SYMBOLS OF CONFIRMATION:
Like the other Sacraments Confirmation communicates the life of God through signs, symbols and words. The two main signs of Confirmation are the laying on of hands and the anointing with the oil of chrism.
Perfumed oil – called chrism
In earlier times we sealed precious and important things to protect them. To preserve something is to show that we love and care for it. In confirmation we are sealed in faith and love. The oil used symbolises soothing, and healing, strength and safe keeping. This anointing shows that you are special and that you have a special purpose. |
Laying on of Hands The laying on of hands is a powerful yet everyday event. Through touch we welcome, say goodbye, show love, comfort and forgive. Jesus often laid his hands on others, giving them power and strength. He laid his hands on children and blessed them. Laying on of hands shows someone is precious and loved. In the celebration of most sacraments, there is a laying on of hands through which God makes us God’s own and transforms us by the power of love. |
Each time we touch another person - let it be a blessing.
This next step in your journey is another formal step into the Catholic Community. This Sacrament of Confirmation invites you into a deeper way of relating to God, to Jesus and to one another.
“I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full” John 10:10
This week spend time in daily prayer, begin with the prayer above and then talk to God about what it is you need to be doing in your life to live out the call to mission.
Remember that being Catholic is often counter-cultural, it means living a life for others with God at the centre, rather than a life for me with me at the centre.
Remember that being Catholic is often counter-cultural, it means living a life for others with God at the centre, rather than a life for me with me at the centre.
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Jesus taught his followers that living as children of God means loving one another, forgiving one another, being of service to one another, being aware of people in need, and taking time to pray – alone and with others.
This is how we live the mission Jesus asked of us, and help share the work that Jesus began.
We are called to live and make the world a more peaceful and just place, we are called to reach out to others, welcome others and offer encouragement and support. Jesus taught his followers that the most important things were:
This is how we live the mission Jesus asked of us, and help share the work that Jesus began.
We are called to live and make the world a more peaceful and just place, we are called to reach out to others, welcome others and offer encouragement and support. Jesus taught his followers that the most important things were:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul and all your mind …
and love others as you love yourself.’
(Matt 22:34)
PENTECOST:
Jesus promised his disciples that the Spirit would come to them, lead them and guide them in continuing to carry out his mission to the world. Jesus said ‘The spirit will teach you everything and remind you of what I said when I was with you..’ (John 14:25-26) The Holy Spirit inspires each one of us to live good lives, to be kind and generous, to act with justice and respect towards all people, and to love one another as Jesus loves us. St Paul urged the Christian communities of his time to live as Spirit-filled people and he said that others would follow his example if they saw the fruits of the Spirit in the way they lived their lives.
St Paul described these fruits of the Spirit when he told the people that God’s Spirit makes us loving, kind, generous, gentle, peaceful, kind, forgiving and self-controlled. So when we act with kindness, love, gentleness, patience and forgiveness, we are living as Spirit – filled people. Saint Paul lists nine of these fruits in his Letter to the Church in Galatians can you find them in Galatians 5:22-23?
Now see if you can find the one referred to as the greatest fruit of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8.
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Pope Francis said 'To be Saints is not a privilege for the few, but a vocation for everyone.'
To live as a Saint, means to put God at the centre of everything, to listen to God and to live in service of others. This seems like a huge challenge, and it is a life long journey!!! However we are not expected to do this on our own. We have the guidance of the Spirit and the support of our Church family in our parish, diocese and all over the world. Just imagine for a moment if everyone in this family committed daily to living a life of love ....what a place this would be?
Baptism is turning towards God, turning away from sin, so we can follow Jesus’ commandment to live a life of generosity and love.
People become Christians by a process of conversion, which means ‘turning around’.
We are called to turn towards Jesus EVERY DAY of our lives as we continue to live out our Baptism.
Through the Sacrament of Confirmation we take up the promises made at our baptism knowing for certain that the Holy Spirit is with us to give us strength and to guide us on our journey.
People become Christians by a process of conversion, which means ‘turning around’.
We are called to turn towards Jesus EVERY DAY of our lives as we continue to live out our Baptism.
Through the Sacrament of Confirmation we take up the promises made at our baptism knowing for certain that the Holy Spirit is with us to give us strength and to guide us on our journey.