What is The Sacrament of Confirmation?
Confirmation is one of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation, together with Baptism and the Eucharist. Through this sacrament the grace of Baptism is strengthened and the believer is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In the Acts of the Apostles we read how the disciples received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Filled with courage and faith, they began to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. In a similar way, Confirmation strengthens Christians to live their faith more fully and to be witnesses of Christ in the world.
During the celebration of Confirmation, the bishop anoints the candidate with the Oil of Chrism and says the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” This sacrament marks an important step in the life of faith and invites young people to grow as active members of the Church.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below for practical information about preparing for Confirmation.
Confirmation is celebrated by our Bishop Denis Nulty or our Parish Priest.
Confirmation
Edenderry Parish — 2026
Important Dates
We look forward to celebrating this important step in the journey of faith
with the young people of our parish and their families.
Confirmation celebrates the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon a baptised person. It strengthens the grace received at Baptism and marks the Christian as a follower of Christ and a full member of the Church. Through this sacrament, young people are encouraged to live their faith with courage and to share in the mission of Jesus Christ.
In our parish, children normally celebrate Confirmation during Sixth Class in primary school. Preparation takes place during the school year through a combination of school-based religious education and parish preparation.
Most of the preparation takes place in school, where students learn about the meaning of the sacrament and the life of faith. The parish also offers a complementary preparation programme and encourages young people to take part in parish life and service.
Confirmation is usually celebrated by Bishop Denis Nulty, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, or by the Parish Priest acting on his behalf.
At Confirmation the bishop prays that the gifts of the Holy Spirit will grow in each person being confirmed. These gifts are:
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Knowledge
- Right Judgement
- Courage
- Reverence
- Wonder and Awe in God’s presence
These gifts help Christians live their faith and grow throughout their lives.
Any baptised Catholic who wishes to grow in their faith may receive Confirmation. For young people this usually takes place during the parish and school programme. Adults who have not yet received Confirmation may prepare through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).
The sponsor stands beside the candidate during the Confirmation ceremony and places a hand on their shoulder as a sign of support. The sponsor’s role is to help the confirmed person grow in faith and live their Christian life.
A sponsor should be:
- at least 16 years old
- a baptised and confirmed Catholic
- someone who has already received Holy Communion
- a person who lives their faith and can support the candidate in their Christian life
A godparent from Baptism may also serve as the sponsor if they meet these requirements.
Yes. Many candidates choose a Confirmation name, often the name of a saint or a person from the Bible whose life inspires them. This tradition reminds young people that they are called to follow Christ and live their faith.
Children who attend a non-Catholic school may still receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the parish. Families are asked to contact the parish office so that the necessary preparation can be arranged.
If a child was baptised in another parish or abroad, parents will normally be asked to provide a copy of the Baptism certificate when registering for Confirmation. This helps the parish confirm that the child has already received the Sacrament of Baptism.