Confirmation

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you;
I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
Ezekiel 36:26

Those who have been baptised continue on the path of Christian initiation through the sacrament of confirmation. In this way, they receive the Holy Spirit, conforming them more perfectly to Christ and strengthening them so that they may bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love. Rite of Confirmation, 1-2

Confirmation is the sacrament of initiation which ‘seals’ or ‘reaffirms’ our baptism before we take the final step in becoming a full member of the Catholic Church. In receiving the sacrament, the child commits to the promises made by their parents during baptism and receives the gifts of The Holy Spirit - which enables them to make a mature statement of their faith and be witnesses of Christ in the world.

The sacrament of confirmation is given by the bishop who makes an anointing with Holy oil on the forehead of the confirmands. He makes
her or him mature in faith.

In keeping with the guidelines of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Holy Trinity Parish offers a Family centred, Parish based and School and Catechist supported sacramental program, with each community having its own distinct contribution which makes it a genuine partnership.

Preparation for Confirmation is in second term in Year 6 and is done
in partnership with Parents, Parish and Catholic School. 

At the three Catholic Schools associated with Holy Trinity Parish, Year 6 students’ preparation for Confirmation is supported by the school Religious Education Leaders (REL). 
 

Parents of students not enrolled in the Catholic Schools of Holy Trinity are required to submit the Parish Sacramental Program Enrolment Form and attend the registration information afternoon. For further information contact Donrita Reefman, Pastoral Coordinator [email protected].

The Process of Preparation for Confirmation takes the following steps:
Information Afternoon- for children and their families.
A booklet “Confirmation for Parents and Children” is given to the children and their parents to assist with preparation. Children will be introduced to the Group and Individual Reconciliation.

Student Reflection Day- organised by the three parish schools. 
Children not enrolled in the parish schools are also encouraged to attend.

Presentation of children to the Parish Community- during weekend Masses. 
During Mass, children will be presented to the Parish.  All are welcome to attend morning tea after Mass.

Celebrating the sacrament of Confirmation- arranged in each church
with the Bishop attending.

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ site has information for parents in preparing for Confirmation.

This Pictorial Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit guide may be useful to assist children understanding Confirmation concepts.

Here are some preparation for Confirmation videos on the ACBC site.

This family prayer in preparation for Confirmation may also be helpful to assist parents