Sacraments

What is a Sacrament? Sacraments are central for Catholics. They help us meet the incarnate Jesus, Who comes to us through cleansing water and invigorating oil to welcome us,  Life-giving bread and wine that become Christ's Body and Blood,

What is a Sacrament? Cont…… A hand outstretched in forgiveness, Vows lovingly exchanged in marriage  A hand designating someone for ordained service And oil to strengthen the sick and comfort the dying.

What is a Sacrament? Cont… The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of the sacred."  The seven sacraments are ceremonies that point to what is sacred, significant and important for Christians. 

What is a Sacrament? Cont… They are special occasions for experiencing God's saving presence. That is what theologians mean when they say that sacraments are at the same time signs and instruments of God's grace.

The 7 Sacraments. The Sacrament of Baptism The Sacrament of Confirmation The Sacrament of Holy Communion (known as First Holy Communion for first timers) The Sacrament of Reconciliation ( Confession) The Sacrament of Marriage The Sacrament of Holy Orders The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick (traditionally known as the Last Rites)

Confirmation The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of initiation.  Confirmation is a Catholic Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Confirmation perfects our baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit that were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFo-9H- lZlk

Confirmation It is most often associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the sacrament of Baptism. If Baptism is the sacrament of re-birth to a new and supernatural life,

Confirmation Confirmation is the sacrament of maturity and coming of age Confirmation is a sacrament of empowerment. It gives the strength to follow Jesus and to become involved in the mission which Jesus left to the Church. 

The Church Teaches Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from Baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer.  The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament.

The Church Teaches All baptised persons can and should be confirmed. The effect of the Sacrament of Confirmation is to give strength in faith. “I have baptised you with water; He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”  – Mark 13:11 

Children's Confirmation – Children are eligible to receive Confirmation if they have been baptised (or received) into the Catholic Church and are at least 7 years of age. Adult Confirmation – For those who are already baptised Catholic but have not yet been confirmed.  

Confirmation Your confirmation will be led by the bishop. It may take place during the main Sunday service at your own church or at a special service. It may also take place at the cathedral or in another church in your diocese.

Confirmation Responsibility! In many parishes a Service of Light is held a couple of weeks before the Confirmation ceremony. It is a low key ceremony, often taking place in the evening, but it is very moving for parents.  During this ritual, parents light their child’s baptismal candle and pass it to their son or daughter symbolising that their child will take on more responsibility for their own faith journey.  The role of parent does not end here. They will always support their child in faith, praying for them and guiding them in ways of love, truth and justice.

Confirmation 4 step Process Presentation of the Candidates. Renewal of Baptismal Promises. The Laying on of Hands. Anointing with Chrism. The Sacrament of Confirmation often happens in the middle of a Mass; after the sermon and before receiving Communion (Eucharist). Normally, the Sacrament of Confirmation takes place during the celebration of the Eucharist emphasising the unity of the three sacraments of Christian initiation.

Presentation of the candidate The names of everybody to be confirmed are read out. Each one stands up so everyone can see and then goes to the Bishop at the front.

The Renewal of Baptismal Promises Each candidate is asked questions about what they believe. They promise to reject evil. These promises are like an enrolment in to the Catholic Church. It is a bit like joining a club, except that the promises affect the whole of a person's life.

The Laying on of Hands The Bishop lays his hands on each of the candidates. This is to show them that they have the special job of living like Jesus would want and showing other people how to do the same. The hands are a symbol of the power and strength that will come to them through the Holy Spirit.

The Anointing with Chrism The Bishop says the candidate's name. This can be a special confirmation name (normally a saint's name) or the name they usually use. The Bishop then draws the sign of the cross on the forehead of the candidate with the oil of chrism. This oil is an ancient sign of being chosen by God. It is also used in baptism. The sign of the cross shows that the candidate is a child of God. Oil can be used to heal or to give strength.'

Scripture Passages for use in Confirmation First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3 or Ezekiel 36:24-28 SECOND READING Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 or St Paul to the Thessalonians 5:16-24 GOSPEL: Mark 1:9-11 or John 14:15-17