When Pentecost day came around, they had all met together when suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a violent wind which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and there appeared to them tongues as of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit …”.
Acts of the Apostles 2: 1-3

'From the time of the apostles, in fulfilment of Christ's will, imparted on the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the firts elements of Christian initiation. The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church. CCC 1288.

Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name 'Christian', which means 'anointed' and derives from that of Christ himself whom God 'anointed with the Holy Spirit.' CCC 1289

Tuesday, 14th October - 7.00 pm

Parents' information session about the preparation programme in The John Paul II Centre. Please note that all children attending non-Catholic schools need to complete an enrolement form and bring it along to the meeting.

Sunday, 19th October - 9.00 am Mass

Introductory Rite of Presentation for the Sacrament.

Saturday, 29th November - 9.00 am

At The John Paul II Centre, an opportunity for parents to understand more about the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Saturday, 7th February - all day

Retreat day for the candidates for the Sacrement of Confirmation in The John Paul II Centre concluding with Mass at 6.00 pm.

Saturday, 28th February - 9.00 am

Practice for the Confirmation Mass.

As well as attending on the dates above, all children going to non-Catholic schools need to attend classes on the following dates held in The John Paul II Centre between 9.00 and 10.00 am.

• 8th November
• 22nd November
• 24th January

Please note that attendance at the introductory rite and all the above meetings and classes and the retreat day are a requirement for the sacrament of confirmation.

The Confirmation Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 4th March at 7.00 p.m. by Bishop William Kenney

Confirmation application form (PDF file will open in a new window)

What the Catechism of the Catholic Church says.

New Advent.

Rite for those prepring for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Please note that attendance at the introductory rite and all the above meetings and classes are a requirement for the Sacrament of Confirmation