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Confirmation Preparation

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Confirmation Programme 2024

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Confirmation Day Westport -Tuesday May 7th at 12:00 noon.

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The 2024 Confirmation Programme is now enrolling. 

 

 

Welcome!

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This page is for the children who are preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation in our parish. Here you will find some resources, prayers and ideas that may be help you as you prepare to celebrate this special day. As a parish we want to do all we can to help you in the months ahead so that your Confirmation day may be meaningful and special for you and your family!

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The Sacrament of Confirmation

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A sacrament is special moment in our life when God gives us strength, ability and healing. 

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There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church, these are:

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Baptism

Reconciliation

Eucharist

Confirmation

Marriage

Holy Orders (when one becomes a priest)

Anointing of the Sick

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In the Sacrament of Confirmation God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is a gift that helps us become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind and gentle. We are asked to use this gift everyday by being kind to others and by making time for God in our life. 

 

The sacrament of Confirmation 'confirms' us in our faith and enables us to become full and active members of our parish community. 

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Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit help us to live life to the full!

Wisdom is the gift of knowing the right choices to make in life. 
Understanding is the gift that helps us know God better by paying attention to his presence in our lives.
Right Judgment helps us to make the right decisions and do the right thing.
Courage is the gift that helps you stand up for your faith and for others, even when it is unpopular to do so.
Knowledge enables you to choose the right path that will lead you to God. 
Reverence is a gift that enables us to have a deep respect for God and for all that is sacred. 
Wonder and Awe in God's presence allows us to know how great God is by recognising the wonders of his creation.

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How can I put these Gifts into practice in my daily life? Discuss this with your family

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When we put these gifts into practice we live 'Spirit-filled' lives. St Paul described Spirit-filled lives as lives filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. These are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. 

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The Story of Pentecost

We read about the Gift of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. After Jesus had returned to heaven his disciples were alone and afraid, but God gave them Gift of the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus had promised. Suddenly they were changed and began to tell others about God!  

Read this story in the Bible from the Acts of the Apostles 2:1-31. 

Prayer

 

At Confirmation our relationship with God matures and grows. The best way to maintain this relationship is by talking to God in Prayer. We do this in many ways such as using words, reading the Bible or just sitting in silence and becoming aware of God's presence.  Below are some familiar prayers including special prayers to the Holy Spirit

Download Prayers to the Holy Spirit here

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Confirmation Ceremony

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The Rite of Confirmation takes place during the celebration of Mass. 

 

The structure of the ceremony is as follows:

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  • Welcome

  • Readings

  • Homily

  • Rite of Confirmation

  • Prayer of the Faithful

  • Offertory (Bread and Wine are placed on the altar)

  • Eucharistic Prayer

  • Communion

  • Final Blessing and Dismissal

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There are three parts to the Rite of Confirmation:

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Renewal of Baptismal Promises

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Laying on of Hands

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Anointing with the Oil of Chrism

 

In the Renewal of Baptismal Promises the Archbishop will ask you questions about our faith and you respond by saying 'I do' These promises were made for you by your parents on the day of your baptism.  

 

Afterwards the Archbishop and the priests will lay their hands over the young people who are to be confirmed. This symbolises the descent of the Holy Spirit. 

 

Next, each candidate will be anointed on the forehead with the Oil of Chrism. The Oil of Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam and was blessed by the Archbishop on Holy Thursday. It represents spiritual strength and fulness of grace. As the Archbishop anoints you he will say:

 

Archbishop: 'Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit'.

Candidate: 'Amen'

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Archbishop 'Peace be with you'

Candidate: 'And with your Spirit'

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This Video shows these three parts of the ceremony taking place:

St. Mary's Church, The Mall, Westport, Co. Mayo. F28 TN28.
Telephone +353 98 28871   

E-mail: office@westportparish.ie
PARISH OFFICE OPENING HOURS:

MONDAY, TUESDAY & THURSDAY 10.00A.M. – 5.00P.M.

WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY 10.00 – 3.00P.M.

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©2009-2024 Westport Parish

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