confirmation

Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation that completes Baptism and strengthens the grace received in it. Confirmation is closely linked to Baptism, completing the initiation process.  While Baptism initiates us into the Catholic community, Confirmation strengthens and deepens that initiation.  It empowers us, as Catholics, to live our faith more fully and actively.

• Purpose:
  • It deepens our connection to the Church and strengthens the us to live out our Catholic faith.
  • It signifies an indelible seal of the Holy Spirit, similar to what the Apostles experienced at Pentecost.
  • It equips the confirmed person to be a stronger witness to Christ in the world.
• Essential Rite:
  • The essential rite is the anointing with Sacred Chrism (oil mixed with balsam) on the forehead, accompanied by the laying on of hands by the bishop (or a delegated priest).
  • The words spoken during the anointing are, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
• Effects:
  • It increases the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit within the person: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
  • It imprints an indelible seal on the soul, signifying a deeper belonging to Christ and the Church.
  • It strengthens the bond with the Church and gives a special strength to spread and defend the faith.
• Minister:
  • The ordinary minister of Confirmation is the bishop.
• Recipient:
  • Any baptized Catholic can and should receive Confirmation.
  • Candidates are typically expected to have reached the age of reason and be in a state of grace.