Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism. The baptized are sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened to live and witness to their faith.
What is Confirmation?
The sacrament that completes Christian initiation.
Baptism, the Eucharist and Confirmation together are the sacraments of Christian initiation. Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace (CCC 1285).
As the Apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the confirmed receive the outpouring of the Spirit, which binds them more closely to the Church and gives them special strength to spread and defend the faith by word and deed as true witnesses of Christ (CCC 1285, 1302–1303).
In the Latin Church the sacrament is conferred by the anointing with sacred chrism on the forehead, done by the laying on of the hand, with the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1300).
Signs & effects
What the Church teaches Confirmation gives (CCC 1302–1305).
The Holy Spirit
A special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as once granted to the Apostles at Pentecost.
CCC 1302Children of God
Roots us more deeply in our divine sonship, so that we cry “Abba! Father!”
CCC 1303Closer to Christ
Unites us more firmly to Christ and increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us.
CCC 1303Bond with the Church
Renders our bond with the Church more perfect.
CCC 1303Strength to witness
Gives special strength to spread and defend the faith by word and action.
CCC 1303An indelible seal
Like Baptism, it imprints a spiritual mark and is given only once.
CCC 1304Who may receive Confirmation
Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive this sacrament (CCC 1306).
- Be baptized and not yet confirmed.CCC 1306
- Have reached the age of reason and be suitably instructed.CCC 1319
- Profess the faith and wish to receive the sacrament.CCC 1319
- Be in the state of grace; it is fitting to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation beforehand.CCC 1310
- Be prepared to take up the role of a disciple and witness to Christ in the Church and the world.CCC 1319
- Have a sponsor; it is fitting that this be one of the baptismal godparents.CCC 1311
How to prepare
Preparation leads the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a livelier familiarity with the Holy Spirit (CCC 1309).
Catechism classes
Faithful participation in your parish’s catechism programme.
Prayer and the sacraments
Regular Sunday Mass and personal prayer; Confession before Confirmation.
Sponsor
A practising Catholic who will support the candidate in the Christian life.
Parish schedule
Dates for Confirmation are announced by each parish.
At St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus
The schedule and requirements of St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Salmiya.
Parish details coming soon
The schedule and the requirements for this sacrament at St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus will be published here soon. Until then, please contact the parish office.
Requirements in Kuwait
As currently published on this website by the Vicariate.
Schedule for Confirmation in Kuwait is made available in December and is published on the Parish Notices Page.
Preparation for Confirmation continues immediately after the child has received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Catechism classes for the Sacrament of Confirmation are conducted for 4 years after receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.
- A Baptism Certificate must be presented for Parish records if the child was not baptized in Kuwait or has not received First Communion in Kuwait.
- Faithful and consistent participation in Parish Catechism Classes conducted in the Vicariate. i.e. Kuwait City, Salmiya or Ahmadi is a must. If the child is visiting Kuwait, then a certificate of participation in Catechism Classes from his/her parish is mandatory for him/her to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in Kuwait.
- The candidate must have an appropriate understanding of the Christian life and understand and accept the life of Christ in their lifestyle.
- A firm determination to live the Christian life to the best of their ability. the candidate must be a good steward, giving in Christian proportion of time, talent, and treasure.
- Appreciation of the importance of worship and prayer in the life of the Church, the candidate must understand the importance of personal and communal worship.
Sponsors: The Vicariate of Kuwait appoints their own Spiritual Sponsors from the Catechists that are available in the Parish for the Sacrament of Confirmation.