The Confirmation programme at Sacred Heart is designed to help young people deepen their relationship with Christ, understand the Sacrament they are preparing to receive, and grow in their sense of belonging to the Church.

Aims of the programme

Through the sessions and parish celebrations, candidates will be supported to:

  • Explore what the Sacrament of Confirmation is and why it is important;
  • Reflect on why they personally wish to be confirmed;
  • Learn about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and how these shape everyday choices;
  • Discover more about what it means to belong to the Church locally and globally;
  • Meet parishioners and see how faith is lived out in different ways;
  • Grow in personal and shared prayer, including preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation;
  • Prepare spiritually and practically for the Confirmation Mass.

What happens in the sessions?

Preparation sessions usually take place on Saturday afternoons in the Parish Hall and include:

  • Short talks and input from catechists;
  • Small-group discussions and activities;
  • Opportunities to ask questions and talk openly about faith;
  • Time for quiet reflection and prayer.

One of the sessions also includes time in the church building itself, exploring what happens there and how different ministries contribute to the life of the parish.

Expectations of candidates

By joining the programme, candidates are asked to:

  • Commit to attending the preparation sessions and key parish Masses where possible;
  • Take part in discussions and activities in a thoughtful and respectful way;
  • Let a catechist (or their parent/guardian) know if they are unable to attend a session;
  • Continue to attend Sunday Mass regularly;
  • Spend some time in prayer at home, especially as the Confirmation date approaches.

Role of parents and guardians

Parents and guardians have a vital role in supporting young people preparing for Confirmation. We invite parents/guardians to:

  • Attend the online information session at the start of the programme;
  • Help their young person to get to sessions and Masses;
  • Pray with and for their young person as they prepare for Confirmation;
  • Talk together about the themes covered in the sessions.

Parish life and community

The programme also introduces candidates to different aspects of parish life. During the preparation they will:

  • Be formally enrolled at a Sunday Youth Mass;
  • Take part in a Sending Forth Mass before Confirmation;
  • Meet parishioners and see different ways of serving within the parish.

Our hope is that Confirmation is not just a one-off event, but a step into a deeper, ongoing participation in the life of the Church.