Confirmation - This sacrament of initiation is closely linked with baptism and brings to further fulfilment what was begun in baptism. Confirmation is a sacrament of empowerment. It gives the strength to follow Jesus and to become involved in the mission which Jesus left to the Church. It is especially associated with the story of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles, Mary and the other disciples.
Children in our parish are eligible to receive Confirmation if they have been baptised (or received) into the Catholic Church and are at least 7 years of age. Our parish Confirmation ceremony for children is celebrated by the Bishop and is held once a year, usually in September.
They prepare for this through a Sacrament Program prepared by the Diocese of Broken Bay. For further information regarding the program please contact the Parish Office on 9977 5822.
Adult Confirmations fall into two categories
1. Those who are already baptised Catholic but have not yet been confirmed. Confirmation is celebrated by the Bishop in the Diocesan Cathedral Church at St Ives, normally on the Feast of Pentecost. If there are a large number of adult confirmation candidates in the parish, the Bishop may come to our parish to celebrate it.
For more information, please contact the Parish Office (02) 9977 5822 or email manlyfreshwaterparish@dbb.org.au Someone from the office will be in touch or arrange an appointment with the Parish Priest.
2. Those who are not yet baptised or received Catholics. In this case Confirmation can be celebrated by the local priest in the same ceremony in which the Baptism or Reception takes place. Their preparation for this is usually through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).