A parishioner in their late 70s was among the 39 Catholics aged 16 and over who made a commitment to be sealed with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit at a recent Adult Confirmation Mass.
Held within the majestic setting of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Parramatta, the Adult Confirmation Mass brought together people from around 20 parishes in the Diocese and was celebrated by Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv.
At the Mass, Bishop Vincent said the sacrament marked a pivotal moment in the Catholic faith journey of these adults – no matter their age, background or faith journey.
“May they who commit themselves to receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit live out their commitment as heralds of the Good News,” Bishop Vincent said.
Adult Confirmation enables those who have entered the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion a glorious opportunity to re-affirm their faith, be sealed with the Holy Spirit and deepen their personal relationship with God. It ‘completes’ the grace, which was initially given when the person was baptised.
19-year-old Noah from St Bernadette’s Parish, Castle Hill, was one of the adults who received the Sacrament of Confirmation on the night.
Supported by his sponsor, Laura, who he has known since being involved in his parish youth group, Noah said his decision to make his Confirmation as a young adult was significant to him.
Recently confirmed Noel (fourth left) with his sponsor Laura (third left) and supporters at the Adult Confirmation ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Belinda Gadd/Diocese of Parramatta
“I think growing up my parents just forgot,” he said jokingly.
“But making my confirmation as an adult means more to me as I’m the one making this decision – it is my decision alone,” he said.
Perpetua, a young adult from Holy Cross Parish, Granville, attended with her sponsor Christine, who has been a close friend from the same parish since she arrived in Australia.
“I don’t have family in Australia, so it means a lot to have Christine here and this night is very special to me,” she said.
Recently confirmed Perpetua (left) her sponsor Christine at the Adult Confirmation ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Belinda Gadd/Diocese of Parramatta
John from St Paul the Apostle Parish, Winston Hills, together with his sponsor and mother, Helen, said they felt very blessed to be there on the night.
“I’m very proud of him,” Helen said.
Recently confirmed John with his sponsor and mother Helen at the Adult Confirmation ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Belinda Gadd/Diocese of Parramatta
Meanwhile, Matthew, also from St Bernadette’s, had a special reason to receive his Confirmation this year.
“I am engaged and want to marry my fiancée in a Catholic Church, as a confirmed Catholic,” he said.
Recently confirmed Matthew with his sponsor Catherine at the Adult Confirmation ceremony at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta. Image: Belinda Gadd/Diocese of Parramatta
His sponsor Catherine knew Matthew since he was a baby and was delighted to support him on the night.
“He’s a lovely man, and I’m so proud of him,” she said.
In order to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation, all candidates and sponsors attended a day of formation, which involved reflecting on the purpose and meaning of all the sacraments, including Baptism, to understand and appreciate the significance of Confirmation.
Sr Mary-Louise Walsh ISSM, Liturgy Educator, facilitated the preparations and rehearsal for the evening.
“It is always encouraging to see people embracing their faith and commitment to God,” she said.
Catholics make up around a quarter of the population within the Diocese of Parramatta – and with around 322,448 Catholics as at 2011*, Catholicism ranked the highest portion of all religious affiliations in the Diocese.
Are you interested in receiving the sacrament of Confirmation? You can find out more by visiting our website and completing the online form, calling our office for Worship on (02) 8838 3457 or by contacting your local Catholic parish.
Watch the video reel from the Adult Confirmation ceremony on Facebook and Instagram.
* Source: Australian Catholic Bishop Conference National Centre for Pastoral Research based on ABS 2011 data
