APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN ON SATURDAY 1 AUGUST AND CLOSE 20 SEPTEMBER
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.
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285
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.”
Confirmation is the Sacrament that brings to a closure the Christian initiation begun at Baptism. During the celebration of Confirmation, the Bishop will extend his hands over the candidates and ask for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them, just like it did on the Apostles at Pentecost and still does over our Church today. Just like Baptism, Confirmation is celebrated only once as it leave an indelible mark over the soul, “the “character,” which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness. This “character” perfects the common priesthood of the faithful, received in Baptism, and “the confirmed person receives the power to profess faith in Christ publicly and as it were officially (quasi ex officio).” (CCC1304-1305)
Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighbourhoods, society, and the world. Through Confirmation, our personal relationship with Christ is strengthened. We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service.
The CCC tells us that: 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: Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God’s presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts.
In the Diocese of Westminster, the Sacrament of Confirmation is offered to those in year 9 and above, however, this programme is aimed at teenagers in high school, those 18+ who wish to be confirmed, need to apply for RCIA.
Confirmation Programme 2026/27
Dear Parents/Guardians,
We invite you to complete this initial enquiry form for the Confirmation Programme 2026/27. In accordance with diocesan guidelines, candidates must be in Year 9 or above as of September 2026, up to 17 years of age, and must be baptised or received into the Roman Catholic Church. For those aged 18 and above who wish to be confirmed, a separate programme is available, please contact us directly for more information.
We are planning to begin the course in November 2026 and continue through to June 2027. This schedule is designed to offer greater flexibility while ensuring candidates are properly prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. At this time, we cannot confirm the exact date of the Confirmation celebration, as this depends on the diocesan calendar. Applications will close on Sunday, 20 September 2026. Any forms submitted after this date will be placed on a waiting list.
A vital part of the preparation involves regular participation in Sunday Mass and on Holy Days of Obligation. This is not only a course requirement but an essential part of living the Catholic faith. We encourage families to attend Mass together, particularly during Christmas and Easter, when participation in the life of the parish is especially meaningful.
There will be a contribution of £50 per candidate, or £45 each if two or more siblings are enrolled. This covers course material, a day retreat, flowers for the Confirmation Mass, and the printing of celebration booklets. If the cost presents a difficulty for your family, please speak with us confidentially. We do not want financial concerns to prevent any young person from receiving the Sacrament.
Once you have submitted the form, please be aware that the website may not send an automatic confirmation. Do not be concerned, the Parish Secretary will contact you to confirm your child’s place on the course, provide payment details, and let you know about the upcoming Parents’ Meeting (date and venue to be announced). At that meeting, you will receive all necessary information, including the course timetable.
We thank you for your commitment and look forward to accompanying your child on this important journey of faith. May the Lord bless and guide your family during this time of preparation.
God bless,
Fr Luigi, Fr Rionelle and the Confirmation Catechists