The Sacrament of Confirmation—During the actual confirmation ceremony we hear the words: “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Confirmation puts a seal on baptism … and completes the grace of baptism.

Young baptized people are intended to personally make the decision to be confirmed. They are putting their personal signature on the promises their parents and godparents made for them at baptism.

Preparation for this sacrament extends through two years of religious education at St. Joseph Parish. The young people ultimately receive the sacrament in eighth grade.

Adults interested in confirmation or learning more about becoming Catholic are invited to consider taking part in St. Joseph Parish’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process. For details about RCIA, call Sr. Linda, 815-802-9136.

At Confirmation, we learn what new life in the Spirit implies: “All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence”

The above prayer names the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The prophet Isaiah taught that these seven gifts would be the sign of the Messiah, the one anointed by the Holy Spirit. The word Messiah (Christos in Greek) means “anointed.” Jesus is the Christ, the anointed one, the one filled with the Holy Spirit. At confirmation we are anointed with that same Holy Spirit.

Receiving the Holy Spirit during confirmation allows believers to put these gifts into practice in their lives. Therefore, the sacrament of confirmation equips us to be able to handle life.