Confirmation celebrates the coming of the holy spirit. We are made members of God’s family at baptism and at confirmation we are ‘Sealed’ by the holy spirit and we are called to be Christian witnesses, apostles. Any baptised Catholic wishing to advance on this path of developing their faith can receive confirmation. In our diocese it is part of the 5th/6th class primary school programme. A sponsor accompanies the candidate on the confirmation day. the sponsor places their hand on the shoulder of the candidate. The sacrament is conferred with the anointing with the ‘oil of chrism’ by the bishop on the candidate’s forehead as he says, “Be sealed with the gifts of the holy spirit”.
For Adults who were not confirmed as children, it means taking part in the ‘Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults’ (R.C.I.A.).