The Sacrament of Confirmation: Strengthening the Spirit

One of the vital milestones in the life of a practicing Catholic is the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation, a profoundly significant step on one’s spiritual journey.

What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, alongside Baptism and the Eucharist. Through this sacrament, the grace first received at Baptism is strengthened and brought to completion. It is a moment when a young person or adult stands before the Church and consciously chooses to deepen their commitment to Christ. At Our Lady of Lourdes, Aylesbury, we understand Confirmation as a joyful and important step in the life of faith, helping each candidate enter more fully into the mission and life of the Church.

The Preparation Process

Preparation for Confirmation at Our Lady of Lourdes involves far more than learning facts about the faith. It is a period of prayer, learning, personal reflection, and community. Candidates take part in a catechetical programme that explores the core beliefs of the Church, the meaning of the sacraments, the story of salvation, and what it means to live as a Catholic in today’s world. The process also includes opportunities for service, attending Mass together, and moments of quiet reflection to help each candidate recognise the presence of God in their own life. Parents and families are encouraged to accompany their children on this journey, supporting them through conversation, prayer, and participation in parish life

Confirmation Dates: 2026

Date	Time		Event	Notes
Sat 13th Dec 2025	4pm		Parents’ meeting
Sat 10th Jan 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 1
Sat 24th Jan 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 2
Sat 24th Jan 2026	6pm		Enrolment Mass	Takes place immediately after session 2.
Sat 7th Feb 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 3
Fri 13th-15th  Feb 2026			lux weekend	Book direct with NYMO (Optional but recommended)
Sat 28th Feb 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 4
Fri 6th Mar 2026	5.30pm-6pm		Stations of the Cross	At Our Lady of Lourdes
Sat 7th Mar 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 5
Fri 13th Mar 2026	TBC		Stations of the Cross	At St Joseph’s
Sat 21st Mar 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 6
Sat 18th Apr 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 7
2nd May 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 8
16th May 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 9
Sat 23rd May 2026	11am-4pm		Blaze	At St Michael’s, Aylesbury (mandatory attendance)
Sat 6th June 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 10
Sat 20th June 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 11
Sat 4th July 2026	4.15pm-5.45pm		Candidates’ session 12
Sat 11th July 2026	3pm		Rehearsal with sponsor
Mon 13th-Fri 17th July	7pm		Confirmation Mass	TBC but within this week
The Election Mass date is still to be confirmed. A reconciliation service for the candidates has also to be arranged.
Please notify the catechists of any absences in advance of the event by calling   077385 83801
Catechists are: Sue Cherry Marie Woods Wendie Williamson Marley Williamson Tahlia  Williamson		Ann Donnelly Mathew Nyakuhwa Fran Woodbridge Mariene Arul Susmitha Simon Maloth

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The Role of the Sponsor

Every candidate chooses a Confirmation sponsor who walks alongside them during the preparation period. The sponsor is usually a practising Catholic who can act as a spiritual guide and role model. Their role is to encourage, pray for, and support the candidate, helping them see how faith can be lived in everyday life. During the Confirmation Mass, the sponsor stands with the candidate as a sign of the ongoing support offered within the wider community of the Church.

The Rite of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is normally celebrated during a parish Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, either by the bishop or by a priest delegated to act on his behalf. The rite contains several moments that express the gift of the Holy Spirit and the unity of the Church.

Anointing with Chrism

At the heart of the sacrament is the anointing with sacred Chrism. The bishop traces the sign of the cross on each candidate’s forehead using the holy oil that was consecrated during Holy Week. As he anoints, he says the words, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”. This seal marks the person as belonging to Christ in a new and deeper way.

Laying on of Hands

Before the anointing, the bishop extends his hands over the candidates and prays for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. This ancient gesture is a powerful reminder of the descent of the Spirit at Pentecost. It is a moment when the Church prays that each candidate is strengthened in faith, courage, and love.

The Importance of Confirmation

Confirmation is a profound step on the Christian journey. It brings with it a renewed sense of identity and purpose within the Church. At Our Lady of Lourdes, we view Confirmation not only as a milestone but as an invitation to active discipleship.

Strengthening Baptismal Grace

Through Confirmation, the grace received at Baptism becomes deeper and stronger. The confirmed person becomes more closely united to Christ and more firmly rooted in the life of the Church. They are called to continue growing in faith, prayer, and understanding.

Empowered by the Holy Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Confirmation prepare the candidate to live their faith confidently. Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord are given so that the newly confirmed can make good decisions, stand firm in times of difficulty, and witness to their faith with integrity and compassion.

Maintaining the Spirit Post Confirmation

Confirmation is the beginning of a new chapter, not an end point. After receiving the sacrament, the young person or adult is encouraged to continue nurturing their relationship with God through regular Mass attendance, receiving the Eucharist, taking part in parish life, and maintaining a rhythm of personal prayer. Engaging in acts of service and charity is also an important way to live out the mission of the Church and keep the spirit of Confirmation alive.

At Our Lady of Lourdes, we hope that every confirmed member of our parish community continues to walk closely with Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit and supported by the love and prayers of the Church.