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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.
-Acts 8:14-17
Together with Baptism and the Eucharist, Confirmation completes the three Sacraments of Initiation into the Church by a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Our baptism is confirmed in union with Christ that we might be united more firmly with him. Like Baptism, it is conferred only once, imprinting an indelible character, or mark, on the soul.
The gifts bestowed at Confirmation are the spirit of understanding and of wisdom, prudence and fortitude, knowledge, piety and holy fear of the Lord. The Catechism reminds us that every baptized Catholic can and should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation; without it, our baptism is surely valid, but our Christian initiation remains incomplete.
While Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Portland is generally administered in high school, it is never too late to be confirmed. High school sophomores are confirmed in September, adult Candidates are confirmed upon their Profession of Faith, generally during Lent, and Catechumens in the parish R.C.I.A. program are confirmed at the Easter Vigil. Other parishioners who have not received the grace of this Sacrament and wish to be confirmed are encouraged to call the parish office and speak to the Director of Education. |
