to participate in other service and prayerful projects.
Adults
Occasionally, for various reasons, an individual may not have been Confirmed in his or her youth.
Adults who are not yet Confirmed are invited to call the Parish Office at (636) 441-0055 ext.100 to make arrangements to celebrate the Sacrament.