The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist.
CCC 1285 Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.”
What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism. It is the sacrament that seals us with the Gift of the Holy Spirit, rooting us more deeply as children of God and strengthening our bond with the Catholic Church. Through Confirmation, Christ unleashes the same Holy Spirit that descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost, empowering us to become active witnesses to the Gospel in the world.
The Effects and Graces of the Sacrament
When you receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, it leaves an indelible spiritual mark or character on your soul. The sacrament provides specific spiritual graces:
- Deepens baptismal grace: It strengthens our initial “yes” to God.
- Unites us firmly to Christ: It roots us deeper in our identity as children of God the Father.
- Increases the Gifts of the Holy Spirit: It pours out wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
- Renders our bond with the Church more perfect: It connects us to the mission of the universal and local Church.
- Gives special strength: It empowers us to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
Signs and Symbols
During the Confirmation rite, the Bishop (or an appointed priest) extends his hands over those to be confirmed and prays for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The essential rite consists of:
The Words of Sealing: As the Bishop anoints the forehead, he says, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
CCC 1831 The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.
The Laying on of Hands: Representing the biblical gesture by which the Holy Spirit is invoked and given.
Anointing with Sacred Chrism: The Bishop anoints the candidate’s forehead with holy oil, signifying healing, strengthening, and being chosen for Christ’s mission.