Ethan Walker
Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament that signifies a person's perfect binding to the Church. It is customary to give gifts to those receiving confirmation, as well as to one's confirmation sponsor. Gifts are meant to be meaningful and to contribute to the recipient's spiritual journey. Common gifts include religious items, such as rosary beads, holy cards, and statues of saints, as well as jewellery, books, and handwritten notes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sacraments | 1 out of 7 |
| Type of sacraments | Initiation |
| Other initiation sacraments | Baptism and First Communion |
| Occasion | Professing personal commitment to the faith |
| Age | Mid-teens in the US, early teens in Ireland and Britain |
| Who performs the sacrament? | Bishop or priest |
| Vestments | Red |
| What happens during the sacrament? | Chrism oil is applied to the forehead, the name is spoken aloud, and the bishop says, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." |
| Gifts | Money, gold, holy water, journal bibles, bookmarks, bracelets, rosaries |
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What You'll Learn
- Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church
- It is a celebration of the Holy Spirit in the Church
- The age for confirmation varies across countries
- The ceremony involves the laying on of hands and anointing with Chrism oil
- Gifts of money, gold, or religious items are often exchanged
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church
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 apostles at Pentecost. The sacrament is called Confirmation because the faith given in Baptism is now confirmed and made strong. The Holy Spirit is first introduced to a Catholic at their baptism, and Confirmation completes the process of initiation into the Christian community.
In the Eastern Catholic Churches, the sacrament is called Chrismation with holy Myron. In the Eastern churches, the priest is the ordinary minister of this sacrament and performs it immediately after baptism. However, it is performed with chrism oil that has been consecrated by the bishop expressing the apostolic unity. In the Latin rite, the bishop is the ordinary minister. In the West, the bishop usually visits the local parish to confirm an entire class of students who spent the year preparing for confirmation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1308, warns:
> "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 be made valid."
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It is a celebration of the Holy Spirit in the Church
Confirmation in the Catholic Church is one of the seven sacraments and one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. It is a celebration of the Holy Spirit in the Church and is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. The Catechism sees the account in the Acts of the Apostles 8:14–17 as a scriptural basis for Confirmation as a sacrament distinct from Baptism.
The Catholic Church teaches that, like baptism, confirmation marks the recipient permanently, making it impossible to receive the sacrament twice. It accepts as valid a confirmation conferred within churches, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church, whose Holy Orders it sees as valid through the apostolic succession of their bishops. But it considers it necessary to administer the sacrament of confirmation, in its view, for the only time to Protestants who are admitted to full communion with the Catholic Church.
In the Western Church, the sacrament is usually administered by a bishop. At the beginning of the ceremony, there is a general imposition of hands, with the bishop praying that the Holy Ghost may come down upon those who have already been regenerated: “send forth upon them thy sevenfold Spirit, the Holy Paraclete.” He then anoints the forehead of each with chrism, saying: “I sign thee with the sign of the cross and confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Finally, he gives each a slight blow on the cheek saying: “peace be with thee”. A prayer is added that the Holy Spirit may dwell in the hearts of those who have been confirmed, and the rite closes with the bishop’s blessing.
In the Eastern Church, the imposition of hands and the prayer at the beginning are omitted, and the anointing is accompanied by the words: “the sign or seal of the gift of the Holy Ghost.” These several actions symbolize the nature and purpose of the sacrament: the anointing signifies the strength given for the spiritual conflict; the balsam contained in the chrism, the fragrance of virtue and the good odour of Christ; the sign of the cross on the forehead, the courage to confess Christ, before all men; the imposition of hands and the blow on the cheek, enrolment in the service of Christ which brings true peace to the soul.
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, or there is danger of death or, in the judgment of the minister, a grave reason suggests otherwise. In the Eastern churches (non-Latin rites), the priest is the ordinary minister of this sacrament and performs it immediately after baptism. However, it is performed with chrism oil that has been consecrated by the bishop expressing the apostolic unity.
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The age for confirmation varies across countries
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church and is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. The age for confirmation varies across countries and dioceses.
In the Latin Church of the Catholic Church, the Code of Canon Law specifies that the sacrament is to be conferred on the faithful at about 7–18 years of age, unless the episcopal conference has decided on a different age, or there is a danger of death, or, in the judgment of the minister, a grave reason suggests otherwise. The "age of discretion," generally interpreted as about 7 years old, is considered the age when children are able to give their consent to receiving sacraments. In the United States, the age range for confirmation is typically between 7 and 16 years, while in Ireland and Britain, it is more common for confirmation to take place in the early teens.
In Eastern Catholicism, the sacrament of confirmation can be administered conjointly with baptism. This practice is still observed in the Eastern churches, both Catholic and Orthodox.
The age for confirmation has varied throughout history, with the Second Vatican Council recommending a later age for confirmation to emphasize its role in confirming one's faith as an adult. However, in recent years, there has been a shift back towards restoring the traditional order of the three sacraments of Christian initiation, allowing for confirmation to take place at an earlier age.
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The ceremony involves the laying on of hands and anointing with Chrism oil
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Church, the other two being Baptism and First Communion. Confirmation is a ceremony that involves the laying on of hands and anointing with Chrism oil.
In the Eastern Catholic Churches, the sacrament is called Chrismation with holy Myron. In these churches, priests are the ordinary ministers of the sacrament and administer it immediately after baptism. In the Latin rite, the bishop is the ordinary minister. In the West, the bishop usually visits the local parish to confirm a group of students who have spent the year preparing for confirmation. However, the bishop can delegate their authority to perform the sacrament of confirmation to the local priest.
The ceremony also involves the anointing of the confirmant's body parts with Chrism oil. This is commonly associated with the giving of the Holy Ghost. The confirmant may also be clothed in a white garment or chiton. In some dioceses, it is customary for the confirmant to adopt a new name, usually the name of a biblical character or saint, thus securing an additional patron saint as a protector and guide.
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Gifts of money, gold, or religious items are often exchanged
Confirmation is a significant event in the Catholic Church, and it is customary to give gifts to commemorate the occasion. While the amount and type of gift may vary, money, gold, and religious items are commonly exchanged.
Money is a traditional gift for Catholic confirmation, with amounts ranging from $20 to $50 considered appropriate. Some people may give more or less depending on their relationship with the recipient and their financial means. It is believed that the money is not a payment for taking a "mature statement of faith" but rather a gift to commemorate the occasion and show support for the recipient's spiritual journey.
Gold jewellery is another customary gift for Catholic confirmation. A piece of gold jewellery, such as a bracelet, necklace, or charm, is considered a classic choice. These gifts often have religious significance, such as a cross or the recipient's confirmation saint, and can serve as a tangible reminder of their faith.
Religious items are also commonly exchanged as confirmation gifts. Rosary beads, bibles, crucifixes, and other religiously significant jewellery are considered appropriate gifts. These items can deepen the recipient's prayer life and serve as reminders of their faith. Some people may also give spiritual retreats or experiences, such as a pilgrimage to a significant religious site, as a meaningful way to commemorate confirmation.
Confirmation is a special occasion, and gifts are given to show love, support, and encouragement to the recipient as they continue on their spiritual journey. While money, gold, and religious items are common gifts, the most important aspect is the thought and intention behind the gift.
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Frequently asked questions
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. Confirmation completes the process of initiation into the Christian community and matures the soul for the work ahead.
In the Latin rite, the bishop is the ordinary minister. In Eastern Catholicism, priests are the ordinary ministers of this sacrament and perform it immediately after baptism.
Money or gold is customary. Other gifts include holy water, journal bibles, bookmarks, bracelets, and rosaries.
