Sacrament of Confirmation
Understanding the Sacrament of
Confirmation
 At Baptism, we are reborn as sons and daughters of
God, at Confirmation we strengthened by the gifts of the
Holy Spirit to spread, defend, and practice the Catholic
faith by words and deeds
 Jesus promised the outpouring of the Holy Spirit several
times in His ministry:
 When facing persecution (Lk. 12:11-12)
 All must be “born again” (Jn. 3:8)
 Feast of the Tabernacles (Jn. 7:37-38)
 At the Last Supper, Jesus promised to send the Advocate
(Jn. 16:7, 13)
Origins of the Sacrament of
Confirmation
 The laying on of hands symbolizes the giving of the
Spirit as a sign of commissioning and divine blessing
(example – Moses commissioning Joshua)
 Similarly, at Confirmation, we are given a divine
blessing and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy
Spirit resides and acts in us.
 Anointing with Oil
 Secular meaning (see pg. 99)
 Religious uses -- purpose for consecrating objects, (i.e.
Ark of the Covenant), priests, and kings.
 Jesus is referred to as the “Christ” which means
“Anointed One”
 Sacred Chrism – oil used at Confirmation; mixtures of
olive oil and balsam (perfume). The balsam symbolizes
the “odor” of Christianity  our virtuous life and
imitation of Christ can “attract” others to Christ.
Two Traditions of the Sacrament
Emerged
 Confirmation was originally part of
the Sacrament of Baptism (referred
by St. Cyprian as the “double
sacrament”)
 In the Roman Church (West)
Confirmation eventually became
distinct from Baptism
 Because there were many parishes,
the bishop had to come at a later
date to administer Confirmation.
 In the Eastern Churches, the tradition
of Baptism and Confirmation
administered as a single sacrament
continued.
Teachings about Confirmation
 Baptism was originally followed by
Confirmation (even if it was at a later date),
then Holy Communion.
 With Pope Pius X’s encouragement for
frequent communion and allowing children
to receive communion, Holy Communion
was given prior to Confirmation.
 Today’s Rite of Confirmation attempts to
maintain the connection between Baptism
and Confirmation:
 Adult converts celebrates all three
Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil.
 The Church encourages the confirmand to
use his/her baptismal name, have the same
godparents
 Public renewal of baptismal promises at
Confirmation ritual
Celebrating the Sacrament of
Confirmation
 The consecration of the Sacred Chrism
takes place once a year, on or near Holy
Thursday at the Chrism Mass.
 The bishop of the diocese blesses the
oils of the sick, catechumen, and Chrism
at the cathedral. Representatives from
the various parishes each take a set of
oil to be used the parish.
 The celebration of Confirmation takes
place at a Mass presided by the bishop.
 What is the Form of the Sacrament of
Confirmation? Matter?
 Form – “Be sealed with the Gift of the
Holy Spirit”
 Matter – Sacred Chrism
Who can be confirmed?
 Every baptized person who is not yet
confirmed.
 In the Roman Church, Confirmation is
delayed until the the person is
“spiritually matured”
 There should be adequate preparation
and instruction; along with a
commitment to living out the Catholic
faith.
The Minister of the Sacrament
 As the successor to the Apostles, the
bishop is the ordinary minister of
Confirmation.
 Bishops possess the fullness of the
Sacrament of Holy Orders.
 Priests can confirm during the Easter Vigil
and in case of an emergency.