Sealed with the Spirit
Confirmation celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit, completing and sealing our Baptism and calling us to be Christian witnesses.
We are made members of God's family at Baptism. At Confirmation, our Baptism is completed or "sealed" by the Holy Spirit and we are called to be Christian witnesses, just like the apostles. The whole of our Christian living, and the life of the Church, are sustained by the same Spirit.
Next Celebration: The Bishop of Cloyne will impart the Sacrament of Confirmation on the children of the parish in 2027.
Who can receive it?
Any baptised Catholic wishing to advance on the path of developing their faith. For young people, this is usually part of the 5th/6th class primary school programme. For adults, it means taking part in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
The Sponsor
A sponsor stands behind the candidate and places their hand on their shoulder as a sign of support. The sponsor must be at least 16, a confirmed Catholic who has received the Eucharist, and not the father or mother of the candidate.
A New Name
The tradition of taking a new name at Confirmation emphasises the new identity of a Christian being called to witness. People are encouraged to take the name of a saint who inspires them.
The Oil of Chrism
The oil used is the Oil of Chrism — olive oil mixed with balsam, blessed by the bishop and priests of the diocese at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday. The Sacrament is conferred with the anointing on the forehead as the Bishop says: "Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit."
If your child has recently transferred to a school in our parish and missed out on the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact us and we will make arrangements with the Bishop for your child to receive the Sacrament as soon as possible.