THE PARISH OF ST JOHN XXIII PRESTON
Join us at the Parish Church of St Joseph & the
Shrine Church of St Thomas of Canterbury & the English Martyrs
There are five districts of our parish incorporating five former parishes in Preston: St Augustine, St Ignatius, St Joseph, St Teresa and St Thomas of Canterbury & the English Martyrs
Confirmation
"Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed." Catechism of the Catholic Church 1285
In Confirmation, young Catholics (Year 6 and upwards in our parish) are strengthened in their faith by the Holy Spirit and so become full members of the Catholic Church. Just as a young persons body and mind grows, so also must the soul grow in the life of grace. This builds upon the seed of faith planted in baptism and is nourished by a committed life of faith expressed in frequent Confession and the Holy Eucharist.
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During Confirmation, the focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the Apostles on Pentecost and gave them courage to practise their faith. Catholics believe that the same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts.
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Traditionally, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude (courage), knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are supernatural graces given to the soul. The fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. Modesty, chastity and longanimity are also fruits of the Spirit. These are poured out, anew, upon us in Confirmation.
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Again, regular participation in the Parish Sunday Mass and commitment to the parish preparation programme is expected of the young person and their families embarking upon such preparation.
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The Rite of Confirmation, which is administered by the Bishop, takes place either within Mass or as a stand alone ceremony before Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
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If you are a Catholic, who for whatever reason, have not yet been baptised do have a conversation with our priests who will be very willing to meet with you about this and, if you are free to do so, completing your initiation as a Catholic.
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Please keep an eye on the Parish Newsletter for an update on when the next preparation programme is announced in the Parish.
All enquiries to: stjohnxxiii.preston@lrcd.org.uk