In Confirmation, the grace of Baptism is strengthened by the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Church prays that each person will live the faith with courage, wisdom, and joy.
The strengthening gift of the Holy Spirit.
A gift of grace
The Holy Spirit strengthens the grace of baptism and seals the Christian for witness, prayer, service, and mission.
A call to grow
Preparation gives young people and adults time to understand the faith they are receiving and the parish life they are joining.
How Confirmation begins
- 1
Ask about the cycle
Contact the office for the current preparation timeline.
- 2
Prepare
Formation includes learning, prayer, service, and parish life.
- 3
Meet the bishop
Confirmation is normally celebrated with the Bishop of Kamloops.
- 4
Live the gift
The Holy Spirit strengthens you for Christian witness.
Who is Confirmation for?
Young people of the parish prepare over two years and are confirmed by the Bishop of Kamloops each Easter season. Adults who were baptized Catholic but never confirmed are confirmed at the Easter Vigil.
What to prepare
Contact the parish office to learn about the next preparation cycle, for young people or for adults.
- Candidate's baptism information
- Current grade or adult formation context
- Parent or sponsor contact information
- Any previous sacramental preparation already completed
The office will explain the current preparation cycle and celebration timing.
More about Confirmation
From the early days of the Church, the bishop has completed the rite of initiation begun at baptism. In confirmation we recognize the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives through anointing with sacred chrism: a mixture of olive oil and perfume blessed by the bishop each year during Holy Week at the cathedral.
For young people
Confirmation is generally celebrated each year during the Easter season at St. James or Our Lady of the Valley, with a visit by the Bishop of the Diocese of Kamloops. Preparation takes about two years and weaves together learning, prayer, service projects, and community life. Contact the parish office to enrol.
For adults
Adults who were baptized Catholic and have received first communion are usually confirmed by the pastor at the Easter Vigil, after preparing through Upon This Rock: our parish's version of the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA). If that's you, you are far from alone, and you are very welcome. Call the office to talk it through.