This is the third Sacrament of initiation, even though it is usually the fourth sacrament that we receive. It celebrates the Gift of the Holy Spirit on each person who receives the sacrament. It inherits its identity from Pentecost. The coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles at Pentecost, as detailed in the Acts of the Apostles, marks the beginning of the early Christian community. From there, many were converted to the Good News and were baptised.
The celebration of Confirmation today takes place for the majority of us around the age of eleven or twelve. It marks another step on our faith journey, begun at baptism. At Confirmation, we receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, namely Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence and Wonder and Awe in God’s presence. Along with these gifts we receive the Fruits of the Spirit – Joy- Peace – Goodness – Kindness – Love – Patience – Gentleness – Faithfulness – Self Control.
The Rite of Confirmation has three parts:
- Renewal of Baptismal Promises
- The Laying on of Hands
- Anointing with the oil of Chrism
The Sacrament of Confirmation for 2023 was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church on Friday 24th March at 6.00pm. Twenty-two young people from Killyhommon and St. Patrick’s primary schools received the sacrament this year. While they gathered with their parents, teachers and sponsors for the ceremony, the responsibility for nourishing their faith and encouraging them in the practice of it, is one to be borne by all of us as believers.
The Sacrament of Confirmation for 2024 will be celebrated on Friday 3rd May at 6pm in St. Patrick’s, Derrygonnelly.