Rachel Evans
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. It is a ceremony that completes the process of initiation into the Catholic community. The ceremony involves the anointing of the forehead with chrism oil, which is consecrated by the bishop, and the recitation of a confirmation name. The focus of the ceremony is on the Holy Spirit, who confirms the apostles on Pentecost and gives them the courage to practice their faith. The Catholic being confirmed stands or kneels before the bishop, with their sponsor, who may be their godparent, laying a hand on their shoulder. The ceremony may take place at Mass or outside of it, and the bishop wears red vestments to symbolize the red tongues of fire seen hovering over the heads of the apostles at Pentecost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Catholic Confirmation? | A sacrament of initiation which completes baptism through sealing in the Holy Spirit. |
| Who can receive Confirmation? | In the Latin Church, the sacrament is to be conferred on the faithful above the age of discretion (generally taken to be about 7), unless the Episcopal Conference has decided on a different age. |
| Who administers Confirmation? | Bishops are superior to priests and administer the Sacrament of Confirmation. |
| What is the ceremony like? | 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 their 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 is the significance of Confirmation? | Confirmation completes the process of initiation into the Catholic community. It is a spiritual regeneration, where the individual receives the Gift of the Holy Ghost, granting them the permanent companionship of the Holy Ghost. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a sponsor and confirmation name
When preparing for a Catholic Confirmation, one of the most important decisions a candidate must make is choosing a sponsor and confirmation name. A sponsor, or godparent, plays a vital role in the Confirmation ceremony and the confirmand's spiritual journey. Here are some guidelines to consider when choosing a sponsor:
Firstly, according to the Canon Law of the Catholic Church, a sponsor must be selected by the confirmand or their parents. The sponsor should be a practicing Catholic who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation and is at least 16 years old. They should also be leading a life in harmony with the faith and the role they are undertaking. It is important to choose someone who will be a good role model and guide for your spiritual journey.
The sponsor's role is to support and pray for the confirmand and to serve as a witness to their Confirmation. They should be someone who can provide spiritual guidance and help the confirmand grow in their faith. It is recommended to choose someone who has a close relationship with the confirmand and will remain involved in their life after the Confirmation ceremony. When choosing a sponsor, consider someone who embodies the Catholic faith and can act as a mentor and companion on your spiritual path.
In addition to choosing a sponsor, the confirmand also selects a confirmation name. This name is typically the name of a saint who the confirmand admires or to whom they feel a special connection. The confirmation name represents the saint whose intercession the confirmand wishes to invoke. It is customary to use the confirmation name as a middle name and to be referred to by that name during the Confirmation ceremony.
When choosing a confirmation name, it is important to research the lives of different saints and their significance. Consider selecting a saint who embodies virtues or qualities that resonate with you or whose life story inspires you. The confirmation name serves as a reminder of the saint's example and a source of inspiration for your own spiritual journey.
Some people may choose a confirmation name that is already one of their middle names, especially if they were named after a saint at birth. Others may feel drawn to a particular saint because of a personal devotion or family connection. There are also traditions where confirmands choose the name of a saint whose feast day falls on their birthday or the day of their Confirmation.
Remember that the choice of a confirmation name is a personal decision, and there are no right or wrong answers. It is a way to honor a saint and ask for their intercession as you take this important step in your faith journey.
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The ceremony and what's said
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 completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead.
During the ceremony, 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 anoints the forehead of the person with Chrism Oil, saying their name aloud, and then saying, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." The person responds, "Amen." The bishop then says, "Peace be with you," to which the person responds, "And with your spirit" or "And also with you." The bishop wears red vestments to symbolize the red tongues of fire seen hovering over the heads of the apostles at Pentecost.
The ceremony may take place at Mass or outside of it. The ordinary minister of confirmation is a bishop, but a presbyter provided with this faculty in virtue of universal law or the special grant of the competent authority also confers this sacrament validly. In Eastern Catholicism, priests are those who normally administer the sacrament.
Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation that completes baptism through sealing in the Holy Spirit and anoints the recipient as priest, prophet, and king. It is a permanent thing that is fully completed and doesn't expire. Confirmation brings Catholics a deepening of baptismal grace and unites them more firmly to Christ. It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit and leaves an indelible mark on the soul, just like baptism.
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The role of the bishop
The Catholic sacrament of Confirmation is a ceremony that is typically performed by a bishop. It is a ritual that completes the process of initiation into the Catholic Church, following on from Baptism and First Communion. The ceremony is an important moment in the life of a Catholic, marking a spiritual regeneration and a deepening of baptismal grace. The focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirms the apostles on Pentecost and gives them the courage to practice their faith.
The bishop is the ordinary minister of confirmation, and it is usually only bishops who confirm Catholics in their diocese. However, priests can be delegated to confirm adult converts from other religions when they are brought into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. The bishop is seen as superior to priests and has the power to ordain ministers of the Church.
The sacrament of Confirmation is a significant moment in the life of a Catholic, marking a spiritual coming-of-age and a strengthening of their faith. The bishop plays a central and vital role in this ceremony, conferring the sacrament and bestowing the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon the individual.
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The Holy Spirit and its gifts
Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of initiation, completing the process begun in Baptism and Holy Eucharist. It is a ceremony that unites Catholics more firmly with Christ, deepening their baptismal grace. The focus of the ceremony is on the Holy Spirit, who strengthens the individual for their faith journey, and the gifts and fruits that the Holy Spirit brings.
The Holy Spirit is introduced to a Catholic on the day of their baptism, as the entire Holy Trinity is invoked. The Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation, bestowing the same gifts and fruits that were granted to the apostles on Pentecost, giving them courage to practice their faith. The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are: charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity. These are human qualities that can be activated by the Holy Spirit. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are supernatural graces given to the soul.
During the confirmation ceremony, the bishop wears red vestments to symbolize the red tongues of fire seen hovering over the heads of the apostles at Pentecost. The bishop extends his hand over the person being confirmed and anoints their forehead with the oil of chrism, saying, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit". The person responds, "Amen". The bishop then says, "Peace be with you", to which the person responds, "And with your spirit" or "And also with you".
Confirmation is about accepting responsibility for one's faith and destiny. It is a significant step in the spiritual growth and maturity of Catholics, marking a deepening of their relationship with God and the Church.
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Confirmation as a sacrament of initiation
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and is one of the three sacraments of initiation, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. It completes the process of initiation into the Catholic community, establishing young adults as full-fledged members of the faith.
The sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the natural growth process. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in Holy Eucharist. The Holy Spirit is first introduced to a Catholic on the day of their baptism, as the entire Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—are invoked at the ceremony. During Confirmation, the focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirms Catholics during the sacrament and gives them the same gifts and fruits. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity. These are human qualities that can be activated by the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation is usually administered by a bishop, although priests can be delegated to confirm adult converts from other religions. The bishop, wearing red vestments to symbolize the red tongues of fire that appeared over the heads of the apostles at Pentecost, extends his hand over the person being confirmed and anoints their forehead with chrism oil, saying, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." The person responds, "Amen." The bishop then says, "Peace be with you," to which the person responds, "And with your spirit" or "And also with you."
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Frequently asked questions
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. It completes the process of initiation into the Catholic community.
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 anoints the forehead with Chrism Oil, says the 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," to which the person responds, "And with your spirit" or "And also with you."
The sponsor can be the godmother or godfather if they are still 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.
Catholics believe that the Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts and fruits. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The Latin Church of the Catholic Church specifies that the sacrament is to be conferred on the faithful at about 7-18 years of age, unless decided otherwise by the Episcopal Conference or in the case of a danger of death or other grave reasons.
