Confirmation

Confirmation is a Sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. It is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation. It is associated with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. "From that time on the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism.

For this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first elements of Christian instruction.

The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church." Very early, the better to signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, and anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name "Christian," which means "anointed" and derives from that of Christ himself whom God "anointed with the Holy Spirit."

This rite of anointing has continued ever since, in both East and West. For this reason the Eastern Churches call this sacrament Chrismation, anointing with chrism, or myron which means "chrism." In the West, the term Confirmation

suggests that this sacrament both confirms

baptism and strengthens baptismal grace.

• In the Diocese of Venice, Confirmation is a two year program. All students must complete two years of perparations. Teens can start in grade 9 and receive Confirmation in year two.
• Classes are held twice a month on Sundays during the school year from 10:30am to 12:00pm in the Parish Hall.
• Registration opens in July. See our bulletin or contact DRE, Sue Thompson, for more information.