The Sacrament of Confirmation

Summary

This video explains the sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church, which strengthens the graces received during Baptism. It highlights how Confirmation helps believers grow in virtue, fighting temptation, and living holy lives. Through the sacrament, individuals fully enter the Catholic Church and affirm their faith. The bishop, or sometimes a priest, administers the sacrament using sacred chrism and the words, 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.' Though not necessary for salvation, Confirmation greatly aids spiritual growth and is strongly encouraged to help individuals on their path to heaven.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confirmation is the second sacrament of initiation in the Catholic Church.
• 😀 It perfects the graces received at baptism, helping us to live holy lives.
• 😀 At baptism, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are virtues to fight temptation.
• 😀 Confirmation strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us.
• 😀 It fully initiates us into the Catholic Church and makes us adults in the faith.
• 😀 If baptized as infants, confirmation reaffirms the decision of our parents to bring us into the Church.
• 😀 Confirmation was initiated at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles.
• 😀 The matter of confirmation is sacred chrism, placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross by the bishop.
• 😀 The form of confirmation is the bishop’s words: 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.'
• 😀 Confirmation is typically administered by a bishop, but a priest may administer it on special occasions.
• 😀 Although not necessary for eternal life (which we receive through baptism), confirmation greatly aids our journey to heaven.

Q & A

What is the sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church?

Confirmation is the second sacrament of initiation in the Catholic Church, meant to perfect the graces received at baptism and fully initiate an individual into the faith.

How is Confirmation related to Baptism?

At Baptism, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the first time, while Confirmation strengthens and deepens these gifts, confirming our commitment to the Catholic faith.

What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Baptism?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Baptism are virtues that help us fight temptation and live holy lives.

What happens during the sacrament of Confirmation?

During Confirmation, the bishop anoints the recipient with sacred chrism in the shape of a cross and says the words, 'Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.' This strengthens the individual in their faith and commitment.

Why is Confirmation important in the Catholic Church?

Confirmation is important because it strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit, fully initiates us into the Catholic Church, and affirms our personal commitment to the faith.

What is the 'matter' of Confirmation?

The 'matter' of Confirmation is the sacred chrism, which is a holy oil used by the bishop to anoint the recipient's forehead.

Who is the minister of Confirmation?

The minister of Confirmation is typically the bishop. However, on special occasions when a bishop is unavailable, a priest may administer the sacrament.

Was Confirmation always a part of the Catholic Church?

Yes, Confirmation was initiated at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, giving them the courage and strength to proclaim the Gospel.

Is Confirmation necessary for salvation in Catholic belief?

No, Confirmation is not necessary for eternal life since all the grace needed for salvation is given at baptism. However, it greatly strengthens us on our spiritual journey.

Why is it recommended to receive the sacrament of Confirmation?

It is highly recommended to receive Confirmation because it strengthens our faith, grants us the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and helps us grow in our relationship with God.