Confirmation

“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2:3-4)

The Holy Spirit as a dove descending. Stained glass window from St. Edward’s Church.

“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-17)

In Confirmation, candidates strengthen their relationship with God and the church, through the gift of the Holy Spirit. This deepens and increases the graces granted by the sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation and Holy Communion. During Baptism, parents and Godparents make promises to God on behalf of a child. At Confirmation, the candidates choose to renew these promises themselves; becoming fully-fledged members of the Catholic church.

Confirmation in Year 6

In July each year Bishop Peter comes to St. Edward’s church in Kettering to confirm candidates from the parish (and sometimes from other deanery parishes such as Oundle and Thrapston/Raunds). Confirmation Classes take place in Year 6 in the Parish of St. Edward’s at St. Edward’s and St. Thomas More Primary Schools. Classes take place on a Friday evening for children in the Kettering area who do not attend a Catholic primary school and Saturday mornings for children in Rothwell.

Contact: Fr. Gregory, Tel: 01536 512497. email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org

Rothwell: Confirmation classes on Saturday mornings for Year 6 children
Contact: Susan Macfarlane 01536 523754

Preparation for Confirmation (for those not attending a Catholic School)

St. Edward’s Church
Contact: Fr. Gregory 01536 512497 email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org

Meeting: 6.00-7.00pm each Friday from Easter to July. In the Upper Room of St. Edward’s Church Hall.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

Contacts: Fr. Gregory 01536 512497 email: parish.stedwardkettering@northamptondiocese.org; Rose Stokes 01536 460909.
Parish Group Page: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – Parish Group Page
Website: The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

An exploration of the Catholic faith, the process of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults has its roots in the very earliest days of the Church, when communities were anxious to pass on their new found faith in Jesus to others. This RCIA course is open to all who would like to know more about the Catholic faith, especially those who are considering becoming a Catholic (whether a baptised Christian or not). The course is also suitable for active or non-practising Catholics who wish to explore their faith in more depth.

The course is delivered in one evening session per week over several months. For those who feel ready this may lead up to being received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.

Topics explored in depth using the Catechism, scripture and other accepted sources will include: Old and New Testaments; the Trinity; the lives of Jesus and Mary; sin and forgiveness; Baptism and Confirmation; the Eucharist; marriage, death and resurrection.
If you would like to help with this course by attending as a potential sponsor for the catechumens/ candidates and/or to assist with faith sharing or to be a prayer partner from home (especially suitable for the housebound) please contact Rose Stokes 01536 460909.