Baptism and Confirmation could be considered, in light of their origins and history, one sacrament. Confirmation, which comprises the post baptismal rites of anointing, the laying on of hands, and the words, "Be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit," is a ratification, or sealing, of Baptism. For those who were baptized as infants, Confirmation provides an opportunity to ratify freely and deliberately what was done for them at Baptism. It helps to focus their minds and the minds of the whole community on the essentially missionary dimension of the baptismal commitment.
—From Catholicism, by Richard P. McBrien. Revised and Updated.
HarperSanFrancisco: San Francisco, 1993
The Effects of Confirmation
It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1302)
From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
• It roots us more deeply in the divine filiations which makes us cry, "Abba! Father", (Rom 8:15)
• It unites us more firmly to Christ;
• It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
• It renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
• It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross...(CCC, 1303).
Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the "character," which is the sign that Jesus Christ has marked a Christian with the seal of the Sprit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness (CCC, 1304).
Who Can Receive this Sacrament?
Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation (Code of Canon Law, can. 889.1) Since Baptism, confirmation and Eucharist for a unity, it follow that' the faithful are obligated to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time (CIC, can 890)", for without Confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete. (CCC, 1306) (Note: Adults who have not received yet the sacraments of Confirmation and/ or Eucharist should see the RCIA section of this web site.) .
Preparation for confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit--his actions, his gifts, and responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish community. That latter bears special responsibility for the preparation of confirmands. (CCC, 1309).
To receive confirmation one must be in a state of grace. One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act (CCC, 1310).
Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly see the spiritual help of a sponsor. To emphasize the unity of the two sacraments, it is appropriate that this be one of the baptismal godparents (CCC, 1311).
How Do We Celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in Our Parish?
Young people, ages 12 thru 19, are prepared for this sacrament in a two year program. For more information contact the Office of Christian Formation.
Adults, ages 20+, prepare for this sacrament by attending an adult formation process called "Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults" or "RCIA." For more information on the RCIA click here.
