“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 work and deed.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285) Along with baptism and the Eucharist, Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation–initiation into the life of Christian witness. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, which come to us at Confirmation, are meant to sustain us in discipleship and service to the Church. During Confirmation, the celebrant traces the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of the confirmand, saying “be sealed with the Holy Spirit”–these words, as well as the ritual of laying on of hands, have rich ties to the apostles and the early Christian church and are a reminder that we, like the original twelve apostles, are called to go out and live as witnesses in the world.
Confirmation for High Schoolers
Confirmation Preparation for youth here at Our Lady of Lourdes is a two year program offered for high school students. Typically this is done between freshmen and sophomore year with most students being confirmed in the spring of sophomore year. For more information about Confirmation Prep, contact Morgan Davis by clicking here.
Confirmation over the age of 18
Anyone over the age of 18 who wishes to be confirmed should call the Parish Office at 563.359.0345, or email Morgan Davis by clicking here.
Sacraments 101: Confirmation (Why We’re Confirmed)
Why do I have to get confirmed if I’m already baptized? How do I choose a sponsor as I prepare for confirmation? Why do I have the option to choose a new name? Get answers to these questions and more in this video about this Sacrament of Initiation.