Chapter 11: Confirmation Sacrament that perfects grace received in Baptism

Acts 2:1-4 and 8:14-17 Before Pentecost the Apostles and members of the Church were afraid and hid behind locked doors After the coming of the Holy Spirit each member received gifts that strengthened them individually and as a whole Went out and preached the Gospel

Continues today as Confirmation When the Apostles baptized converts they also laid hands on them on them so that they would receive the same gifts of the Holy Spirit Continues today as Confirmation

Confirmation passes on the graces of Pentecost by the laying on of hands, anointing of oil and words, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Perfects the grace of Baptism Baptism = 1st of 7 Sacraments that gives us forgiveness of our sins, unites us with God and makes us members of the Church Confirmation = Sacrament that completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit; our union with Christ is sealed and we are equipped to live a life of faith With graces of Confirmation we are able to spread and defend the teachings of Christ and the Church

Confirmation makes us Soldiers of Christ We cannot stand on the sidelines Confirmation gives us strength and courage to fight We are given increased love and strength to serve God and His Church so that we can bring ourselves and others to God

There is a great connection between Baptism and Confirmation – Baptism starts the relationship with God and the Church, Confirmation strengthens and confirms it

Celebration of the Rite of Confirmation Done by the Bishop Shows connection of Christ and the Apostles with their successors today In special circumstances can be done by Priest In case of emergency or the Easter Vigil Usually done within a Mass

Presentation of the Confirmands = those who are to be Confirmed

Advice on how to live as Soldiers of Christ Given by the Bishop Homily or Instruction Advice on how to live as Soldiers of Christ Given by the Bishop

Renewal of Baptismal promises Reject Satan and believe in God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit, the Church and eternal life = the creed Symbolizes that Confirmation follows and is linked to Baptism, also reminds of our commitment made in Baptism

Laying on of hands and Anointing with Chrism oil Essential act of rite From Scripture – Apostles laid hands on people to give them Holy Spirit Bishop extends his hands and prays over the Confirmands

Chrism oil on thumb and make sign of cross on forehead and say: “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Respond: “Amen” Also used in Baptism Another indicator of the connection of Baptism and Confirmation Sign of Peace Shows Confirmand is in communion with Bishop and whole Church

Who receives Confirmation? All those who have been Baptized and not Confirmed Only receive it once, like Baptism Everyone needs to receive it for full initiation into the Church Sacraments of Initiation = Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist

Confirmands must meet following requirements Be in state of grace Go to Confession beforehand Have reached age of reason Usually older than 7 Make a profession of faith State their intention to receive the Sacrament Accept their obligation to profess Christ in both the Church and world

Is customary now to administer Confirmation at beginning of high school In the US

Time of preparing for responsibilities and identity of being Confirmed Time before Confirmation should be filled with catechesis (teaching of the faith) and prayer Time of preparing for responsibilities and identity of being Confirmed

When Confirmed choose a Sponsor and a Saint Sponsor = someone who will help you live out the faith Much like a godparent at Baptism Saint = will serve as constant role model of service to Christ Someone who will pray for you and help guide you from Heaven

Effects of Confirmation Full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as was given to the Apostles at Pentecost Receive indelible spiritual mark on soul Like Baptism, Confirmation is received only once Baptismal grace is increased and deepened Confirmed person is rooted more deeply as a child of God Confirmed person is united more closely to Christ

More effects … Gifts of the Holy Spirit increase Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord Confirmed person’s bond with the Church is perfected Special graces are given to the confirmed person to enable them to spread and defend the faith by word and deed as a true witness of Christ Become a Soldier of Christ Confirmed person is enabled to confess Christ boldly

All graces of Confirmation prepare us for the apostolate of the Church = evangelization

Conclusion Confirmation perfects the graces of Baptism, strengthening the bond between a person and God and His Church Confirmation graces a person to witness Christ, to act as Jesus would