RE NEWS
Religion News: Thursday the 13th of July 2023
Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on Sunday the 23rd of July at 11:00am Mass. Student/Parent Workshop is scheduled for Thursday the 13th of July at St. Mary’s School at 5:15 pm.
Reconciliation for Candidates is scheduled for Friday 21st of July.
A reminder to all Candidates and Parents that the Workshop tonight is compulsory. The Workshop will be held in the Grades Five/Six classroom. Please remember to bring along your poster about yourself and the name of your Sponsor.
What happens during the sacrament of Confirmation?
The Sacrament of Confirmation consists of the renewal of baptismal promises and the laying on of hands and anointing with the oil of Chrism. The anointing of the candidate is a sign of confirming the gift of the Spirit which was given in Baptism and calling the candidates to use these gifts to become involved in the life and mission of the community.
Usually the bishop presides over this sacrament.
What are the symbolic actions of Confirmation?
The Laying On of Hands: The bishop places his hands on the head of the candidates and prays for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This ritualises the connection to Baptism and the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in our vocation to follow the way of Jesus.
Anointing with oil: The anointing of the candidate at Confirmation recognises that they are sealed with the Holy Spirit. The bishop anoints the candidate’s forehead with the Oil of Chrism, saying ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’.
The Sign of Peace: At the end of the rite, the bishop puts his hand on the side of the candidate’s face and says ‘Peace be with you’ and the candidate replies with ‘And with your spirit’, symbolising the candidate’s place within the Church community.
We pray for all the Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation and their families.
Kind regards
Sue Benc