In this sacrament, the grace first received in our baptism is perfected. Through the gift of The Holy Spirit, we are united more closely to Christ and our relationship with the Father is strengthened. As our connection with the Church is increased, so is our responsibility to take part in the mission, deepened by our words and deeds. We bear witness to the Christian faith.
All those who have been baptised are encouraged to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation, since it completes the unification process in Baptism and of which the apex is the celebration of the Eucharist.
Preparation to receive the sacrament of Confirmation involves a number of sessions and a weekend retreat. The aim is to deepen the candidates’ personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to awaken and deepen in them a sense of belonging to the Church in whose life they are to take an active part.
The sacrament is celebrated each year, generally early in May, in St Joseph’s for all deanery candidates.
All young people in Catholic Schools who are 14 years or above in September (school year 10) are eligible to register for our parish Confirmation programme. Young people who are not supported by Catholic education who follow our 10 pre-Confirmation sessions in year 9 of secondary school are also welcome to enrol.
Confirmation sessions for candidates take place in the evenings at 7.45pm. Parents are required to attend the Launch meeting only. Sessions begin in late September. The sessions are led by a team of qualified and experienced catechists, all of whom are CRB checked, and by a member of the Parish clergy.
(Other details are available on the enrolment form which can be collected from the Parish Office.)
We are fully aware that all young people as part of the National Curriculum will learn some of the general teachings of Christianity and basic morality. Even if they have previously attended a Catholic Primary School, however, we feel there are shortfalls. It is for this reason that a series of 9 sessions will be held from 5-6pm on Tuesday evenings commencing in September for those young people who will be entering Year 9 at secondary school in September.
This course is for children at non-Catholic secondary schools and attendance is a requirement before enrolling for the Sacrament of Confirmation in Year 10.
These sessions are led by qualified catechists who are CRB checked.
You can view details of our current programme here
(Application forms and the course timetable are available to collect from the Parish Office.)
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The current programme is a pdf document which will require the latest version of Adobe Reader which you can get for free from Adobe. |