He is with Us in Spirit

In the New Testament, Jesus promised that when he would no longer be with the disciples, the Paraclete, the Spirit of Truth would come to teach them everything they needed to know (John 16:13). Then on Pentecost, amid wind and fire, the Spirit descended upon those gathered in the Upper Room. This marked the day on which the Church was publicly revealed and spread to other peoples.

Evolution of Confirmation

In the olden days, Confirmation was a separate ritual. As the Church spread, priests were allowed to baptize and then the baptised reaffirmed their Christian commitment to the bishop who would lay his hands on them in “confirmation”. 

In 1274, the Second Council of Lyons officially recognized confirmation as one of the 7 sacraments.

During the Middle Ages, confirmation guarded one against the evils counteracting the Church. The full-fledged Christian, was given a slight blow on the cheek after being anointed. This practice continued until Vatican II.

The Council of Trent (1545-1563) reinforced confirmation as a defence of the faith and decreed that those who are baptised be confirmed. When Pope Pius X decreed that communion be received at an early age, the sequence of the sacrament’s reception shifted. Confirmation was placed after penance and communion. This sequence is still in practice today.

Vatican II linked confirmation to baptism as the second sacrament of initiation. As a result, different theological explanations concerning the nature and purpose of confirmation have been developed.

The Significance of Confirmation

One who is baptised and is able to affirm one’s baptismal vows can celebrate confirmation. Preparation for confirmation for those baptised as infants has been part of formal religious education, usually after celebrating the sacraments of penance and first Holy Communion.

In the past confirmation preparations stressed on intellectual grasp of the faith. Today, it is understood as a sacrament of Christian witness and concern as well. Together with a knowledge of the faith, preparation for confirmation includes service projects so the confirmands are more aware of the social dimensions of Christian responsibility.

The rite of confirmation becomes an empty ritual if the celebration does not prod one to       respond to the challenges of the sacrament by a virtuous active Christian life. The grace of confirmation is kept alive by bringing Christ’s goodness into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore one should strive to learn more about the Church and issues which affect the world and one’s life.

There are many ways to live out your confirmation commitment:

• Enrolling in adult education classes
• Deepening your faith by enrolling into Bible study classes
• Attending retreats
• Joining the RCIA team to inform new Catholics
• Reaching out to the needy
• Volunteering to assist at Sunday School
• Taking part in liturgical worship via the Music Ministry
• Helping out as a Warden

The Symbols and Rites of Confirmation

• The Chrism used to anoint the confirmand is a mixture of oil and balm, solemnly blessed by the bishop at a special Holy Thursday liturgy. Along with all the oils used in baptism, confirmation, holy orders and anointing of the sick.
• At confirmation, a sponsor serves the same purpose as the baptismal sponsor: to be a support of one’s faith. It’s recommended that the same person serve as sponsor for both baptism and confirmation.
• As the confirmand is being anointed, the sponsor stands behind the confirmand and places his or her right hand on the confirmand’s right shoulder. The confirmand is called by name, either the baptismal name or one chosen as the confirmation name.
• Confirmation takes place in the parish in the presence of the assembly, which symbolizes the presence of the kingdom of God on earth. The whole community is enriched by the gifts of the Spirit.
• The bishop is the original minister of confirmation but a priest may be authorized to confirm.
• To show its connection with the other sacraments of initiation, confirmation usually takes place at a Eucharistic liturgy during which the confirmands renew their baptismal vows.
• After a prayer to invoke the Holy Spirit, the bishop and priests extend their hands over those to be confirmed. The solemn prayer to the Holy Spirit signifies commission by the Church to witness to the faith.
• The bishop anoints each confirmand on the forehead with chrism saying, “N, be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit,”. The bishop or priest then extends the sign of peace to the confirmand.
• During Easter Vigil, confirmation takes place immediately following the baptismal rite of the adult candidates.

Article on Sacrament of Confirmation edited from excerpts in “What You Should Know About the Sacraments” by Charlene Altemose, MSC, 2004.