Confirmation Sacrament of the Holy Spirit

Confirmation One of the sacraments of initiation One of the sacraments of initiation Gives us a better understanding of the Holy Spirit and His gifts Gives us a better understanding of the Holy Spirit and His gifts Completes the baptismal grace (CCC) Completes the baptismal grace (CCC)

Old Testament In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit known to be part of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit came to certain individuals destined for a particular mission. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the “Spirit of the Lord” – Isaiah 61:1-2)

New Testament Jesus quotes Isaiah. Jesus quotes Isaiah. The mission of Jesus and the mission of the Holy Spirit are closely intertwined. The mission of Jesus and the mission of the Holy Spirit are closely intertwined. Jesus promises to send His apostles the Holy Spirit. Jesus promises to send His apostles the Holy Spirit. The Apostles receive the Holy Spirit in a profound way on Pentecost The Apostles receive the Holy Spirit in a profound way on Pentecost

Rite of Confirmation In Roman Catholic churches, infants are anointed with chrism at Baptism and later are anointed with chrism by the bishop at Confirmation, emphasizing the relationship of the fully initiated Christian with the universal Church. In Roman Catholic churches, infants are anointed with chrism at Baptism and later are anointed with chrism by the bishop at Confirmation, emphasizing the relationship of the fully initiated Christian with the universal Church. In Eastern Churches, the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are connected, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is given in both sacraments. In Eastern Churches, the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation are connected, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is given in both sacraments.

Effects of Confirmation Two primary effects – Two primary effects – –The confirmed person’s bond with the Church is strengthened. –The person is enriched with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit (already received in Baptism).

Specific Effects United more firmly with Christ United more firmly with Christ Deeper participation in the Church Deeper participation in the Church Strengthened to spread and defend the faith Strengthened to spread and defend the faith Increased gifts of the Holy Spirit and sacramental character. Increased gifts of the Holy Spirit and sacramental character. Discernment of God’s call Discernment of God’s call Stewardship Stewardship

Confirmation Requirements Requirements Requirements –Age of reason –Baptized –Freely profess Christ –Be in the state of grace –Wish to be confirmed –Complete preparation program

Confirmation Rite Most Confirmations take place during a liturgy. Most Confirmations take place during a liturgy. The bishop is the usual minister of Confirmation. The bishop is the usual minister of Confirmation. Renewal of baptismal promises Renewal of baptismal promises Laying on of hands Laying on of hands Anointing with chrism (“be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”) Anointing with chrism (“be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”) Handshake – “Peace be with you. And with your spirit.” Handshake – “Peace be with you. And with your spirit.”

Gifts of the Holy Spirit Rooted in a prophecy from Isaiah about the promised Messiah (Isaiah 11:2-3) Rooted in a prophecy from Isaiah about the promised Messiah (Isaiah 11:2-3) The gifts are The gifts are –Wisdom– see God at work in our world –Understanding – see how we are to live as followers of Christ –Right judgment (counsel)– know the difference between right and wrong –Courage (fortitude)– stand up for what is right –Knowledge – understand the meaning of God’s revelation –Reverence (piety)—respect for God and for the church –Wonder and awe (fear of the Lord)– aware of the glory and majesty of God