Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Church and an extremely important day in the life of a young person.

Confirmation takes place every year in Athenry church, and every second year in Newcastle church.

Wile Confirmation takes place in the spring, preparation begins a long time before this in the school, the home and the parish.

An important part of the preparation for Confirmation is the Programme which is run in the parish, beginning with the meeting for parents and guardians of the young people preparing for Confirmation, usually at the beginning of the school year in Sptember, and continues monthly up to Confirmation itself.

The Confirmation Co-Ordinating Group organise and help prepare the ceremonies leading up to, and including Confirmation Mass.  Parents are very much encouraged to participate in the ceremonies, making it an enjoyable experience for all involved and re-affirming the bond between parents/guardians and young people.

The various ceremonies include:

• The Gathering Ritual - Commitment & Candle Ceremony.
• Affirming Our Baptism - Our talents & Dove Ceremony.
• Called By Name - My name card.
• Healing - Use of blessed oil & Prayer for Parents.
• Reconciliation Service.
• Confirmation Prayer Service.
• Participation in the Corpus Christi Procession.

If you wish to get involved in the co-ordinating group please contact:

• Parish Office 091-844076

Everybody involved with the Confirmation Programme should be familiar with our Safeguarding Children Policy.