The Sacrament of Confirmation

Introduction

Sacrament of Initiation Described by the Vatican II in terms of its 2 essential

characteristics:- closer union with the Church- strengthening and empowerment by the Holy Spirit to actively spread the Faith

What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Confirmation is the sacrament in which, through the power of the Holy Spirit, a baptized person is drawn into closer union with the Church and endowed with strength to actively spread the Gospel.

What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Confirmation primarily brings to mind and renews the Pentecost event in the life of the Christian and of the Church. The meaning and the effect of this sacrament centers on the person of the Holy Spirit and his/her role in the on-going saving works of Christ continued in and through the Church in the world today.

What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Confirmation is a celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the gifts He bestows on us and of the Church.

Confirmation initiates the baptized into a more mature people; witnessing in God’s saving Love for all People.

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.

Origin of the Sacrament of Confirmation: According to Pope Paul VI

“The Apostles, in order to accomplish the will of Christ, passed on to the neophytes, by the laying on of hands, the gift of the

Spirit which brings to completion the grace of Baptism… This laying on of hands is rightly considered by Catholic Tradition as

the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation which perpetuates in a way

the grace of Pentecost in the Church.”

Origin of the Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation was originally part of the expanded rite of Baptism. But as the Church grew in size, the gift of the Spirit by the “laying on of hands”, which in a way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church, was formed into a separate sacrament.

The Celebration of Confirmation

Who administers the sacrament of Confirmation? The Bishop *However, for grave reasons, the Bishop may delegate to priests the faculty to administer the sacrament

Who can receive this sacrament?Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

The Celebration of Confirmation

In the Roman Rite the bishop extends his hands over the whole group of the confirmands. Since the time of the apostles this gesture has signified the gift of the Spirit. The bishop invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in these words:

WORDS OF THE BISHOP

“All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.”

The Celebration of Confirmation: How is the sacrament of Confirmation conferred?

The Essential Rite: Confirmation is conferred by the laying on of hands over the head of the candidates, the anointing of the forehead with the holy Chrism, and the prayer: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Each anointing is accompanied by the formula: "the seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Effects of Confirmation

it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!”

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

Effects of Confirmation

Main effect: – to strengthen and confirm the grace of Baptism

Meaning…

A more intense sharing in the mission of Christ and of the Church, empowering the confirmed to be public witnesses of the Faith:

Witness to the Kingdom of God and God’s power present in the new age begun in Christ

Witness to Jesus the Christ, as the unique Savior of all

Witness to the freedom from the slavery of sin brought by God’s presence through Christ and the Spirit

Witness to the love of God, Father, Risen Incarnate Son, and Spirit, by loving service of others in the Spirit, and

Witness to Christ’s real presence in the Christian community, the People of God, the Church

Qualities of Christian Witness

Personal knowledge, awareness, and experience of Christ in their daily lives;

Strong and enthusiastic Christian convictions and active commitment to Christ and the Church

A basic grounding in Scripture, Church teaching and fundamental human experience

Qualities of Christian Witness

The human leadership qualities of honesty and integrity that inspire confidence and a following

The communication skills needed to present Christ’s challenge to the Filipino of today in an attractive and persuasive manner; and

The courage to suffer and risk for the Kingdom of God

What is the proper age for conferring Confirmation?

Within the ongoing discussion regarding the best time for conferring the sacrament, there are good reasons for confirming around the age of discretion or later, which is the more common Church policy in the Philippines.

More important than the exact age at which to confirm is the careful preparation needed, for both the candidates and their parents and sponsors.

Godparents/ Sponsors

Candidates for Confirmation, as for Baptism, fittingly seek 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.

How are godparents/ sponsors for Baptism and Confirmation to be chosen?

In the Philippines, social relations between families often play a dominant role in the choice of godparents and sponsors. While natural in a predominantly Catholic country, is “secularizing” tendency must be balanced by an equal insistence on proper Faith norms for choosing godparents and sponsors.

How are godparents/ sponsors for Baptism and Confirmation to be chosen?

Faith norms indicate sponsors should be:- sufficiently mature persons, at least 16 years old- good-living Catholics who have been confirmed- capable and sincerely intending to help the newly confirmed to faithfully live out the duties of Christian life.

Thank you to our Friendly Source :

Catechism for Filipino Catholics (CFC) 1626-1664

THANK YOU & GODBLESS!