The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and is a key step in the initiation process of a Christian. It is a sacrament in which a baptized person is strengthened and sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation deepens the grace received at Baptism and completes the process of Christian initiation, empowering the individual to live a fuller, more committed Christian life.
Key Elements of Confirmation:
1. Anointing with Chrism: In Confirmation, the bishop or priest anoints the forehead of the candidate with holy oil called Chrism, making the sign of the cross. This anointing symbolizes the seal of the Holy Spirit, marking the individual as a member of Christ’s Church.
2. The Laying on of Hands: The laying on of hands by the bishop or priest represents the invocation of the Holy Spirit to come upon the individual. This is an ancient gesture in the Church that signifies the passing on of spiritual power and authority.
3. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Confirmation strengthens the recipient with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts help the individual grow in holiness and fulfill their Christian mission.
4. Full Membership in the Church: Confirmation completes the initiation begun in Baptism, confirming the person’s full membership in the Catholic Church. It is a public affirmation of the faith and a commitment to live out the teachings of Christ.
Why is Confirmation Important?
Confirmation is not just a rite of passage, but an essential sacrament for Catholics. Through Confirmation, the individual is empowered to actively participate in the mission of the Church, spreading the message of the Gospel, serving others, and living out their Christian vocation. It strengthens the relationship with God and encourages the individual to be a witness of Christ in the world.
It is typically received during adolescence, though adults who were baptized as infants can also receive it. Confirmation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist, is one of the sacraments of Christian initiation and is seen as a necessary step in becoming a mature, active member of the Catholic faith.
Every parish takes responsibility for preparing the adolescents for the Sacrament of Confirmation with the oversight of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office. To find a parish near you go to the Parish Directory
Ministry
Adolescent (12 to 16 years old)
Contact Information
Gillian Ruben
Director, Archdiocesan Catechetical Office
774-5382
235-5329 Ext 29
Social Media
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church and is a key step in the initiation process of a Christian. It is a sacrament in which a baptized person is strengthened and sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation deepens the grace received at Baptism and completes the process of Christian initiation, empowering the individual to live a fuller, more committed Christian life.
Key Elements of Confirmation:
1. Anointing with Chrism: In Confirmation, the bishop or priest anoints the forehead of the candidate with holy oil called Chrism, making the sign of the cross. This anointing symbolizes the seal of the Holy Spirit, marking the individual as a member of Christ’s Church.
2. The Laying on of Hands: The laying on of hands by the bishop or priest represents the invocation of the Holy Spirit to come upon the individual. This is an ancient gesture in the Church that signifies the passing on of spiritual power and authority.
3. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Confirmation strengthens the recipient with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts help the individual grow in holiness and fulfill their Christian mission.
4. Full Membership in the Church: Confirmation completes the initiation begun in Baptism, confirming the person’s full membership in the Catholic Church. It is a public affirmation of the faith and a commitment to live out the teachings of Christ.
Why is Confirmation Important?
Confirmation is not just a rite of passage, but an essential sacrament for Catholics. Through Confirmation, the individual is empowered to actively participate in the mission of the Church, spreading the message of the Gospel, serving others, and living out their Christian vocation. It strengthens the relationship with God and encourages the individual to be a witness of Christ in the world.
It is typically received during adolescence, though adults who were baptized as infants can also receive it. Confirmation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist, is one of the sacraments of Christian initiation and is seen as a necessary step in becoming a mature, active member of the Catholic faith.
Every parish takes responsibility for preparing the adolescents for the Sacrament of Confirmation with the oversight of the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office. To find a parish near you go to the Parish Directory
Ministry
Adolescent (12 to 16 years old)
Contact Information
Gillian Ruben
Director, Archdiocesan Catechetical Office
774-5382
235-5329 Ext 29
Social Media
