Confirmation Ceremony

Published on April 25, 2020
At the Confirmation Ceremony the Bishop says a beautiful prayer invoking the Holy Spirit on the people presenting themselves for the Sacrament – “Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Right Judgement and Courage, the Spirit of Knowledge and Reverence. Fill them with the Spirit of Wonder and Awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The gift of Wisdom helps us to look at things from God’s point of view. When we look at things from God’s point of view it is easier to make the right decisions about how to treat others and how best to live our lives.
The gift of Understanding asks us to look at the world we live in through eyes of faith. This will encourage us to create a just world, where all are treated fairly and equally.
The gift of Right Judgement asks us to be open to other gifts of the Spirit, wisdom, knowledge and understanding, so that we may always act in a way that will make the world a better place.
The gift of Courage helps us to accept the challenge of being a person of faith – it is not an easy choice to make. We must be brave in the service of God, dare to stand out from the crowd, be proud to be a child of God.
The gift of Knowledge lets us see God in everything – the people around us and the world in which we live. This will cause us to think and act differently.
The gift of Reverence asks us to honour, respect and give thanks and praise to God. If we do this then we will also honour and respect all people because they are created in the image and likeness of God.
The gifts of Wonder and Awe in God’s Presence are gifts that help us to be aware of the greatness of God. They encourage us to take time to reflect on the glory of God, which can be
seen all around us and in each one of us. They remind us in a special way to take care of the environment and to work to keep it safe from destruction.
A little homework, better still reflection for each of us……. Can you recognise any of the above in the people close to you? Affirm them by telling them. Is there a gift that you would like to receive and grow for the times in which we live? Ask the Lord for it, and we will support you in the prayer too.