Confirmation "Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit." (Acts 8:17) WHAT IS CONFIRMATION? Sealed with the Holy Spirit Confirmation is the sacrament in which a baptized Christian is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened to live as a full and active member of the Body of Christ. In Confirmation, the gifts given at Baptism are deepened and strengthened. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit — wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord — are poured out anew, equipping the confirmed person to live their faith with courage and joy in the world. Confirmation is not a graduation from faith — it is a commissioning into it. Those who receive Confirmation are called to be witnesses of Christ in their families, workplaces, and communities. Confirmation for Teens Holy Spirit prepares teenagers for the Sacrament of Confirmation through our Children's Faith Formation program. Preparation typically spans two school years, beginning in seventh grade, with most students receiving the sacrament in the spring of their eighth-grade year. The 18-month journey is divided into four simple phases: an initial six months focused on personal growth and the story of salvation, followed by twelve months of direct preparation for the sacrament. Along the way, students will attend two mandatory retreats—one at the start of the program and one at the end. Because faith is built on community, candidates and their parents must be registered members of the parish, attend weekly Mass, and be involved in parish activities. Contact our Faith Formation team to learn about the current program schedule and requirements for teen Confirmation candidates. CHILDREN'S FAITH FORMATION Confirmation for Adults Adults who were baptized Catholic but never received Confirmation are warmly encouraged to complete their initiation. In many cases, adults can be confirmed through our OCIA process. LEARN ABOUT OCIA REQUIREMENTS ✓ Baptized Catholic ✓ Have received First Communion ✓ Complete the parish Confirmation preparation program ✓ Choose a Confirmation sponsor (a practicing Catholic) ✓ Choose a Confirmation name (a saint who inspires you) CONTACT TEEN Beth Mathewes - bmathewes@holyspiritsc.org Ana Tovar (Para Español) - atovar@holyspiritsc.org ADULT Inquire with the OCIA process FORMS & DOCUMENTS Sponsor Form CLASS OF 2026 Confirmation Mass Confirmation FAQs Demo

Children's Faith Formation Jesus called them to him, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:16) FAITH FORMATION (PSR) Sharing Jesus with our Children Children's faith formation (PSR) in the Catholic Church is the lifelong educational and spiritual process of teaching children the Gospel message, doctrine, and traditions. Its primary goal is to help youth develop an active, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church. The Church recognizes parents as the primary educators and spiritual role models for their children. Holy Spirit Catholic Church partners with families by offering tools, coaching, and community support. Children attend weekly classes at the parish, taught by volunteer catechists. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings September to May from 6-7 pm , with a light snack available at 5:45. Families are highly encouraged to attend classes each year beginning in first grade and culminating with the Sacrament of Confirmation. These classes provide the required instruction for children to receive the sacraments, specifically First Reconciliation (Confession), First Eucharist (Holy Communion), and Confirmation. Register for Classes At this time registration is not offered online. Complete the registration form and return it to the parish office. Forms are available in the office. Payment will be due at the time of registration. REGISTRATION FORM 26-27 CALENDAR CONTACT Beth Mathewes Faith Formation bmathewes@holyspiritsc.org Ana Tovar Faith Formation (Español) atovar@holyspiritsc.org VOLUNTEER Do you love your faith and love children? Consider becoming a catechist and teaching our kids. We are always in need of adults to work the our kids at all levels. Reach out to Beth or Ana to get started! THE HARVEST IS GREAT Help Pass Down the Faith Our kids are always needing role models, mentors, and teachers to share Jesus with them. Our Catechists play a vital role in supporting the faith formation happening at home. Can you answer this call to help pass down the faith to our kids in the parish? ANSWER THE CALL

Anointing of the Sick "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;" (James 5:14) A SACRAMENT OF HEALING What Is the Anointing of the Sick? The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, comfort, and strength — given by Christ to those who are seriously ill, facing surgery, in advanced age, or approaching death. During the Anointing, a priest anoints the sick person's forehead and hands with holy oil, praying for healing and peace. The effects of this sacrament are real and powerful: it unites the suffering person with Christ in His own suffering, strengthens them against anxiety and discouragement, may restore physical health if that is God's will, and prepares the soul for the journey ahead. When to Request Anointing Before any significant surgery Upon a serious or life-threatening diagnosis During chronic illness, especially when your condition worsens When significantly weakened by advanced age When approaching death — together with Viaticum (final Communion) Please do not wait until a crisis to ask for it. ANOINTING AT MASS We offer the Anointing of the Sick at the 8:30am daily Mass on the first Friday of each month. REQUEST FOR ANOINTING Please contact the parish office to request Anointing of the Sick if you are in need. URGENT SITUATIONS If you or a loved one needs a priest urgently — including after hours — please call the parish office and follow the prompts for an emergency. CONTACT (843) 768-0357 office@holyspiritsc.org OFFICE HOURS Mon–Thu 8:30 am–4:00 pm

Reconciliation "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." (Luke 15:7) AN ENCOUNTER WITH MERCY What Is Confession? The Sacrament of Reconciliation — also called Confession or Penance — is one of the most beautiful gifts of the Catholic faith. It is not about shame or punishment. It is about freedom. In Confession, you speak your sins to a priest in confidence, and through him, you hear Christ's own words of forgiveness. The priest acts in persona Christi — in the person of Christ — and the absolution he pronounces is the absolution of God Himself. Many people describe leaving Confession feeling lighter, freer, and more at peace than they have in years. If it has been a long time since your last Confession — whether months, years, or decades — you are still welcome. The priest will guide you gently through the process. There is nothing to fear and everything to gain. How to Make a Good Confession Examine Your Conscience Before going to Confession, take some time to reflect prayerfully on your thoughts, words, and actions since your last Confession. Use an examination of conscience as a guide. Enter the Confessional Our confessionals are located at the back of the main church — on the left and right. You may confess face-to-face or behind a screen — the choice is yours. Begin with a Simple Greeting Begin by saying, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been [length of time] since my last Confession." Then tell the priest your sins simply and honestly. Receive Absolution The priest will offer brief counsel, assign a penance, and then pronounce the words of absolution. Listen for those words — they are among the most powerful in the world. Complete Your Penance After leaving the confessional, complete the penance the priest assigned — usually a short prayer. Then take a moment to give thanks to God for His mercy. EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE (USCCB) CONFESSION SCHEDULE Monday–Friday 8:15am–8:30am Saturday 3:30–5pm By Appointment Contact the Parish Office to Schedule CONFESSIONAL LOCATION Confessionals are in the main church, at the back — on the left and the right. You may go face-to-face or behind the screen. QUESTIONS? (843) 768-0357 office@holyspiritsc.org A SIMPLE GUIDE If You Have Not Been in a While If it has been many years since your last Confession, please do not let that stop you. The priest will help you through it — gently and without judgment. Simply walk in, tell the priest it has been a long time, and he will guide you step by step. There is no wrong way to begin, and there is nothing you could say that would shock or scandalize a priest who has heard it all. God's mercy truly has no bottom. If you are a returning Catholic or have been away from the Church, we encourage you to call the parish office at (843) 768-0357 to speak with Fr. Stephen before your first Confession back. He would be honored to welcome you personally.