"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."
"It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.
From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!";
it unites us more firmly to Christ;
it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross."
This third Sacrament of Initiation celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit coming down on the candidates. The Holy Spirit gives us the knowledge and courage to do what we can't learn from school or our extracurricular activities, including making decisions that will change our lives or guiding a friend through their struggles.
Those interested in learning more about the Holy Spirit can begin preparation in the Fall, starting in 10th grade or above, and will be confirmed in the Spring of the same year. The Youth Ministry Office coordinates this preparation and is looking for speakers willing to show how the Holy Spirit is working in their life.
If you have any questions or would like to help with this process, please call Mary Seaman at 317-466-3365 or email: Mary Mehringer.
Registration for 2023-2024 will be available in October.
If you are a Catholic adult and have not celebrated Confirmation, there are options available for preparation. There is also an adult confirmation retreat each year, hosted by the North Deanery, which adults are encouraged to attend. Once confirmed, a person is a full member of the Catholic Church. Contact Mary Mehringer at 317-466-3365, for more information.