Confirmation.

Confirmation is one of the sacraments of initiation (along with Baptism and Eucharist) – the means whereby we become full members of the Church.  In the early Church, children were rarely received into the faith, so an adult who showed a real commitment to the Christianity would be baptised, confirmed and receive the Eucharist at the same ceremony.  Nowadays Confirmation is separated ritually from Baptism, but not sacramentally.  The sacraments are received at different stages in the journey of faith but remain intrinsically linked. Confirmation completes the process, as it were.  When a person is confirmed, it is the official recognition by the community – represented by the bishop - of their place in the Church, the Body of Christ.  It signifies a mature and adult acceptance of faith and a commitment to live out that faith in daily life.

The Confirmation Course.

St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish runs a joint Confirmation course with St. Mark’s.

Preparation is offered to young people in Year 9 and above of secondary education.  When the course runs it begins in the autumn and finishes just before the celebration of the sacrament by the Bishop. 

Preparation sessions are usually on a Saturday morning from 10.00until 12.30.  Only those who complete the application form and return it by the given date are accepted onto the course.  The forms are made available over a certain period at both churches.  Attendance at all sessions is mandatory.

The course is designed to help young people revisit Baptism and key areas of faith.  Candidates are encouraged to reflect upon and talk about their faith.  There is a Mass of Enrolment and a celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation also during the course. 

Confirmations in the Westminster Diocese are usually held during the period after Easter and until July. 

The next Confirmation Course will start in 2011. 

Young parishioners and parents should watch the newsletter for details.

Confirmation for other candidates.

Adults who have not been confirmed and who wish to receive the sacrament should contact Fr John.

Contact: Fr John        pp@boxmoorcatholic.org

This page:-             is maintained by           John
                           was last updated on       Thursday, 22 July 2010