Campus Ministry

By Katie Matthews, Campus Minister for Liturgy and Sacraments

The sacrament of confirmation reaffirms baptism and the gifts of the Holy Spirit that is first received in this important first sacrament of the Church. In the sacrament of Confirmation, the believer shares more fully in the mission of Jesus and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Through the sacramental anointing, the confirmand is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. This "sealing" is an expression of ownership that reminds Confirmandi of their belonging to Christ. 

As stated in the General Introduction to the order of the Christian Initiation of Adults, "By signing us with the gift of the Spirit, confirmation makes us more completely the image of the Lord and fills us with Holy Spirit." So, while the waters of baptism free from one sin, gives one rebirth in the Holy Spirit, and begins entrance into the faith, the sacrament of confirmation completes the grace of baptism and offers a special strengthening of the Holy Spirit. Through confirmation, the believer is filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit and anointed to be a fuller witness to Christ in the world. 

So, is there a deadline for this grace? Is there a point in your life when you are no longer eligible to receive this great gift of the Church? OF COURSE NOT! Believe it or not, there are many Baptized Catholics, who have received their first Eucharist,  but for some reason or another "miss" the preparation process for the sacrament of Confirmation. THE GOOD THING IS - IT'S NOT TOO LATE ... or complicated!

Baptized Catholics who desire to receive the sacrament of Confirmation may prepare to complete their initiation into the Catholic faith while here at UD. The schedule is simple and flexible and designed to deepen your understanding of the faith and your experience pf the Holy Spirit.

If you are interested in learning more about the Confirmation preparation process, please contact Katie Matthews at 229.2019 or matthewsk1@udayton.edu.