Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (ACT 8:14-17)

The effect of Confirmation is a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit like that of Pentecost. This outpouring impresses on the soul an indelible character and produces a growth in the grace of Baptism. It roots the recipient more deeply in divine sonship, binds him more firmly to Christ and to the Church and reinvigorates the gifts of the Holy Spirit in his soul. It gives a special strength to witness to the Christian faith. (COMPENDIUM OF THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 268)

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the Sacraments of Christian initiation.  The Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. Like Baptism, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the “character,” which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation deepens our baptismal life that calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighborhoods, society, and the world.

Please call the parish office at 715-476-2697 or call Fr. Maria Joseph Kodiganti directly at 715-614-8058 if you have any questions regarding Confirmation.