ConfirmationConfirmation

Sacrament of the Holy SpiritSacrament of the Holy Spirit

ConfirmationConfirmation

One of the sacraments of initiationOne of the sacraments of initiation Gives us a better understanding of Gives us a better understanding of

the Holy Spirit and His giftsthe Holy Spirit and His gifts Completes the baptismal grace (Completes the baptismal grace (CCCCCC))

Old TestamentOld Testament

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit known to be part of the Trinity.known to be part of the Trinity.

The Holy Spirit came to certain The Holy Spirit came to certain individuals destined for a particular individuals destined for a particular mission.mission.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of the The prophet Isaiah speaks of the “Spirit of the Lord” – Isaiah 61:1-2)“Spirit of the Lord” – Isaiah 61:1-2)

New TestamentNew Testament

Jesus quotes Isaiah.Jesus quotes Isaiah. The mission of Jesus and the mission The mission of Jesus and the mission

of the Holy Spirit are closely of the Holy Spirit are closely intertwined.intertwined.

Jesus promises to send His apostles Jesus promises to send His apostles the Holy Spirit.the Holy Spirit.

The Apostles receive the Holy Spirit The Apostles receive the Holy Spirit in a profound way on Pentecostin a profound way on Pentecost

Rite of ConfirmationRite of Confirmation

In Roman Catholic churches, infants are In Roman Catholic churches, infants are anointed with chrism at Baptism and later anointed with chrism at Baptism and later are anointed with chrism by the bishop at are anointed with chrism by the bishop at Confirmation, emphasizing the relationship Confirmation, emphasizing the relationship of the fully initiated Christian with the of the fully initiated Christian with the universal Church.universal Church.

In Eastern Churches, the sacraments of In Eastern Churches, the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are connected, Baptism and Confirmation are connected, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is given in emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is given in both sacraments.both sacraments.

Effects of ConfirmationEffects of Confirmation

Two primary effects –Two primary effects –

– The confirmed person’s bond with the The confirmed person’s bond with the Church is strengthened.Church is strengthened.

– The person is enriched with an The person is enriched with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit (already outpouring of the Holy Spirit (already received in Baptism).received in Baptism).

Specific EffectsSpecific Effects

United more firmly with ChristUnited more firmly with Christ Deeper participation in the ChurchDeeper participation in the Church Strengthened to spread and defend Strengthened to spread and defend

the faiththe faith Increased gifts of the Holy Spirit and Increased gifts of the Holy Spirit and

sacramental character.sacramental character. Discernment of God’s callDiscernment of God’s call StewardshipStewardship

Confirmation RequirementsConfirmation Requirements

RequirementsRequirements– Age of reasonAge of reason– Baptized Baptized – Freely profess ChristFreely profess Christ– Be in the state of graceBe in the state of grace– Wish to be confirmedWish to be confirmed– Complete preparation programComplete preparation program

Confirmation RiteConfirmation Rite

Most Confirmations take place during a Most Confirmations take place during a liturgy.liturgy.

The bishop is the usual minister of The bishop is the usual minister of Confirmation.Confirmation.

Renewal of baptismal promisesRenewal of baptismal promises Laying on of handsLaying on of hands Anointing with chrism (“be sealed with the Anointing with chrism (“be sealed with the

Gift of the Holy Spirit”)Gift of the Holy Spirit”) Handshake – “Peace be with you. And with Handshake – “Peace be with you. And with

your spirit.”your spirit.”

Gifts of the Holy SpiritGifts of the Holy Spirit Rooted in a prophecy from Isaiah about the Rooted in a prophecy from Isaiah about the

promised Messiah (Isaiah 11:2-3)promised Messiah (Isaiah 11:2-3) The gifts areThe gifts are

– Wisdom– see God at work in our worldWisdom– see God at work in our world– Understanding – see how we are to live as followers of Understanding – see how we are to live as followers of

ChristChrist– Right judgment (counsel)– know the difference between Right judgment (counsel)– know the difference between

right and wrongright and wrong– Courage (fortitude)– stand up for what is rightCourage (fortitude)– stand up for what is right– Knowledge – understand the meaning of God’s Knowledge – understand the meaning of God’s

revelationrevelation– Reverence (piety)—respect for God and for the churchReverence (piety)—respect for God and for the church– Wonder and awe (fear of the Lord)– aware of the glory Wonder and awe (fear of the Lord)– aware of the glory

and majesty of Godand majesty of God