1. Chapter 11: Confirmation
Sacrament that perfects grace received in Baptism

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.”

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. Presentation of the Confirmands = those who are to be Confirmed

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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

20. 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

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

22. 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