The sacrament of Confirmation is generally completed by students in grades five or six. It is celebrated during the Mass, therefore the whole church community are able to witness and participate (Catholic Education Office Melbourne, 2003). Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation and is the completion of the candidate’s Baptism (Catholic Education Melbourne, 2003). Pope Francis discusses how families have their children baptised, but then do not have their children confirmed. He encourages all young people and children to complete their Confirmation and therefore their Sacraments of Initiation (including Eucharist) (Pope Francis, 2014).
Through participation and learning about all aspects of Confirmation students develop a comprehensive understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus (Catholic Education Office Melbourne, 2003). Students will also explore the different Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit that are given to them when they receive their Confirmation and how it connects to their personal contexts (Catholic Education Office, 2003).
The importance of this sacrament to the broader parish and school community is quite significant, as the completion of all the Sacraments of Initiation allows full participation within the Church. Children develop a sense of community and connection with the broader community as "key groups within the parish have specific roles in support of parents and the wider parish in the processes that welcome children into the sacramental life of the church” (Diocese of Sale, 2015, pp.2). The parish should be seen as a support network for the students and their families, who will be there to assist them in their journey of faith (Dicosese of Sale, 2015, pp.40).
On completing of the Sacrament of Confirmation, a sense of belonging will occur for the candidate within the parish community (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n.d.). Their understanding of what it means to completely belong to the Church will be strengthened through the sacramental process (Catholic Education Office Melbourne, 2003).