Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation of the Catholic Church, along with Baptism and the Eucharist. It bestows the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, which strengthens the faithful to be a powerful witness to God’s love and might in word and deed.
“Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the ‘character,’ which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1304).
During confirmation, a priest or a bishop lays his hands on the candidate and anoints them with Chrism, a holy oil meant to symbolize the spreading of “the aroma of Christ” (2 Cor 2:15).
Youth confirmation preparation is a 2-year program. Parents may contact Amy Miller at the parish office or email religioused@stanthonyhillsdale.com to enroll young people in confirmation preparation classes.
Adults who wish to receive the sacrament of Confirmation may call the parish office at 517-437-3305. Adults may enroll in RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) to learn about the faith and prepare for Confirmation.
Yes, we receive the Holy Spirit during Baptism. During Confirmation, the soul of a baptized Christian is imprinted with the permanent seal that sets you apart as a Christian forever. “Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).
Receiving these gifts at Confirmation equips the confirmand to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ and the Gospel.
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