Confirmation is the sacrament in which we say yes to our faith for ourselves. Where Baptism welcomed us into the Church — often as infants, before we could choose — Confirmation is our own personal commitment to God and to the Catholic faith, strengthened and sealed by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
It is not an ending — it is a beginning. The start of a more conscious, intentional walk with God, equipped with the grace to live that faith out in the world.
Who is Confirmation for?
Our Confirmation programme is open to young people in Year 10 and above. If you are an adult who was baptised Catholic but never confirmed, please get in touch with the parish office — we would love to support you on that journey too.
What does the programme involve?
Registration opens in the autumn, with the preparation programme running from January through to May, when the Confirmation ceremony takes place.
The programme explores what it means to live as a confirmed Catholic — the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of the Church and what faith looks like in everyday life. It is an opportunity to ask questions, to reflect and to grow.
As part of the programme, candidates also attend The Flame Congress — a vibrant national gathering of young Catholics. There is a ticket cost for this event, which parents will be informed about at registration. There is no charge to receive the sacrament of Confirmation itself.
Choosing a Confirmation name
As part of their preparation, candidates choose a Confirmation name — the name of a saint who inspires them. This is a personal and meaningful choice, echoing the tradition in which God gives a new name to those called to a special purpose — as He did with Abraham, Peter and Paul. Take your time with this choice and choose someone whose life and faith speaks to you.
Your sponsor
Every candidate is supported by a sponsor — someone who accompanies them through the process and presents them to the Bishop on the day. Ideally this is one of your Baptismal Godparents, though this is not always possible.
A sponsor must be:
- A practising Catholic, aged 16 or over
- Baptised and confirmed in the Catholic Church
- Someone who knows you well and can support your faith journey
Parents do not usually sponsor their own children. An older family member — a sibling, aunt, uncle or family friend — can make a wonderful sponsor.
On the day
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the ceremony and sit in your allocated seat. We do our best to reserve a space for each family. The service typically lasts between one and two hours.
Candidates are asked to dress smartly and appropriately for a church ceremony.
In the weeks following Confirmation, candidates are invited to a Going Forth Mass where they are presented with their Confirmation Certificates and celebrated by the whole parish community.
How to register
Registration forms and full details are available from the parish office each autumn. You will need to provide a copy of your Baptism certificate as part of the process.
To find out more, contact the parish office at acton@rcdow.org.uk or call 020 8992 2014.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” — Acts 1:8