Sacrament
Confirmation
Sacrament of Christian Initiation
Confirmation perfects baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
What the Church teaches
Confirmation perfects baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.
Institution
The promised Spirit was poured out on the apostles at Pentecost (Acts 2). The apostles continued the gift by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:14-17, 19:5-6).
Matter and form
- Form
Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
- Matter
The anointing with sacred chrism on the forehead, done by the laying on of hands.
Minister
Ordinary minister: bishop. Priests may confirm with delegated faculty, especially in the case of adults baptized in the Easter Vigil and those in danger of death.
Recipient
Every baptized person not yet confirmed.
Effects
Increase and deepening of baptismal grace
Roots us more deeply in divine filiation
Unites us more firmly to Christ
Increases in us the gifts of the Holy Spirit
Renders our bond with the Church more perfect
Gives a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith
An indelible character on the soul
Preparation
See the parish RCIA / OCIA office or your pastor for catechetical preparation.
Catechism references
- CCC 1285-1321