Sacraments

Confirmation

Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation, along with Baptism and Holy Eucharist. In the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, the bishop, who is the ordinary minister of the Sacrament, anoints the forehead of the one receiving the Sacrament with the words, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The anointing is done with Sacred Chrism, one of the three oils of our tradition. Chrism is infused with balsam, giving it a perfumy fragrance. Chrism is also used at Baptism on the crown of the head, thereby linking the two Sacraments together. Like Baptism, Confirmation leaves an indelible mark on the soul, and can on be celebrated/received once in the person’s life.

Confirmation is understood as the receiving of the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Though misunderstood, Confirmation is not the “final” sacrament in the life of a believer, rather one’s personal conviction in remaining steadfast in the faith that they personally profess. That is why the renewal of baptismal promises is part of the Confirmation rite. “Confirmation perfects baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1316).

To be confirmed means to believe in the Church, in her teachings and to personally ‘confirm’ one’s faith. The typical age to receive the Sacrament is the age of reason, which is 7 years old. Each diocese has different regulations regarding when Confirmation can be administered, and there is typically a 2 year religious education curriculum that should be followed. One does not need to be confirmed to be married in the Catholic Church, and anyone can be confirmed at any age, if they follow the education guidelines.

Preparation for adult confirmation at Holy Name, those who are already baptized and have received their First Communion, focuses primarily on grasping the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The preparation seeks to empower candidates with the Gifts of the Spirit to be used in their daily lives. The discussion topics include community, service, hospitality and deepening one’s relationship with Christ.

If you or someone you know is a baptized Catholic looking to be confirmed, please see our Adult Confirmation class information in the Adults Sacraments – Adult Confirmation page.