The Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptised] 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).


Confirmation is for those in school year 6 or above.

Details and application forms for the Confirmation programme are announced in the parish bulletin, please look out for details.   


Additional Information


Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of Christian Initiation. In the Diocese of Leeds, and therefore here at St Mary’s Knaresborough, confirmation will not normally be administered to candidates below the age of 11. Preparation for this sacrament is sometimes offered by the school that your child attends if he or she attends a Catholic school, but more normally the preparation takes place within the parish along with other youngsters preparing to receive this sacrament. The preparation course is led by the Parish Priest with assistance from parish catechists (teachers). On completion of the preparation course, the Sacrament of Confirmation is administered by the Bishop either in the Cathedral or in one of the churches of the Harrogate Deanery together with candidates from other parishes in the deanery. 


The Confirmation Preparation Course will begin in September each year depending on the date of Confirmation determined by the Bishop. Keep a close eye on the weekly parish bulletin for dates and details. Please contact Fr Gerard if you wish your child to be enrolled. In line with the diocesan age profile, this is aimed at Year 6 children, but if your child is older than this and has missed the Sacrament of Confirmation for whatever reason they would be most welcome to join this course.


Adults who have not yet been confirmed would join the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) programme which usually starts in November. Confirmation would then be received at Easter in conjunction with Reception into the Church. Please contact Canon Gerard if you wish to be enrolled on the next RCIA course.


IMPORTANT CONFIRMATION DOCUMENTS & NEWS

Document Name Download Here Last Updated
Application for Confirmation
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