1. The Symbols of Confirmation
LO – to learn about what the symbols experienced in the Sacrament of Confirmation mean.

2. The Symbols of Confirmation
In England and Wales, the Sacrament of Confirmation is usually celebrated when people are old enough to speak for themselves. They are already baptised and now they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help them grow in their Christian life.

3. The Symbols of Confirmation are:
The renewal of the baptismal promises
The laying of the hands
The anointing with the oil of chrism
Listening to God’s Word
Saying together the Lord’s prayer

4. The renewal of baptismal promises
The celebrant questions the parents and the godparents.
Celebrant: Do you reject Satan?
Parents and godparents: I do.
Celebrant: And all his works?
Celebrant: And all his empty promises?

5. The laying of the hands
The Priest lays his hands on each of the candidates. This is to show them that they have the special job of living like Jesus would want and showing other people how to do the same. The hands are a
symbol of the power and strength
that will come to them through
the Holy Spirit.

6. The anointing with the oil of chrism
The Priest says the candidate's name. This can be a special confirmation name (normally a saint's name) or the name they usually use.
The Priest then draws the sign of the cross on the forehead of the candidate with the oil of chrism. This oil is an ancient sign of being chosen by God. It is also used in baptism.
The sign of the cross shows that
the candidate is a child of God.

7. Activities
In groups use the information on p.451 to help you complete these activities
For the renewal of baptismal promises:
Make a poster using pictures, signs and/or symbols of God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit.
For the laying on of hands:
Express in your own words what is being prayed for those to be confirmed.
For the anointing with chrism:
Make a list and draw the symbols used at this time (there are four).
Produce your work as one big poster for our display.