Confirmation is one of the Church’s sacraments – a visible sign of God’s love for us in which he bestows upon us his life giving grace through a tangible act. It marks a second significant moment in our journey of faith, which was begun at our baptism. In the sacrament of Confirmation, the individual receives the outward Spirit of grace which inspires them to move from a personal individualistic relationship with God to an outward and active faith. It marks the point in the Christian life where we make a firm public commitment to Christian life and service. As such, it is expected that individuals intend to regularly attend church and have a desire to grow in faith through prayer, study and serving others.
At Confirmation, through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop, the Church asks God to give those being confirmed power, through the Holy Spirit, to grow in resilience and perseverance and so develop a life-long faith and commitment. Once Confirmed, people are encouraged to explore their own ministries on behalf of God’s Church and provide a positive example of faith so that more people may come to know his love for them.
“Taking such a big step can feel scary or even foolish amidst the noise and confusion of today’s society. We may feel like we would rather run than take seriously what we feel God is calling us to explore. But to turn away from God is to intentionally refuse to enter His light and instead move back into the darkness. We are creatures of light and to live in the darkness makes us a poor remnant of the person God has made us to be. Only in God’s light can we ‘live life in all its fullness’. Commitment to His goodness can bring us true contentment and revealing His peace and compassion in the world can heal it.”