- The Sacrament of Confirmation, a sealing and strengthening, "confirms" the indwelling of the Holy Spirit begun in baptism. When a baptized person is confirmed he/she receives in a special way, the gifts of the Holy Spirit who acts within him/her as a special light and guide and helps him/her to live according to the gospel and witness to Christ in the world.
At Saint Mary's, young adults who were baptized as infants are invited to the Sacrament of Confirmation during their early high school years. If the young person discerns that he or she is ready to re-affirm the faith into which he/she was baptized, the young person participates in a series of faith-sharing gatherings that explore our Catholic faith and its implications for living in today's world. The Sacrament is usually celebrated for our young people at a special liturgy presided over by our bishop in the spring.
Adults who have not previously been confirmed participate in a program of preparation as part of the parish R.C.I.A (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). This involves a small group exploration of our Catholic faith specifically geared to adults. Those participating in the R.C.I.A are usually confirmed during the parish celebration of the Easter Vigil or at a special celebration held at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul in Worcester.
Candidates for Confirmation choose a sponsor who is willing to companion them during their preparation for the Sacrament. The sponsor is a committed Roman Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist and who is willing to share his or her faith with the person preparing for the sacrament.
For more information concerning the Sacrament of Confirmation, please contact Annette Gion or Donna Featherstone at 508.278.3777 or by our parish email.