The sacrament of Confirmation confirms and strengthens baptismal grace by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is about strengthening what God has given, and continues to give, to us as members of Christ’s Church
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are strengthened with confirmation: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. In this way we are given the tools to become a better witness to Christ in the world.
Traditionally, a bishop is the celebrant of the Sacrament of Confirmation. During the celebration of Confirmation the bishop extends his hands over those to be confirmed and calls upon God: “Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.” Then each person to be confirmed is anointed with chrism on the forehead as the bishop says, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” In Confirmation, we are more more closely united with Christ, and with the new strength provided by the gifts of the Holy Spirit,we are able to accept new responsibilities for our faith and in the holy Catholic Church.
In 2018, Pope Francis said that “the rite of Confirmation recalls and renews the promises made at Baptism and invokes a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus received the outpouring of the Spirit at his baptism in order to carry out his messianic mission, the Church prays that we too may receive the gifts and fruits of the Spirit that enable us to help the Body of Christ grow in unity and missionary zeal. The gift of the Spirit is communicated through the laying on of hands and anointing with sacred chrism. Saint Paul sheds lights on the meaning of these sacramental signs when he says that “God… has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts” (2 Cor 1:21-22). Sealed with the Holy Spirit, we are configured more closely to Christ and strengthened to bear witness to him in our world. May each of us grow in gratitude for the gift received at our Confirmation and open our hearts ever more fully to the creativity of the Spirit who makes all things new. “
Confirmation at St. Joseph Catholic Church and School:
St. Joseph parishioners who are baptized Catholics, who have already prepared for and celebrated the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist (First Communion), and who are at least 12 years of age by the celebration of confirmation), prepare for the sacrament of confirmation in parish-based preparation process. Catholic children in the school need to register for family, parish-based sacramental preparation. Ideally, Confirmation preparation takes place every two years.
Confirmation requirements:
- must have reached the age of discretion. (In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Confirmation is conferred between the ages of twelve and
sixteen.) - profess the Catholic faith and desire to receive the sacrament;
- be in a state of grace;
- be ready to live as a witness to Jesus Christ.
Note: Adults who have not been confirmed should contact Father Rey for information regarding adult confirmation preparation. Please call the parish office for details.
Requirements for sponsors:
- Any sponsor must be 16 years old and a practicing Catholic who has been fully initiated (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation);
- Any sponsor who is not a registered member of St. Joseph Catholic Church must obtain a written letter from the pastor of his/her Catholic Church verifying that he/she is a practicing member of that parish. The letter should accompany the sponsor form;
- The above guidelines are to be followed for a proxy as well.
Here is a video about confirmation: