Confirmation
When the day of Pentecost came it found them gathered in one place. Suddenly from up in the sky there came a noise like a strong, driving wind which was heard all through the house where they were seated. Tongues as of fire appeared which parted and came to rest on each one of them. All were filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to express themselves in foreign tongues and make bold proclamation as the Spirit prompted them.
Acts 2:1-4
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told the apostles that He would be with them always until the end of the world. Jesus said, “John baptized with water, but within a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down on you; then you are to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, yes, even to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:5,8) At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended.
Confirmation usually follows the reception of Baptism and Holy Eucharist, and is therefore the third of the sacraments of initiation. Confirmation is the sacrament through which Jesus fully confers on us the Holy Spirit, making us full-fledged and responsible members of the mystical body of Christ. We also receive the graces of the Holy Spirit especially those which enable us to profess, explain, and spread the faith.
Through the sacrament of Confirmation, Jesus gives us:
1. An increase in divine life
2. A new and deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit
3. The sacramental mark or character of Confirmation
4. An increase of the strength to profess, defend, and spread the faith
Confirmation at Our Lady of Hope
At Our Lady of Hope the sacrament of Confirmation is ordinarily conferred by a bishop early each fall on children entering the ninth grade. Children prepare for this wonderful sacrament during their eighth grade year at Our Lady of Hope Catholic School or during their seventh and eighth grade years of Religious Education classes. Please contact the Religious Education Office for more information.
Adults who have not yet received the sacrament of Confirmation have the opportunity to do so each Pentecost at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. Adults who are interested should contact the Parish Office for more information.