Confirmation

Another Update on the Sacraments May 16, 2008

In previous posts I have used the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church to review the Church’s teaching on Baptism, Reconciliation (or confession) and the Eucharist.

While I have been organizing these updates in the order they are normally received, it is important to remember that 3 sacraments are called sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. So today, I will continue in chronological order and complete the sacraments of initiation in one fell swoop. Let’s review Confirmation.

Does Confirmation play a role in the divine plan of salvation?

From Old Testament time the prophets made clear that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the Messiah, and to the messianic people. See Isaiah 11:2, 61:1, Ezek 36:25-27 and Joel 3:1-2. The whole mission of Jesus was carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit. See Matthew 3: 13-17 and John 1:33-34. The Apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. See Acts 2:11. They gave the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands.

Why is it called Confirmation?

It is called Confirmation because it confirms and strengthens baptismal grace. The confirmed is further anointed with chrism as Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit. See Acts 10:38.

What is the essential rite of Confirmation?

The anointing with chrism done by the laying on of hands by the minister who proclaims sacred words proper to the rite. The anointing is done on the forehead using the words, “be sealed with gift of the Holy Spirit.”

What is the effect of Confirmation?

The special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, like that of Pentecost, is the true effect of Confirmation. The outpouring impresses on the soul an indelible character and produces a growth in the grace of Baptism. Confirmation reinvigorates the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the soul and gives special strength to witness to the faith.

Who can receive the sacrament?

Only those already baptized and in a state of grace may receive Confirmation. Confirmation can never be repeated.

Who is the minister of Confirmation?

Ordinarily the minister is the Bishop. This links the confirmed to the apostolic mission of the Church.

Additional information: It should be noted that currently in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Confirmation normally occurs during the junior year of high school. Additional CCD instruction, including several years preparing for the sacrament, retreats and an interview process are all conducted before Confirmation is received. The person being confirmed must declare in his/her own writing their desire to be confirmed. They select their own confirmation name and do intensive research on the saint they selected. The responsibility of confirming these young men and women is taken very seriously.

Adult confirmation requires additional preparation and is normally done by the Bishop in the Cathedral Church of the diocese on Pentecost Sunday.

Left to explore is the other sacrament of healing, the Anointing of the Sick, and the two sacraments of service: Holy Orders and Matrimony.
More information on Confirmation can be found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, section 1285-1321 and in the Compendium, section 265-270.