Confirmation is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church. Together with Baptism and the Eucharist it is a Sacrament of Initiation. At Confirmation the candidate is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and confirms the faith one has received at Baptism, fortified in the Holy Eucharist and has inherited from the parents and the Godparents.
Accepting the responsibility of owning and defending one’s faith requires maturity and candidates are encouraged to discern if they are ready for this responsibility. As Catholics, we are called to love God and to love our neighbour. This requires putting out faith into action and candidates will utilise opportunities provided to serve the parish in any capacity they are able to. These little steps will hopefully encourage them to take larger steps later in life, to take Jesus where He is needed most.
In the Diocese of Westminster it is recommended that the candidates are at least 14 years of age therefore anyone younger than that will be asked to wait until he or she has reached the suitable age. Candidates must be 14 years old by 1st September to enrol in the year’s preparation programme when registration opens in the summer (Jun/Jul). Announcements regarding the opening of registration is made in the parish newsletter at least two weeks prior. A registration form is made available online on this webpage for the duration of the registration period.
The preparation programme runs from September to May with the Sacrament being conferred at the Westminster Cathedral sometime between May & July.
Children seeking confirmation but who will turn 18 years old by Easter next year are requested to look at the Adult Confirmation webpage.