Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, alongside Baptism and the Eucharist. For many Australian Catholic families, it marks a milestone moment — the point where a child (or adult) makes the faith they were baptised into their own, sealed by the gift of the Holy Spirit. If you're a parent, Godparent or sponsor preparing for a Confirmation this season, here's what the sacrament actually means, and how to help your family walk into it well-prepared.
What Happens at Confirmation?
At its heart, Confirmation completes the grace begun at Baptism. Through the laying on of hands and anointing with Sacred Chrism, the Bishop (or his delegate) confirms the person in the Holy Spirit, strengthening them for a lifetime of living out their faith.
The rite typically includes:
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Renewal of Baptismal Promises — the candidate reaffirms the faith spoken on their behalf as an infant.
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Laying on of Hands — a sign the Church has prayed for centuries, calling down the Holy Spirit.
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Anointing with Chrism — the Bishop traces the sign of the cross on the candidate's forehead, saying, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."
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Sign of Peace — welcoming the newly confirmed into full participation in the life of the Church.
Why Is It Called "Confirmation"?
The name reflects what the sacrament does: it confirms — strengthens and seals — the grace already present from Baptism. It isn't a "graduation" from faith formation, but rather an equipping for what comes next: living as a mature, active member of the Church.
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Candidates are traditionally taught to seek the seven gifts poured out at Confirmation: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. These aren't abstract ideas — they're meant to shape ordinary decisions, from how a teenager treats a struggling classmate to how an adult navigates a difficult season at work.
Choosing a Confirmation Name and Sponsor
Many dioceses invite candidates to choose (or keep) a Confirmation name — usually a saint whose life speaks to them. This is a lovely opportunity to introduce your child to saints beyond the well-known names: perhaps a patron connected to their interests, or one you feel a personal devotion to. Our Picture Book of Saints by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik is a well-loved starting point for browsing options together as a family.
A sponsor, meanwhile, plays a similar role to a Godparent — someone who models the faith and supports the candidate long after the ceremony ends.
Preparing at Home
Confirmation preparation doesn't have to be confined to parish classes. A few simple, affordable ways to bring it into home life:
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Pray together for the specific gifts of the Holy Spirit in the weeks leading up to the sacrament. Consecration to St Michael is a beautiful accompanying devotion if your candidate has a particular draw to spiritual strength and protection.
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Work through a proper preparation text as a family. Preparation for Confirmation, compiled by Angelus Press is written specifically for this purpose and easy to read together over a few weeks.
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Go deeper on the sacraments generally. The Sacraments by Fr. D. Manousos, OFM places Confirmation in context alongside the other six, which often helps candidates understand why the Church does what it does.
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For candidates who enjoy structured learning, the Catholic Faith Teaching Manual — Level 5: Confirmation (Age 12–13, Grade 6) by Fr Raymond Taouk mirrors what many parish programs use and is a helpful home companion.
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Talk openly about what it means to "own" your faith as they're preparing to do — this matters more than any resource, but the right book can open the conversation.
If you're choosing something meaningful to mark the day itself — devotionals on the Holy Spirit, saint biographies or a keepsake — our Confirmation collection has been put together with exactly this milestone in mind, and we've put together a full Confirmation Gift Guide covering specific pieces by category and budget.
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This article is part of JMJ's ongoing series on the sacraments and the Catholic liturgical year. Prices current at time of writing and may change — please check the product page for the latest availability. If you have questions about a specific parish's Confirmation program, we always recommend checking with your local parish office, as preparation timelines vary by diocese.
