Confirmation
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, understanding, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The focal point is the laying on of hands and the anointing by the Bishop/Priest as he prays that God may send his Holy Spirit on the one being confirmed.
Who Can Receive Confirmation?
Any baptised Catholic can be Confirmed. In Walkinstown, confirmation is typically received 6th class in primary school. Adults who were not confirmed as children, will take part in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) to be prepared for their Confirmation.
Confirmation Name
The taking of a Confirmation name emphasises the new identity of a Christian called to witness to their faith. People are encouraged to take the name of a saint or a person from the Bible who inspires them in some way.
Sponsor
A person qualifies as a sponsor by being a reasonably mature adult, who is at least 16 years old, and has already received the Sacraments of Initiation, (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) themselves. The Confirmation sponsor may be one of the people who was a sponsor at Baptism.
During the Confirmation ceremony the sponsor stands behind the candidate and places their hand on their shoulder as a sign that they will support them in living out their baptismal promises. The sponsor undertakes to assist the confirmed person in the growing of their faith and in their membership of the Catholic Church.
Preparation
The year of your child’s Confirmation is a very special journey. We in Walkinstown Parish want to make this journey as special as possible for your child and also for you as parents/guardians and all your family.
The school’s preparation – the Grow in Love Programme – is complemented by a parish-based programme.
Participation in Sunday Mass throughout the year will be an important element in the preparation journey as your family and child prepares for Confirmation. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to get involved and participate in these Masses by way of doing a reading, Prayers of the Faithful and/or presenting the gifts of bread and wine to the altar etc.
Contact the Parish Office for further details.