CONFIRMATION
Confirmation
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What are its symbols? What does the
rite involve?
Where does the sacrament come from?
What are the effects of the sacrament?
Anointing with the Oil of Chrism – is the essential
sign of the sacrament
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In the Old Testament we read about the
anointing and laying on of hands of kings and
prophets
Saul was anointed as King of Israel with the holy oil ( 1
Samuel 10:1)
David , the youngest son of Jesse was anointed with oil by
Samuel .
( 1 Samuel 16: 13)
Anointing and laying on of hands signified the
special mission to which they had been called by
God
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Jesus is called “the Christ,” meaning “the anointed
one,” because of his special mission
The roots of Confirmation are found in the New
Testament. For instance, in the Acts of the Apostles.
Peter and John go to Samaria to “lay hands” on those
who believe in Jesus but had only been baptized, so
they could “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
The ritual of the laying on or imposition of
hands…
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…an ancient symbol of transferring
power. Through this the confirmand
(the one being confirmed, plural
confirmandi) receives the strength
and power to act as a mature
Christian at all times.( Acts 6:6)
The main words of the ritual
“Receive the seal of the Holy Spirit, the gift of the
Father” – the matter or words says by the bishop
as he anoints the confirmand with the Oil of Chrism.
The oil on the forehead...
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…is a sign that is especially
marked with the Holy Spirit that
the confirmand will share the work
of Christ as prophet, priest, and
king.
How can a confirmed teenager be
a prophet, priest, and king?
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prophet – to be teacher and witness to others in the
way the confirmand lives the Christian faith
priest – to take part in the liturgical worship of the
Church and the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice
king – to be empowered to become a leader and
a man/woman for others
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By laying
on of the hands and the
anointing of the chrism, Jesus Christ
empowers and strengthens the confimand to take up
his/her mission as a mature and
responsible Christian in the world.
The Slap
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In the old rite of Confirmation, after anointing the
confirmand, the bishop used to slap his or her cheek
lightly.
Why? To remind the confirmand that being a
Christian can be a test, and to be ready to defend
his/her faith to the death, as “a soldier of Christ.”
The slap was removed from the ritual by 1971
(though Mr. Gentry remembers being slapped in
1973). The bishop now just says “Peace be with
you.”
The Confirmation Name and the
Quiz
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When the bishop anoints you, he will use your “Confirmation
name.” This is the name of the saint you have chosen ahead of
time, to signify your commitment to enter a new phase of your
Christian life.
Some bishops will ask you a question before they anoint you.
This can be any question about the Church, sacraments, saints,
and is usually just a formality.
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But in the early days of the Church it was really a test, to prove that
those being confirmed had done their homework and were serious
about being Christian.
Before you can be confirmed…
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…In the Diocese of Orange, you must be able to
prove that you have watched “Breaking the
Silence.” Why?
…in some parishes, you are required to do a
certain number of Christian service hours. Why?
…you need to pick a Confirmation sponsor who will
be there with you when you are confirmed. Why?
Who should you pick?
What are the
effects of the
sacrament of
Confirmation?
1. Confirmation
strengthens
and confirms the grace
of baptism.
2. Strengthening and
confirming the mission to
give public witness to
Christ and the Church.
Summary: What’s so important about
the sacrament of Confirmation?
It is a celebration of our decision to
become active members of God’s family.
 It is the affirmation of our commitment to
follow Jesus.
 It strengthens our baptismal commitment,
so we are able to take on a mature
responsibilities of a Christian.
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