The Confirmation process at St Cecilia's

A black and white silhouette of a dove flying on a white background.

Getting your child confirmed.

We are here to support you as you take this important step in your faith journey and receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.


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Application Form

Confirmation


What is the confirmation process like? There are three requirements to meet. Firstly, your child needs to have been baptised. Baptism is a necessary sacrament that welcomes them into the Christian community and sets them on their spiritual journey. If your child hasn't been baptised yet, please get in touch with us, and we'll assist you in making the necessary arrangements.


Secondly, your child should be at least twelve years old. This age requirement ensures that they have reached the level of understanding and maturity to participate actively in the confirmation process.


Lastly, your child should reside within our parish. This ensures that the confirmation ceremony occurs within our community, allowing your child to engage with fellow members actively.


Please download the application form above to initiate the confirmation process. Please fill out the form with the necessary details and send it to Fr Benedict. He will be delighted to receive your child's application and guide you through the confirmation journey.


If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're here to support you and provide any additional information or assistance you may need.

At Baptism, we begin a life-long journey and a way of life. At Confirmation, the graces received in Baptism are sealed with the reception of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. The words that Jesus shared with his disciples at Pentecost apply to each one of us at Confirmation: You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses (Acts 1:8).


In Southwark, the Sacrament of Confirmation is typically received by children who are at least twelve years old. They are baptised and prepared with the help of the parish community and remotely through our Catholic secondary schools. Confirmation is administered by the Bishop and, on rare occasions, by a priest delegated by the Bishop.


Anointed and Gifted


The prophets of the Old Testament foretold that God's Spirit would rest upon the Messiah to sustain his mission. Their prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus, the Messiah (Christ), was conceived by the Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus during his baptism by John. Jesus' entire mission occurred in communion with the Spirit. Before he died, Jesus promised that the Spirit would be given to the Apostles and the whole Church. After his death, he was raised by the Father in the power of the Spirit.


The Sacrament of Confirmation confers 'the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost' (CCC 1302). As such, Confirmation is ordinarily administered by the Bishop, who is the apostles' successor.


Confirmation deepens our baptismal life and calls us to be missionary witnesses of Jesus Christ in our families, neighbourhoods, society, and the world.

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, understanding, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord. In this way, the Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacrament of Baptism (see CCC 1303).


The Rite of Confirmation


In the Rite of Confirmation, the Bishop traces the Oil of Holy Chrism on the candidate's forehead in the shape of the cross. This recalls Christ's title as 'the Anointed'. In the Old Testament, we also read about the anointing of priests, prophets, and kings:


Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward (1 Samuel 16:13)


In Baptism, we receive an anointing (which cleanses and strengthens us for the Christian life); the anointing received in Confirmation acts as a consecration, a setting apart for mission (CCC 1294).


Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you through the process of confirmation at St. Cecilia’s Church.

  • How can I get my child confirmed?

    To have your child confirmed, there are three key requirements:


    1. Your child needs to have been baptised. Baptism is an essential sacrament that begins their journey in the Christian community. If your child hasn't been baptised, please contact us, and we will help arrange it.
    2. Your child should be at least twelve years old. This ensures they have reached a suitable level of maturity to actively participate in the confirmation process.
    3. Your child should reside within our parish. This helps to ensure they are part of our local community throughout the confirmation journey.

    To start the process, please download and fill out the application form found above. Once completed, send it to Fr. Benedict, who will be happy to guide you further.

  • What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?

    Confirmation is the sacrament that deepens the grace received at Baptism. It is when we receive the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit, just as the apostles did on the day of Pentecost. At Confirmation, the Holy Spirit bestows upon us seven gifts: wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, understanding, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord.

  • What is the Confirmation process like?

    Children in Southwark typically receive the Sacrament of Confirmation after turning twelve. They are baptised and prepared both with the help of the parish community and remotely through our Catholic secondary schools. 

  • Who administers Confirmation?

    Confirmation is usually administered by the Bishop, who is the successor to the apostles. On rare occasions, a priest delegated by the Bishop may administer the sacrament.