1. Sacraments of Initiation
Confirmation

2. The Holy Spirit Among Us
Where there is death, the Holy Spirit brings life
Where there is loss and confusion the Holy Spirit guides and clarifies
Where despair settles in, the Holy Spirit brings hope based on the true promises of the Lord
Promise of a Messiah
Promise of the Holy Spirit

3. Promises Fulfilled Messiah Holy Spirit Genesis 3:15 Isaiah 11:1-3
The first mention of the promise to send a savior that would reconcile humanity with the divine
Isaiah 11:1-3
Prophecy that the Messiah would come from the family of David
Luke 1:5
Revelation of who the child of Mary would be
Luke 2: 6-7
Promise fulfilled
John 1: 32-4
Jesus is revealed at his own baptism by John
Holy Spirit
John 4:16
Jesus promises to send an advocate
Luke 24:29
Jesus tells the apostles to stay in the city until they are “clothed with the power from on high”
Luke 2: 1-6
Fulfillment

4. Confirmation, East & West
In the beginning of the early church all three sacraments of initiation were celebrated at the same time by the Bishop
Western Church
Due to the increased number of infant baptisms, the growth of dioceses, and the distance between parishes, Confirmation was delayed until the Bishop could be present. This remains true today
Eastern Church
Because of the use of chrism that has been consecrated by the Bishop, priests celebrate Confirmation in the Eastern Churches. Therefore all three sacraments are still celebrated together, including Eucharist.
Authority is passed on to priests through the holy oil

5. Reflection of Truth Eastern Church Western Church
Celebration of sacraments together emphasizes the unity of these sacraments
Western Church
Waiting for the Bishop strengthens the connection between the newly confirmed and the apostolic origins
Bishop is the sign of unity, universal, and apostolic qualities of the Church
Apostolic succession is handed on through the “laying of the hands”
Even though the bishop is the usual minister of Confirmation, he may grant permission to the parish priest to celebrate the sacrament at the Easter Vigil

6. Origin Old Testament: New Testament
Mentions the Spirit of the Lord present in certain individuals destined for a particular mission.
Joel 3: 1-3
Isaiah 61: 1-2
New Testament
Jesus begins His mission by quoting the words of Isaiah
Spirit descends on Jesus at his baptism
John the Baptist says that “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit”
Jesus promises to send the Spirit
Pentecost experience

7. Preparation Eligibility Criteria
Reached the age of reason (seven years old or whatever age to sixteen the bishop of the diocese chooses)
Criteria
Profess the faith (Creed)
Be in the state of grace
Desire to receive the sacrament
Intend to live as a disciple of Christ and witness to the faith, both within the Church and in the world.

8. Celebrating the Rite Introductory Rites Liturgy of the Word
Presentation of the Candidates
Homily
Renewal of Baptismal vows
“Laying on of Hands”***
Anointing with chrism***
Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit
Prayer of the Faithful
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Concluding Rites

9. Confirmation Essential Sacramental Symbol Usual minister
Laying on of hands and the anointing with chrism while saying “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”
Usual minister
Bishop
With permission a priest may administer the sacrament

10. Life in the Holy Spirit Offerings & responsibilities
Roots us more deeply as sons & daughters of God
Unites us more firmly to Jesus
Increases the gifts of the Spirit in us
Strengthens our relationship with the Church
Involves us more deeply with the mission of the Church
Helps us to bear witness to our faith through our words and actions

11. Life in the Spirit Fruits: Gifts: To be “opened” and used always
Charity
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Generosity
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Modesty
Self-control
Chastity
when we live in the Spirit these qualities show up in our lives
Gifts:
Wisdom
Understanding
Knowledge
Right judgment
Courage (fortitude)
Reverence
Wonder and awe
To be “opened” and used always

12. Discernment of God’s Will
What is “discernment?
Know and pray with Scripture
Live the Sacraments
Love the Catholic Church
Pray to the Spirit
Be an active member of the “Body of Christ”