Confirmation

Traditionally all confirmations take place at Portsmouth Cathedral being celebrated by Bishop Philip. Confirmation truly is the moment where we embrace our autonomy and commit ourselves fully to Christ in the true knowledge of what that means.

Gifts of Holy Spirit pouring forth.

During Confirmation, God the Holy Spirit comes upon the person, accompanied by God the Father and God the Son, just as he did at Pentecost.

Lectern decorated with red Holy Spirit material.
 

As Catholics we believe that the soul needs to grow to maturity in the life of grace, just as the human body must grow through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Catholics believe the Sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the growth process on the natural level. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in Holy Eucharist. It completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead.

This sacrament is called Confirmation because the faith given in Baptism is now confirmed and made strong. Sometimes, those who benefit from Confirmation are referred to as soldiers of Christ. This isn’t a military designation but a spiritual duty to fight the war between good and evil, light and darkness — a war between the human race and all the powers of hell.

The focus in Confirmation is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4) and gave them courage to practice their faith. We believe that the same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives us the same gifts and fruits.

Traditionally, the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity. These are human qualities that can be activated by the Holy Spirit. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are supernatural graces given to the soul.

 

Who can be confirmed?

Young people from Year 9 onwards (13-14 years) are welcome to enrol on the Confirmation programme. They must be baptised Catholics who have made their First Holy Communion.

When is the next Confirmation?

Confirmation is typically celebrated every two years. Our next Confirmation is due to take place in 2025.

What is the Preparation?

The preparation in our Parish is led by a team of brilliant catechists and helpers. It consists of group meetings for the candidates, special celebrations at Mass, a weekend retreat and a reconciliation service.

Dates and times are yet to be confirmed for the next preparation. This will be in 2024-25.

Preparation typically takes place on Sunday or Saturday afternoons.