Confirmation celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. In the Acts of the Apostles chapter 2, verses 1 to 13, we read of the Apostles receiving the Holy Spirit. They had been hiding after Jesus’ death, afraid and uncertain. The coming of the Holy Spirit with his gifts inspired them and enabled them to take the step of preaching the good news. 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 too, is sustained by the same Spirit.

Who Can Receive?
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 who were not confirmed as children, it means taking part in the Rite of the Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.)

Confirmation Name
The tradition of taking a new name at Confirmation emphasises the new identity of a Christian being 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.

Anointing with Oil
The oil used is called the Oil of Chrism. It is olive oil mixed, with balsam, is blessed by the bishop and priests of the diocese in the Cathedral at the ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday. The Sacrament is conferred with the anointing with this ‘Oil of Chrism’ on the forehead as the Celebrant says ‘Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit’, to which the confirmand replys ‘Amen’.

Sponsor
The role of the Confirmand’s Sponsor is not just for the day of Confirmation. The sponsor undertakes to assist the confirmed person in growing in the fullness of the faith and in their membership of the Catholic Church.
During the Confirmation Liturgy, the sponsor stands behind the candidate for Confirmation. Placing their hand firmly on the shoulder of the candidate as a sign of their practical and spiritual support in the confirm and full living of their baptismal promises.
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 Godparent at Baptism.

Confirmation of Adults
If you wish to discern the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, the first step is to make contact with the parish priest. He or his delegate will guide and support you through the faith journey you will take.
The Diocesan/Parish preparation is called the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) it is a year-long support of exploration, decision, prayer, discernment and celebration with those who wish to celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism + Confirmation + Eucharist).
Please do not be alarmed by the unfamiliar and very specific language used to describe the stages of RCIA. The main thing to know is that you are welcome, and you will be guided, supported and encouraged by the parish priest, parish team and parish community on your faith journey in the company of parishioners here in St Pius X Parish.

On-line enrolment for the Sacrament of Confirmation 2026

Parents / guardians of 6th class children are invited to enrol their children for the Sacrament of Confirmation to be celebrated in March next year. The online enrolment can be completed by clicking this link click here

Links to the online enrolment are also being communicated and being made available through the schools.

We would kindly ask parents / guardians to complete the enrolment by Friday 12th December 2025. This will enable the parish to keep parents informed about any developments in the preparation for the Sacraments. Our Family Mass on the second Saturday of each month is a central element of your child’s preparation for the Sacrament and therefore can we ask you to please make the effort to attend each month.

Note:

You will also need to drop a copy of your child’s Catholic Baptism Cert into the school (if you have not already done so) once you have completed the online enrolment. Certs are available from the church where your child was baptised.