The Sacrament of Confirmation confirms the presence of the Holy Spirit in each one of us. The word 'confirmation' comes from the two root words - 'to firm up' and 'in community'.
In the sacrament of Confirmation, in the presence of your family and your parish community, you are confirmed in your role as a witness to Christ in the world today.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments - baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, marriage and holy orders.
Confirmation, focuses is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost and gave them courage to practice their faith. We believe that the Holy Spirit confirms us during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives us the same gifts as the apostles.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude (courage), knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. The 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity - human qualities that can be activated by the Holy Spirit.
To help prepare you and your family for your Confirmation, the three part 'Come Holy Spirit' video series below have been created to guide and explain the importance of this sacrament and the responsibilities and gifts that it brings.
We hope they are helpful. If you need any help or have questions, please contact your parish priest, your teacher or the Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre (00 44 (0)28 7126 4087 or email: ddcc@derrydiocese.org
Sacrament of Confirmation video and worksheet resources
In this three part video series, Come Holy Spirit, Eleanor and Johanna guide us through the various stages of preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation; why the Holy Spirit is so important in our lives, the gifts the Holy Spirit brings to each one of us and important considerations such as choosing a Confirmation name and a sponsor.
This video and worksheet series has been developed to help and guide parents/guardians and children to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Episode 1: Holy Spirit, Trinity, Power of the Spirit and Symbols of the Holy Spirit
In lesson 1, Eleanor and Johanna focus on the Holy Spirit and the difference it makes in our lives as well as:
- Insights gained from every day use of the word Spirit (Community Spirit, Team Spirit, Christmas Spirit, Inspired Spirit and more)
- Who the Holy Spirit is and the Holy Spirit as a Person of the Trinity – reflection on the Trinity.
- The difference the Holy Spirit makes in the life of Jesus and the disciples.
- Symbols of the Holy Spirit – Fire, Wind, Dove. Insights gained from these symbols.
Episode 2: Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit
In this second lesson, Eleanor and Johanna look at the seven gifts and the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
- Beginning with a quick fire quiz revising what was learned in previous lesson.
- Explore what fruits and a gifts of the Holy Spirit are. Reflection on how we all have the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – a game is played where the children guess what gift of the Spirit each picture represents and these gifts are explored. Children are asked to think about what gift of the Holy Spirit they feel that they need to strengthen.
- The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit – a game where the children are invited to guess what fruit of the Holy Spirit is being described.
- A final game whereby the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit are combined and explored further.
Episode 3: The Confirmation Ceremony
In this final episode, Eleanor and Johanna look at choosing Confirmation names and sponsors and the Confirmation ceremony itself.
- Beginning with a quick fire quiz revisiting what was learned in previous episodes.
- A name identification game is played and leads into a discussion on the significance of names and the importance of putting time and effort into choosing a confirmation name. Children are encouraged to choose a saint's name and some saints are referenced.
- The significance of a sponsor is explored.
The four parts of the Confirmation Ceremony are explored:
- Calling by Name
- Renewal of Baptismal Promises
- Laying on of Hands
- Anointing with Chrism.
- A reflection is given on how the ceremony might be different during the current pandemic.
- A reminder that confirmation is not an 'end' but should be a new beginning.