By the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.
A custom of the Roman Church facilitated the development of the Western practice: a double anointing with sacred chrism after Baptism. the first anointing of the neophyte on coming out of the baptismal bath was performed by the priest; it was completed by a second anointing on the forehead of the newly baptized by the bishop. The first anointing with sacred chrism, by the priest, has remained attached to the baptismal rite; it signifies the participation of the one baptized in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ.
The practice of the Latin Church expresses the communion of the new Christian with the bishop as guarantor and servant of the unity, catholicity and apostolicity of his Church, and hence the connection with the apostolic origins of Christ’s Church.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1285, 1291-1292)
We celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at approximately two-year intervals, according to the schedule of the bishops of our archdiocese. We will next celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with Bishop Michael Fitzgerald on March 5, 2023.
Preparation programs for the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation are coordinated by our Director of Religious Education.