Sacrament of Confirmation

Catholic Explanation and Requirements on the Sacrament of Confirmation

 

The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, along with Baptism and the Eucharist. It deepens the grace received at Baptism, strengthens the individual through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and fully initiates them into the life and mission of the Church.

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Explanation of the Sacrament of Confirmation

 

    1.    Purpose and Meaning

    •    Confirmation strengthens the bond between the individual and the Church and empowers them to live as witnesses of Christ. It equips the confirmed to defend and spread the faith in word and action.

    •    The sacrament seals the individual with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and marks them with an indelible spiritual character as a mature Christian (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1303).

    2.    Biblical Foundation

    •    The practice of Confirmation is rooted in Scripture, particularly in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The Apostles also laid hands on believers to impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).

    3.    Connection to Baptism

    •    While Baptism initiates a person into the life of grace, Confirmation strengthens this grace, making the individual more firmly united with Christ and His Church.

    4.    Symbols and Ritual

    •    Laying on of Hands: Signifies the bestowal of the Holy Spirit.

    •    Anointing with Chrism: Holy oil is used to signify the sealing of the Holy Spirit.

    •    Words of the Bishop: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

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Requirements for Receiving Confirmation

 

1. Baptism

 

    •    The person must be baptized, as Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism (CCC 1285).

 

2. Age of Reason

 

    •    The candidate should have reached the age of reason (around 7 years old) unless they are being confirmed as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

 

3. Catechetical Preparation

 

    •    The individual must undergo catechesis to understand the meaning, purpose, and responsibilities of Confirmation. This may involve:

    •    Learning about the faith, the Church, and the Sacraments.

    •    Developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

    •    Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit.

 

4. Personal Commitment

 

    •    The candidate must freely desire to receive the sacrament and commit to living out their faith as a mature disciple of Christ.

 

5. A State of Grace

 

    •    The candidate must be free from mortal sin, often achieved through the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Confirmation.

 

6. Sponsor Selection

 

    •    A sponsor must be chosen to guide the candidate in their spiritual journey. The sponsor must:

    •    Be a confirmed Catholic in good standing with the Church.

    •    Be at least 16 years old.

    •    Lead a life consistent with the faith and be a role model of Catholic living.

 

7. Parish Involvement

 

    •    The candidate may be asked to participate in parish activities, retreats, or service projects as part of their preparation.

 

8. Bishop or Delegate as Minister

 

    •    Confirmation is typically administered by a bishop. In certain cases, a priest may be delegated to perform the sacrament.

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Effects of Confirmation

 

    1.    Strengthening of Baptismal Grace

    •    Deepens the individual’s relationship with God and the Church.

    2.    Sealing with the Holy Spirit

    •    Imprints an indelible spiritual mark that identifies the person as a mature member of the Church.

    3.    Gifts of the Holy Spirit

    •    Bestows the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord (CCC 1831).

    4.    Empowerment for Mission

    •    Enables the confirmed to live out their faith courageously and to evangelize in word and action.

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Conclusion

 

Confirmation completes the process of initiation into the Catholic faith, empowering the faithful to live as witnesses of Christ and active members of His Church. The preparation and requirements ensure that candidates understand the sacrament and are ready to embrace their mission as mature Christians. Through the Holy Spirit, they are equipped to live a life of holiness and proclaim the Gospel with courage and love.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR MISSION OFFICE AT CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, TEONE, FUNAFUTI, TUVALU