Becoming a fully active member of God's Family is a journey — a process of initiation involving the sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist, and Confirmation. The process allows you time to discover your faith, to become involved with the community of faith and to know Jesus — the cornerstone of that faith.

From its very beginning, the Christian community welcomed new members through a special period of training during which the faith of newcomers could grow and mature until they were ready for full commitment to Jesus. The same dynamic occurred between Jesus and his Apostles. The newfound faith of the Apostles after they first responded to the call of Jesus was not the same as the firm and joyous faith of Pentecost. In fact, as Luke points out in the Acts, not even witnessing the Risen Christ on Easter was sufficient for the Apostles to grasp fully the message of Jesus. Only after their special encounter with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost could they proclaim Jesus as Lord to the Jerusalem crowds. Confirmation is your personal Pentecost. It is the time in your life when the Father empowers you in a special way with the Holy Spirit. Though it is unlikely that your experience will be of tongues of fire and a violent wind, you will be anointed with Holy Chrism, marked with the sign of the cross and the bishop will say to you, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."

"The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.' After saying this, he breathed on them and said: 'Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:20-22"