Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation, a sealing and strengthening: God’s action in this sacrament “confirms” the indwelling of the Holy Spirit begun in Baptism. When a baptized person is confirmed, he/she receives in a special way the gifts of the Holy Spirit who acts within him/her as a special Light and Guide and helps him/her to live according to the Gospel and to witness to Christ in the world.

At Saint Luke’s, young adults who were baptized as infants are invited to the Sacrament of Confirmation during their latter high school years. If the young person discerns that he/she is ready to re-affirm the faith into which he/she was baptized, the young person participates in a week-end retreat, followed by a series of faith-sharing gatherings which explore the meaning of our Catholic faith and its implications for living. The sacrament is usually celebrated for our young people at a special liturgy presided over by our bishop in the spring.

Adults who have not been previously confirmed participate in a program of preparation as part of the parish R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program. Adults participating in the R.C.I.A. are usually confirmed during the parish celebration of the Easter Vigil.

Candidates for Confirmation choose a sponsor who is willing to companion them during their preparation for Confirmation. The sponsor is a committed Roman Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist and who is willing to share his/her faith with the person preparing for the sacrament.

The Sacrament of  Confirmation, along with Baptism and Eucharist, are called the Sacraments of Initiation. For a more detailed explanation of the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, please click here.