Sacrament of Confirmation

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.”
~Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Rite:
This sacrament is usually administered by the bishop. During the ceremony there is a general imposition of hands, with the bishop praying that the Holy Spirit comes down upon those who have already been regenerated: “send forth upon them thy sevenfold Spirit the Holy Paraclete.” Next, he anoints the forehead of each with the oil of chrism saying: “I sign thee with the sign of the cross and confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Finally, he gives each a slight blow on the cheek saying: “peace be with thee”. A prayer is added that the Holy Spirit may dwell in the hearts of those who have been confirmed, and the rite closes with the bishop’s blessing.

Confirmation imparts:
1) an increase of sanctifying grace which makes the recipient a “perfect Christian”
2) a special sacramental grace consisting in the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (namely Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Right Judgement, Fortitude, Piety, Fear of the Lord) and notably in the strength and courage to confess boldly the name of Christ
3) an indelible character by reason of which the sacrament cannot be received again by the same person.

The sponsor or godparent who stands for the person being confirmed must:
1.  Be sufficiently mature to undertake the responsibility.
2.  Have received Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
3.  Be a practicing Catholic.


The Sacrament of Confirmation is ordinarily conferred when the child is in year six as part of the Sacramental Program run by the parish in conjunction with the school.

Catholics who were not confirmed in their primary school years can receive this Sacrament at St Mary’s Cathedral.

At St Mary’s Cathedral the Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated on Pentecost Sunday and then again in October.

It is a requirement that candidates are prepared/given instructions at the parish level before the Sacrament is conferred.

St Michael’s Hurstville will give instructions to prepare those who would like to be confirmed.