Confirmation in the Diocese of Charleston is a two year program that begins in grade 7 and is completed with receiving the sacrament in grade 8 or above. Youth in grades 8 and above, after having completed two years of preparation, are eligible for Confirmation each spring.
Students in grade 7 will begin preparation through our Sunday evening group sessions. Students in grade 7 or above will attend Confirmation preparation sessions on Sunday evenings beginning in October. The sessions will run weekly, 4:30-6pm.
Questions? Contact Rich Rossi at 843-522-6518 or [email protected]
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For adults seeking Confirmation, please contact Leslie Tibbitt at [email protected] or (843) 522-9555 or click here to Sign Up!
NOTE: The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated every year. If your child is not ready or has not finished Confirmation preparation, we are more than happy to work with you so that your child has a grace-filled experience when the time is right.
Confirmation (or Chrismation) is the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit whom Christ Jesus sent (John 7:37-39, 16:7). Jesus instructed his Apostles that "you will receive the power of the Holy Spirit," and called upon the Apostles to be his "witnesses" to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). At the Pentecost, the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), and began to spread the Word of God. The Acts of the Apostles is often called the Gospel of the Holy Spirit. St. Cyril of Jerusalem wrote of Baptism, Eucharist, and this sacrament in the mid-fourth century AD.
The rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead with chrism, together with the laying on of the minister's hands and the words, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." The recipient receives the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-3). On occasion one may receive one or more of the charismatic gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
The ecclesial effect and sacramental grace of the sacrament give the recipient the strength and character to witness for Jesus Christ. The East continues the tradition of the early Christian Church by administering the sacrament with Baptism. Confirmation in the West is administered by the Bishop to children from age 7 to 18, but generally to adolescents. Key Scriptural sources for Confirmation are the following (See also John 16:7, Acts 1:4-5, 2:1-4, 2:38, 10:44-48).