In this country, Confirmation is usually received as a teenager, several years after making First Communion, however, the Catholic Church considers it the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism being the first and Holy Communion the third). Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, because, as the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation states: “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. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.

The essential acts in the Sacrament of Confirmation are the laying on of hands, the anointing of the confirmand (the person being confirmed) with chrism (an aromatic oil that has been consecrated by a bishop), accompanied by the words "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit". This seal is a consecration, representing the safeguarding by the Holy Spirit of the graces conferred on the Christian at Baptism.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church points out, "The original minister of Confirmation is the bishop." Each bishop is a successor to the apostles, upon whom the Holy Spirit descended at Pentecost—the first Confirmation. The Acts of the Apostles mentions the apostles imparting the Holy Spirit to believers by the laying on of hands (see, for example, Acts 8:15-17 and 19:6).

The Sacrament of Confirmation confers special graces of the Holy Spirit upon the person being confirmed, just as such graces were granted to the Apostles on Pentecost. Like Baptism, therefore, it can only be performed once, and Confirmation increases and deepens all of the graces granted at Baptism. The Catechism of the Catholic Church lists five effects of Confirmation:

• It roots us more deeply in the divine filiation [as sons and daughters of God];
• It unites us more firmly to Christ;
• It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
• It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
• It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross.

Because Confirmation perfects our baptism, we are obliged to receive it "in due time." Any Catholic who did not receive Confirmation at baptism or as part of his/her religious education during secondary school should contact Father Chris and arrange to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Confirmation preparation is great fun mixed with some enjoyable work.  The key thing required to achieve this milestone is being prepared to participate. This isn't something that is done to you but something we do together.  Confirmation is a gift that YOU have to choose to accept.  If someone is worried that he/she won't know anyone and won't fit in, then they needn't be. Others feel the same and for years now, those teenagers, brave enough to overcome this concern, have enjoyed the fruits of their decision.  Confirmation is run once every two years at St John Bosco and starts in the autumn. In normal circumstances, candidates have entered Year 8 at Secondary School before receiving this sacrament. Candidates usually meet for 3 whole Saturdays during the year in the Parish Centre. Part of the preparation is to also attend a Confirmation Retreat which has an overnight stay. In addition there are other small tasks where the candidates get involved in parish life. The actual Confirmation celebration usually takes place close to Pentecost in May or June.