Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation which completes baptism through sealing in the Holy Spirit and anoints the recipient as priest, prophet, and king.
In the Catholic Church, anyone that has been baptized properly can and should be confirmed.
Confirmation is a Sacrament in the Catholic Church in which the one who is confirmed (confirmandi) receives the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the imposition of hand and anointing with oils by the bishop. It’s considered a sacrament of initiation which means that it brings you deeper into communion with the Church.
Bishops are the original ministers of Confirmation along with other Catholic sacraments (Lumen Gentium 26).
“Bishops are the successors of the apostles. They have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The administration of this sacrament by them demonstrates clearly that its effects is to unite those who receive it more closely to the Church, her apostolic origins, and her mission of bearing witness to Christ.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1313)
In the Eastern churches (non-Latin rites) the priest is the ordinary minister of this sacrament and performs it immediately after baptism. However, it is performed with chrism oil that has been consecrated by the bishop expressing the apostolic unity. In the Latin rite (which is the largest of all rites) the bishop is the ordinary minister. Read about the history of Confirmation.
In the west, most churches have the Bishop come and visit the local parish to confirm an entire class (age group) of students who spent the year preparing for confirmation. However, the Bishop can also ‘delegate’ his apostolic authority to perform the sacrament of confirmation to the local priest who is then able to administer the sacrament without the bishop having to be present.
“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 his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1304)
In other words, just once! It’s a permanent thing that is fully completed and doesn’t expire.
Catholic Confirmation is performed with the ordinary minister extending his hand over the one to be confirmed and anointing his/her head with the oil of chrism saying, “be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” The actual Confirmation ceremony is much longer than this, but this is the “meat” of the action. The oil of chrism is consecrated by the bishop at the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday and is reserved for special things like Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, blessing of tower bells, consecration of churches, altars, chalices and patens.
In short, it is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Confirmation brings Catholics a deepening of baptismal grace and unites us more firmly to Christ. It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit and leaves an indelible mark on the soul just like baptism.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit received through Confirmation are
Anointing with oil is an ancient Biblical tradition originating in the old testament with the Jewish people. The Jews had a messiah and it was usually their king at the time, however they were also awaiting a greater messiah, one that would deliver them and raise them up. This messiah happened to be Jesus. The sign of the Messiah was that he was royal and messiahs were put in their position by being anointed with oil and an appointment from God. This tradition carried on in Christianity with the teaching of the sharing in Christ’s messiahship and his royal priesthood. In fact, the first example of Catholic Confirmation can be found in Acts 8:14-17.
Confirmation sponsors “bring the candidates to receive the sacrament, present them to the minister for anointing, and will later help them fulfill their baptismal promises faithfully under the influence of the Holy Spirit whom they have received.” (Rite of Confirmation, 5)
There are a few requirements to be a Confirmation sponsor. They must be spiritually fit to take on their responsibility which is evidenced by
Since a sponsor has such a significant role to play in the development of a confirmation candidate it is important that this person be one who is a living example of faith, one whose actions reflect the actions of Jesus. A confirmation sponsor offers support and encouragement during the confirmation preparation process.
Confirmation sponsors need not be of the same gender as the candidate nor do they need to be from the same family. As long as they fulfill the requirements above it can really be anyone.
Think carefully about someone you know who meets the criteria above. The Church encourages us to consider our godparents as sponsors for confirmation. Confirmation’s strong connection to baptism makes one’s godparent to be a natural choice if this person meets the requirements above. If you do not know someone who meets the criteria above or they are not able to sponsor you then discuss your options with the confirmation coordinator at your parish to see if they can find someone suitable. Often members of the parish will volunteer for those who are unable to find a suitable sponsor.
The sacrament of confirmation is the way for a Catholic to attain full membership in the Catholic Church. It is a beautiful sacrament that will instill God’s grace within you to strengthen and sustain you in your journey of faith.
Hope you guys can help me. I am in a position where my daughter (16 now) did’nt attent “pre confirmation” class last year as set out according to the “rules” of the church, so this year she has been denied the sacrament of confirmation due to that. However as I have explained to the cathecist, I had an issue with my daughter last year, school, emotionally she was’nt doing well, struggling with issues of faith and started rebelling but all the other years she attented. I even had her under a psychologist. By the grace of God she came around spirituallly, mentally and acknowledge that she was doing wrong. She really wanted to finish the sacrament of confirmation but was told that the needs to complete pre confirmation class first. We are already living in a world where children are so sensitive re: alcohol, suicides etc. Why deny or delay a child that right? Is it really fair? I have also approached our parish priest but unfortunately he feels the same. Last week my daughter was in tears and after Sundays serves she feels she is not going back to the church at all. Do I know really force my child to conform to what the church requires of her and make her unhappy or have a setback or just let it be as I have only really gotten her back to be on the straight and narrow. Thanks A concerned mother from Boksburg South Africa
Chris TJesus said ‘Let the children come to me and do not stop them’. In my opinion, anyone who refuses confirmation to a child who wants it is directly responsible for driving them away from the Church. As such Jesus said it would be better for them ‘if a millstone were tied to their neck and they were thrown into the sea’. However, I can understand a priest wanting to know that the reformation of your daughter was permanent and sincere, so if a reasonable route-map to confirmation can be agreed, your daughter should understand that any extra classes or requirements are a part of the consequences of her actions, and her accepting this is a sign of the sincerity of her repentance. I hope that you, your daughter, the Church and the Lord can find a way through in grace. Amen
JoanneOkwuokei Fidelia – The saints are real people, part of the congregation and the living body of Christ and so if you should now seek develop a relationship with a particular saint as a mentor and prayer partner in your life through the love of God they are there for you. Just as through our lives we meet and learn to love new friends, a catholic who seeks them out will meet, learn from, and grow to love new saints.
Elizabethif I choose to become a Catholic, do I need to take part in the Holy Communion though I did it when I was 12 years old in the Church of England?
helpmeplz Im getting confirmed tomorrow, should i close my eyes When i Get confirmed? If my husband has a friend with 2 children can he sponsor them both?When you stated, “In fact, the first example of Catholic Confirmation can be found in Acts 8:14-17.”
This is not true. In the scripture, they were JEWS, not catholics. They prayed that the Ruach HaKodesh MIGHT be given to those who believed the wonders that were performed by Phillip. Simon also performed wonders by sorcery, and he believed the wonders from GOD, but he had a crooked heart. GOD gives the Holy Spirit to those HE chooses.
People can say they believe, but the LORD examines our hearts.
Catholicism is doctrine. No man can give anyone the Holy Spirit or forgive sins. Repent to GOD yourselves. Jesus is the only mediator to HIM, not Mary, not anyone. HE said that no on can get to the Father except through HIM. HALLELUJAH to THE LAMB of GOD who sacrificed Himself for the atonement for our sins!
please i want to change my comfirmation name,the name i used doesnt have a meaning and my bishop said nothing about it because we where much….please is it possible?i dont know if i would get a reply
JoanneOkwuokei Fidelia – The saints are real people, part of the congregation and the living body of Christ and so if you should now seek develop a relationship with a particular saint as a mentor and prayer partner in your life through the love of God they are there for you. Just as through our lives we meet and learn to love new friends, a catholic who seeks them out will meet, learn from, and grow to love new saints.
MarianneI sent all 6 of my children to a catholic school so they would get taught the sacraments and have good faith values in our society. The teachers there did a wonderful job of teaching Catholicism to all children receiving the sacraments.
I am having a real hard time understanding why, the children of today, who are to be preparing for their 1st Holy Communion and/ or Confirmation, need to go to classes outside of our Catholic School System. Why are they no longer being taught in our schools.
In particular, in our church, those who will be confirmed are needing to go to church every week and sign in, and then once a month they must go to a 4 hour class for several months to be taught the Catholic faith. What happens to those children who are left behind? First off, they will not be taught the same religion as their other classmates. They may have parents who cannot find the time to bring them, or they need to work to make ends meet, or the parents don’t care. Whatever the case, why punish the children. Why not teach this religion to all the students so they are all aware of how important their faith is. Allow all the students to receive the sacraments. Who knows what will trigger a child. Maybe not today or next year but possibly when they marry someone or start having children. Faith never gets lots, it can only help make us better individuals.
Can we not go back to having our Catholic Schools be more accountable in teaching all of our children their faith and sacraments. Isn’t that why we have our separate school system in place? It wasn’t that long ago, when our churches were filled with families of all ages. Now our Catholic churches, only consist of the older, stronger faith worshipers.
Instead of trying to be welcoming and bringing more individuals/families to our churches, we are turning them away from our beliefs. They are either going to other more welcoming places of worship or not going at all.
Didn’t Jesus welcome all the little children and ask us not to judge on this earth as we will all be judged when we reach the Pearly Gates.
One of the key problems with our children being taught in the Catholic school system friend is predominantly that idiots that one might call Cival Liberarians have taken over the world with their policitically correct crap AND now we are forced to employ teachers of any faith in Catholic School System! WHEN experienced teachers and dedicated Catholics like myself cannot get a job in our Parish schools!
JoanneMany of the teachers in our current Catholic system have no faith or are have no belief in the Catholic way of life. Many of them don’t support traditional family and family values! How are they supposed to teach our kids about being Catholic? It’s a joke!!
HannahWhen you are Confirmed does the church see you as an adult?? Like within the church. I know that when you’re 18 you are an actual adult.
Can someone explain this to me??
Actually, the vast majority of Catholics will never receive all 7 sacraments.. The 7 sacraments are: Baptism
Confirmation (also known as Chrismation)
The Eucharist
Reconciliation (also known as Penance or Confession)
Holy Matrimony
Holy Orders (ministerial priesthood)
The Annointing of the Sick So, basically you’d have to be a married priest, or an ordained widowed man to be able to receive all 7 sacraments. Hope that helps. God bless!
Hello, i am a Teacher’s Assistant for Catechism and we were just talking about this last week in our class. The answer is no. However, confirmation will show that you have matured in your faith, meaning that as a Catholic you should try to help the Church as much as possible, by doing things such as altar serving, becoming a lector, etc.You will still be considered a child, if you are taking classes for catechism. The only exception would be is if you are confirmed as an adult.
Alan S.My sponsor was not Catholic when I was confirmed. Does this mean I am not confirmed? If I am not confirmed what do I do to correct the situation? Do I need to be confirmed over again? Or do I need to get a blessed somehow? I was confirmed about 45 years ago.
You should really ask a priest. I would ask a priest. LTORREShaVING A SPONSSOR THAT IS NOT CATHOLIC ASHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE NOR A REQUIREMENT. AS LONG AS THE SPONSER IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE CHURCH , AND FOLLOWS THE SAME SACRAMENTS THERE SHOULD BE NO ISSUES
THAT SOUNDS LIKE DISCRIMINATION TO ME
Not all Christian churches believe that the host is the actual body of Christ, nor the wine consecrated is His blood. It isn’t discrimination.
Not sure if anyone will respond, providing the dates of posting and replies. However, I’m going to try my luck! This year both my son and daughter will be getting sacraments. My son, holy communion. My daughter, confirmation.
Where I am torn is what is with all these rules and regulations around attendance, already being threatened to get kicked out if u don’t attend classes. Three strikes, you’re out is what they imply. Also not respecting parental schedules in terms of work! Catechism classes one day and time. Then having to attend mass another time or day! This to me seems disorganized.
What happened to the acceptance of anyone with the faith? Since when do all these rules provide us with a sense of belonging, or faith or even a desire to stay in religion?!
In my time the catholic schools would help in preparation for these sacraments. From what I understand the Catholic schools and church work together in preparation and that the church is responsible for the “immediate” preparation of that specific sacrament? Where is this being applied, with over 20 catechism classes. Masses, retreats, volunteer services. Where is the church trying to work with the parents.
Life is so much more hectic than 30 plus years ago! I’m not challenging th faith! I’m challenging the true motives behind all these obligations? We are offering ourselves o be part of the church and it seems that once we are in, we are feared to not leave. Feared to partake or else. And then contribute financially!
How is the Catholic Church now any different from let’s say a neighbouring cult?
Frankly, I have become turned off by the church. I was excited to partake and continue but after this week and dealing with the initial meeting with the church, I have having serious second thoughts about allowing my kids to partake and even contemplating in staying with the church!
Why have my kids attend a Catholic school if the church does not wish to collaborate? Why do my kids have to be forced twice to learn about the Catholic Church? You cannot obligate anyone or threaten them! Isn’t that what faith is? To build trust, to build a faith. You cannot build a “forced” community. That seems quite cultic to me. Are we not suppose to open our hearts and arms to everyone? Are we not suppose to express the freedom of expression even within the church?
I know for a fact that these practices are not the same with every church and that these obligations are not practiced or encouraged with other parishes. Is this right? Can each individual parish do as they want? If there are “rules” or guidelines should they not also do the same? Is this a power struggle? A means to get more money? Politics within the parishes and catchment areas? I am not looking to be bashed here and I feel I have a right to my opinion and questions. I also apologize for any grammatical or spelling errors as when you are typing with passion little typo errors seem insignificant.
Thank you!
I also forgot to add the actual signed contracts that both my 7 yr old and 13 yr old had to sign, read aloud and vow to partake! And that this is first time my son is really becoming involved with the church and he walked out crying because father made him read and promise and he was scared! Is this what it means to be in the faith? Completely torn, feeling betrayed!
Follow your gut! They use fear and intimidation to steer people into forcing their children into signing contracts they don’t even possess the cognitive capability to understand. All they want is control of your entire family, mind, body, and soul, and they will do anything to get it so a percentage of your income stays within their control. People within the church regularly trust church members they don’t even know with their children simply because they feel obligated to respect those who are of a higher authority within the church. What does that sound like to you? A cult? 400 priests were defrocked by the current pope for child molestation. 400! You need to tread lightly for the sake of your children. I don’t know abut you, but I am not willing to gamble with mine. I believe deep within your heart you know I am stating the truth, but outside community pressure is propably weighing on you. Most people won’t admit it, but they would rather sacrifice their children than look bad in the eyes of the church. I am not one of those people.
ElizabethBlessings Nancy.
We are pulled in a lot of different directions by many different time priorities.
As Catholics, living for and with God is our first priority and everything else is second. Peparation for First Eucharist, Reconciliation & Confirmation began at baptism.
Each day since baptisms is a day lived in thanksgiving for the redeming love and mercy of Jesus.
It is our destiny as Catholics. When the year comes that we actually receive the sacraments, Jesus and His disciples are called to bring our sons and daughters into a deep spiritual journey. In other words, each day is focused on being in communion with the church, through the parish you worship with. Prayer, scripture, and service in the parish is seen as the sacred commitment each Catholic gives to live His will, not ours. Confirmation celebrates the fullness of the Holy Spirit in the Church. The Spirit of Jesus, the same Spirit that transformed the apostles, comes upon the members of the Church. According to the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, through Confirmation Catholics are “more perfectly bound to the Church” and are “as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread the faith by word and deed.” Confirmation seals believers in the Spirit, anointing them and empowering them to carry on the mission of Christ.
Dear Nancy, Yes, life is more hectic for most families than it was 30 years ago. Now might be a good time to set some priorities for you and your family. In my town, Faith Formation classes are held at one set time a week for grades 6-9, and we have a choice of one of two days for grades 1-5. These classes are taught by volunteers who give up not just class time, but many hours of preparation for class as well. I consider it a privilege to have other adults helping me teach the Catholic faith to my children. These classes take priority over sports, parties, etc. In my home, it is clear that Church comes first. It might not always be the popular choice, considering my husband does not share my faith and would rather the kids not miss a game, but I need to send a clear message to my children. We have three Masses at our church to choose from. Mass is also a priority as we are called to come together and worship. I think your church might have been pushed to the place they are at with signing contracts because some parents just think their kids should receive the sacraments without actually preparing for them adequately. Does Harvard give out degrees for those who pay tuition but don’t do the work, or any college for that matter?
chris chimaCatholic church is the best world wide, I have discovered a lot of demonic manifestations in some so called Protestant church who despises my sweet Catholic, some of their altar has human blood, animal blood and head in the name of performing miracles, the wash their eyes in order to see, what an idol worshiping, I regretted going out of Catholic to join Protestant, I love blessed virgin Mary, I honour her because God first honour her, if you can call your pastor daddy, and her wife mummy to honour them, why don’t you honour the woman through which a saviour was born, if your can honour your ordinary earthly mother why wouldn’t you honour the most blessed of all can your mother give to Jesus?
PETER HILLYou are mistaken the catholic church is radical
It is without doubt the most politicaly motivated, financialy corrupt, morally bankrupt institution on earth, filled with perverse cover ups starting with that antichrist you call the pope. And remember you are NOT the established church in this country and could be closed down at any given time
1) Why are you even on this website, since you appear to despise the Catholic Church so much? Weird! 2) I am a convert and can tell you that you know nothing about the church. The focus is God and nothing else. There is no church where you will feel the presence of Jesus, when you walk in the door like you do in the Catholic Church. If your focus is hate and evil, then you will see hate and evil.
It’s funny to see all of these remarks. Don’t need to know each other to have different view point. I just think that it is another ritual to enable faith to grow but maybe I am wrong. I myself would want to understand the meaning of it, but more than often it seems things become clearer with time. So, yea kids don’t have the cognitive ability to understand these rituals. The hussle and bussle of dealing with people, appointments keeping is a all different kettle of fish… Apooologies for misspelt wordsss.
Light DoveIs it right for a priest or a bishop if I may state to ‘stop’ someone from been confirmed because he or she failed an exam based on confirmation?
J byrdNo such thing as eucharist. Not even in the bibke. No such word you will ever fjnd, All made up by a man..And Mary made no sufficient sacrufuce. She was just chosen by God to have achild. But she was blessed. That’s all. Just blessed. She made no sacrifice..
fake nameOk then “JonnyB” that snot your really your name, you are in school so your smarter than this person but you don’t need to stop during a Religion lesson to type this whilst sitting next to your friends laughing.
fake name Anthony TurtleJ Byrd, Yes there has been a “name change”, from “commemoration of the blessing and sharing of the Body and Blood of Christ” into “Eucharist”. To be honest, there is no naming of Confirmation, Reconciliation, Holy Orders or Blessing of the Sick. They are all described in the collection of books now known as the Holy Bible but some are obscured by the description. Mary made a sacrifice, the biggest a young lady could make, it’s also amazing that Joseph stood by her, how many young men today hear their girlfriend is pregnant stay by them? Also, in a time where having a child out of wedlock was a bad thing, she may have been abused by her neighbours and family. To all those others finding things to ridicule in J Byrd’s post, please remember, we live in a Worldwide society, because the name is typically Anglo-Saxon/Old English, does not mean the poster is English/American/Australian etc. Also, because you may have had a good education, does not mean that the others on websites have. “This I command you, to love one another.” (John (RSV) 15:17)
Dominic OwinoIt’s true, she didn’t “sacrufuce” as you have correctly pointed out, but she sacrificed herself to carry out the work of the Lord.