Confirmation

Confirmation is a rite of initiation in Christian churches,

(although in the Church of England and similar denominations

it can be simply viewed as a reinstating of one's beliefs) normally

carried out through anointing and/or the laying on of hands and

prayer for the purpose of bestowing the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

There is an analogous ceremony also called confirmation in

Reform Judaism, the most theologically liberal denomination within Judaism.

Within Christianity, confirmation is seen as the sealing of the

covenant made in Holy Baptism. In some denominations,

confirmation also bestows full membership in a local

congregation upon the recipient. In others, such as the

Roman Catholic Church, confirmation "renders the bond

with the Church more perfect", because a baptized person

is already a full member.

Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches,

and many Anglicans view Confirmation as a sacrament.

In the East it is conferred immediately after baptism. In the

West, this practice is followed when adults are baptized,

but in the case of infants not in danger of death it is administered,

ordinarily by a bishop, only when the child reaches the age

of reason or early adolescence. Among those Catholics

who practice teen-aged confirmation, the practice may be

perceived, secondarily, as a "coming of age" rite.

In Protestant churches, the rite tends to be seen rather as a

mature statement of faith by an already baptised person.

It is also required by most Protestant denominations for

membership in the respective church, in particular for

traditional Protestant churches. In traditional Protestant

churches (Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran etc.)

it is recognized by a coming of age ceremony. Confirmation is

not practised in Baptist, Anabaptist and other groups

that teach believer's baptism.

CONFIRMATION 2024: 

Application forms are now available in the church porch for enrolment into the Confirmation program 2024. This program is open to youth in Year 10 and above who wish to make their confirmation here in St Patricks. Completed forms must be brought back to the Presbytery no later than Sunday 28^th April and will only be accepted with a copy of the candidate’s baptismal certificate attached. Parents must attend the first meeting along with the candidates on Monday 29^th April 2024 at 6:30pm in the Church.