Joshua Bennett
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. Confirmation is a ceremony in which the faith given during baptism is considered confirmed and strengthened. The Holy Spirit is first introduced to a Catholic during their baptism, and during confirmation, God the Holy Spirit, accompanied by God the Father and God the Son, descends upon the person being confirmed. Confirmation is also offered to non-Catholics who want to convert.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of ceremony | Religious |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Who can get confirmed? | Catholics and non-Catholics who want to convert |
| Age | Mid-teens in the United States, early teens in Ireland and Britain, adults |
| Confirmation name | Chosen by the individual, usually the name of a saint or a hero from the Bible |
| Confirmation process | The Catholic being confirmed stands or kneels before the bishop, and the sponsor lays one hand on the shoulder of the one being confirmed. The Confirmation name is spoken, and the bishop puts Chrism Oil on the person's forehead, says his name aloud, and then says, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." The person responds, "Amen." The bishop then says, "Peace be with you." And the person responds, "And with your spirit" or "And also with you." |
| What it represents | The special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God's presence |
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What You'll Learn
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church
The seven sacraments were set out in the Sentences by Peter Lombard, and these seven were confirmed by the Fourth Council of the Lateran in 1215. The sacraments are often classified into three categories: the sacraments of initiation, the sacraments of healing, and the sacraments of service. Confirmation belongs to the first category, the sacraments of initiation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church sees the account in the Acts of the Apostles 8:14–17 as a scriptural basis for Confirmation as a sacrament distinct from Baptism. Confirmation will show that one has matured in their faith, meaning that as a Catholic, they should try to help the Church as much as possible, by doing things such as altar serving and becoming a lector.
In the mid-20th century, Confirmation began to be seen as an occasion for professing personal commitment to the faith on the part of someone approaching adulthood. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church warns that although Confirmation is sometimes called the "sacrament of Christian maturity," we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth.
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It is a sign of spiritual maturity, but not adulthood
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, and one of the three sacraments of initiation, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. Confirmation is a spiritual ritual that marks the completion of one's initiation into the Christian community. It is a symbolic gesture that signifies the strengthening of one's faith and commitment to God. While it is a significant milestone, it is important to understand that it is not a marker of adulthood in the traditional sense.
The sacrament of Confirmation is often referred to as the "sacrament of Christian maturity." This term reflects an individual's spiritual growth and deepening connection with God, rather than their physical age or transition into adulthood. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1308, clarifies this distinction, stating:
> "Although Confirmation is sometimes called the 'sacrament of Christian maturity,' we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need 'ratification' to become effective."
This excerpt emphasizes that Confirmation is about the maturation of one's soul and faith, not about attaining the age of majority. It is a spiritual milestone that strengthens one's relationship with God and the Catholic Church.
Confirmation is typically conferred upon individuals in their mid-teens or early teens, depending on the region. However, it is not a rite of passage into adulthood. Instead, it signifies a person's willingness to take on new responsibilities within the Church and to actively contribute to its growth and mission. This may include altar serving, becoming a lector, or engaging in missionary work to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, while Confirmation in the Catholic Church is indeed a sign of spiritual maturity, it does not signify a transition into adulthood. It is a sacred ritual that deepens one's baptismal life, confirms one's faith, and empowers individuals to actively participate in the life and mission of the Church. It is open to adult converts as well, indicating that it is not exclusively linked to a specific age or stage of life.
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Confirmation is a personal commitment to the faith
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. It is not necessary for salvation but is obligatory for those who are able to understand and fulfil the Commandments of God and of the Church. Confirmation is a personal commitment to the faith, and it is generally administered to young people in their mid-to-late teens, although it can be conferred on younger children in certain circumstances.
The sacrament of Confirmation is seen as a spiritual seal, a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Through Confirmation, Catholics are "more perfectly bound to the Church" and are "as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread the faith by word and deed". It is a commitment to live by God's will, not our own.
Confirmation is also a time when Catholics are anointed and empowered to carry on the mission of Christ, to be his missionary witnesses in their families, neighbourhoods, society, and the world. This is reflected in the traditional soldier of Christ imagery associated with Confirmation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that Confirmation is not a ratification of baptismal grace, but rather a deepening of it, and a preparation for spiritual conflict.
Confirmation sponsors, or godparents, play an important role in the sacrament of Confirmation. They are required to be members of the Catholic Church, to have received all the sacraments of initiation, and to be in good standing with the Church. Sponsors bring candidates to the minister for anointing and later help them to fulfil their baptismal promises under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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It completes initiation into the Catholic Church
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, and one of the three sacraments of initiation into the faith, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. Confirmation completes the process of initiation into the Catholic Church, marking a person's commitment to their faith and their readiness to serve the Church.
Confirmation is a spiritual seal, a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. The Catechism of the Catholic Church cites the Acts of the Apostles 8:14-17 as a scriptural basis for Confirmation as a sacrament distinct from Baptism. During Confirmation, the bishop anoints the forehead of the person being confirmed with Chrism Oil, saying, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit", to which the person responds, "Amen".
Confirmation is a significant step in the spiritual growth of Catholics, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit and the confirmation and strengthening of the faith given in Baptism. It is a sacrament that matures the soul for the work ahead, marking the beginning of a person's missionary witness of Jesus Christ in their families, neighbourhoods, society, and the world.
Confirmation is typically administered by a bishop, although priests can be delegated to confirm adult converts from other religions. In some cases, Confirmation is conferred on younger children who request it, provided they are baptised, have the use of reason, are suitably instructed, and are able to renew their baptismal promises.
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Confirmation is also offered to non-Catholics who wish to convert
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It is also one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. Confirmation completes baptism through sealing in the Holy Spirit and anoints the recipient as priest, prophet, and king. It is considered a sacrament of initiation, bringing the confirmed individual deeper into communion with the Church.
The Catholic Church teaches that anyone who has been properly baptised can and should be confirmed. Confirmation is also offered to non-Catholics who wish to convert. In the Latin Church, the sacrament is to be conferred on the faithful above the age of discretion, generally taken to be about seven years old. However, in some countries, the episcopal conference has set a later age, such as the mid-teens in the United States. In such cases, a bishop may not refuse to confer the sacrament on younger children who request it, provided they are baptised, have the use of reason, are suitably instructed, and are able to renew their baptismal promises.
Preparation for adult confirmation typically involves a series of sessions focusing on basic creed/theology, as well as moral and sacramental preparation. Individuals must be in a proper state of grace before receiving the sacrament of Confirmation. For example, if married, the marriage must be formally recognised by the Catholic Church. Additionally, each person must have a sponsor who is fully active in their parish and able to receive Holy Communion.
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Frequently asked questions
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church and is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. Confirmation completes the process of initiation into the Christian community and matures the soul for the work ahead.
Confirmation is not necessary for Catholics, but it is an important milestone in the faith journey of Catholics. Confirmation shows that you have matured in your faith and are willing to help the Church.
The sponsor can be the godmother or godfather if they are practising Catholics, or the individual may choose someone else who is over the age of 16, already confirmed, and in good standing with the Church. The sponsor may not be the parent of the person being confirmed.
The role of the sponsor is to aid the spiritual needs of the person being confirmed, similar to a mother or father figure.
