Confirmation is the second of the sacraments of initiation in which the gifts of the Holy Spirit are received in a special way to strengthen us on our spiritual journey.
At Baptism, we receive seven special gifts from the Holy Spirit. These gifts are freely given to us to help us live as followers of Jesus and to build up the Body of Christ, the Church. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are sealed and strengthened within us at Confirmation. These seven gifts help us to respond to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, to make good choices, and to serve God and others, and they are:
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Wisdom: The gift of knowing the right choices to make to live a holy life. The gift of wisdom helps you to avoid the things that could lead you away from God.
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Understanding: The gift of comprehension, or the ability to grasp the meaning of the teachings of the Church. The gift of understanding helps you be tolerant and sympathetic of others. It helps you sense when someone is hurting or in need of compassion.
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Right Judgment, or Counsel: The gift of prudence. The gift of right judgment helps you make choices to live as a faithful follower of Jesus.
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Courage, or Fortitude: The gift that helps you stand up for your faith in Christ. The gift of courage helps you overcome any obstacles that would keep you from practising your faith.
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Knowledge: The gift of knowledge and enlightenment. The gift of knowledge enables you to choose the right path that will lead you to God. It encourages you to avoid obstacles that will keep you from him.
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Reverence, or Piety: The gift of confidence in God. This gift of reverence inspires you to joyfully want to serve God and others.
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Wonder and Awe, or Fear of the Lord: The gift of wonder and respect that encourages you to be in awe of God. The gift of wonder and awe moves you to so love God that you do not want to offend him by your words or actions.
Confirmation for Children
Children are eligible in our parish to receive this sacrament if they have been baptised Catholic, or received into the Catholic Church following baptism in another denomination, and are in Year 3 or above.
They are prepared for the sacrament in the parish, though within the school environs, using the Sacramental Programme prepared by the Diocese of Broken Bay, over a four week period immediately prior to reception of the sacrament.
The 2023 date of Confirmation set for Gosford Parish by the Bishop is Sunday, June 4 @ 9:30am normal Mass and @ 11:30am [ a dedicated Mass for Confirmation ] the application papers are available from the link below.
Download 2024 Confirmation Enrolment and Information Documents here
Confirmation for Young Adults or Adults
It may happen that family or other circumstances have prevented a child being confirmed at the recommended age but please do not think that this is the barrier to prevent it happening at a later stage in life. Simply contact our Parish Office and you will be advised of the best way to go about the necessary instruction to enable reception of the sacrament.