Confirmation
gets its name from "confirmo", to strengthen, because it instils spiritual strength on a soul through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Other names for confirmation:
imposition of hands, sealing, unction, chrism, and sacrament of the Holy Spirit
Confirmation completes the grace of
baptism
Confirmation more perfectly
unites us to the Church and strengthens us to be Christ's witnesses to the world.
When did Jesus send the Advocate (Holy Spirit)
Pentecost
How did the Holy Spirit transform the Apostles at Pentecost?
He gave them the courage to proclaim the Gospel.
The body is anointed that the soul may be
sanctified
The body is signed that the soul may be
fortified
The body is overshadowed by the imposition of the hands that the soul may be
illumined by the Holy Spirit
The Eastern Rite
confirms right after baptism
What does anointing signify and accomplish?
a spiritual seal on the soul
What does oil signify in Scripture?
Abundance and joy, cleansing, limbering, healings, radiance (all meanings apply to the sacrament as well)
What is the essential rite of Confirmation in the Latin rite?
The anointing with chrism on the forehead which is done by the laying on of the hand
Remote matter of Confirmation:
the chrism oil
Proximate matter of Confirmation:
laying on of the hangs and anointing on the forehead
Effect of Confirmation:
a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit which deepens the graces of Baptism
Confirmation does this by:
- more profoundly grounds us in our identify as sons and daughters of God
- more powerfully unites us to Christ
- increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the individual
- Makes our bond with the Church more perfect
- gives us a special strength to engage in the missionary mission of the Church
7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord
Who can receive the sacrament of Confirmation?
Every baptized person not yet confirmed
Preparation for Confirmation
Focus on familiarity with the Holy Spirit and union with Christ, and awareness of belonging to the universal Church
What non-sacrament of initiation should be received in order to prepare for Confirmation?
Penance, because we need to be in the state of grace in order to receive Confirmation
Ordinary minister:
Bishop
Extraordinary minister
Priest (in some cases , the bishop can grant permission to the priest)
Effects of Confirmation summed up:
- an increase of sanctifying grace
- bestows fortitude and strength for combat
- marks one as a soldier of Christ.
Last changed2 years ago