The Sacraments of Initiation

Confirmation

Sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and sent to be a witness to Christ in the world.

Artwork placeholder — Pentecost (tongues of fire and the dove), or a bishop anointing a candidate with sacred chrism

"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."

Rite of Confirmation — Prayer for the Laying on of Hands

"Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the 'sacraments of Christian initiation,' whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace."

Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285

A Moment in a Lifelong Journey

Accepting the gift of faith at Confirmation is a specific, grace-filled moment within a lifelong process. That process includes:

  • Learning the Christian story
  • Coming to faith in Jesus
  • Growing in community prayer
  • Becoming involved with others in Christian service and ministry

United with Baptism and the Eucharist

Confirmation is intimately connected with Baptism — a matter of emphasis and focus, celebrating different aspects of one reality of grace. Confirmation and the Eucharist "by their very nature call for, orient us to, and find their reason for being as an introduction to full participation in the Eucharist."

The Sacrament of the Holy Spirit

Each candidate is anointed by the bishop and sealed "with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." Confirmation celebrates the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the one being initiated and in the communal life of the Church.

Binding Us to the Church

Confirmation is a mutual relationship:

  • The community commits itself to sustain, encourage, and nurture the spiritual life of the newly confirmed.
  • The confirmed commits to be a full participant in the faith life of the community.

The Sacrament of Christian Witness

The witness of a Christian life is the most effective way to spread the Good News. Confirmation is the celebration of one's willingness to be for others as Jesus was — to use one's gifts for the sake of the community and to give one's life in the service of others.

Begin Confirmation Preparation

Preparation is offered for both youth and adults. To learn about the next group, contact your parish office below.

St. Mary

4001 St. Mary's Drive, Anacortes WA 98221

  • Phone(360) 293-2101

St. Francis Xavier

425 Price Street, Friday Harbor WA 98250 · San Juan Islands

  • Phone(360) 293-2101

St. Paul

17456 Pioneer Parkway, La Conner WA 98257 · Swinomish

  • Phone(360) 610-7792