The sacrament of confirmation completes our initiation into the Church, making us full members of the Church. This special, “once-in-a-lifetime” sacrament is meant to deepen our relationship with Christ and his Church and to celebrate the presence and action of the Holy Spirit within us and within the Church. Confirmation harkens back to the original experience of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came down on the infant Church and empowered it to carry on the life and mission of Jesus. Confirmation is our special Pentecost, when we receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We receive the seven-fold gifts of the Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement, Knowledge, Courage, Reverence, and Wonder and Awe. We also receive the fruits of the Spirit: Charity, Faith (Fidelity), Joy, Modesty, Generosity, Goodness, Peace, Patience, Self-Control, Chastity, Endurance, and Mildness. Armed with these gifts and fruits of the Spirit, like the Apostles, we are “sent” forth to bring the Gospel to a waiting and needy world. A great challenge and a great privilege. The sacrament of confirmation is celebrated during grade eight. Instruction takes place within the class room. Students are asked to do some community work, practice their faith regularly, and participate in a retreat during the year. Children who attend Public School prepare for the sacrament through classes offered at the Church. Parents are also asked to be actively involved in their child's preparation. At St. Alfred's we celebrate the Rite of Confirmation during the Easter Season, with Bishop Bergie as the celebrant.