The Sacrament of Confirmation

Summary

In this enlightening discussion, Father Jack explains the significance of the sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church. He clarifies that while the Holy Spirit is received at baptism, Confirmation serves as an intensification and a personal empowerment to carry out the mission of Jesus. The sacrament is likened to the Apostles' experience at Pentecost, where they were given the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel. The use of the Oil of Chrism symbolizes the anointing and preservation in faith. The color red during Confirmation ceremonies represents the fire of the Holy Spirit. Confirmands receive seven gifts from the Holy Spirit, including wisdom, understanding, and strength, which are always available to them. Sponsors play a crucial role as role models and guides in faith. The choice of a Confirmation name, usually a saint's name, provides an opportunity to connect with the saint's example. The bishop, as the diocesan leader, administers Confirmation to signify the individual's connection to the Church. Father Jack emphasizes that Confirmation is not the end but the end of the beginning of one's life in the Church, empowering them to embark on their mission with the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Takeaways

• 🛍️ The sacrament of confirmation is considered the completion of initiation into the Catholic Church, building on the foundation laid by baptism.
• 🔥 The Holy Spirit is received anew during confirmation, intensifying and strengthening the grace received at baptism, and empowering individuals to carry out their baptismal mission.
• 🎓 Confirmation is likened to the Christian's own Pentecost, where individuals are given the grace to spread the Gospel and introduce Jesus to others.
• 💧 The use of the oil of chrism in confirmation symbolizes anointing with the Holy Spirit, similar to Jesus' baptism, and serves to preserve individuals in their faith.
• 📬 Being 'sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit' at confirmation is akin to a seal on a letter, marking individuals as authentic followers of Christ to carry out His mission.
• 🔴 The color red used in confirmation ceremonies represents the fire of the Holy Spirit, as experienced by the apostles on the feast of Pentecost.
• 🎁 The Holy Spirit bestows seven gifts upon confirmation recipients: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and reverence.
• 🙏 Individuals can call upon the Holy Spirit's gifts in various situations, such as patience in waiting or understanding in difficult conversations.
• 👵 Adult confirmation ceremonies exist for those who have not been confirmed, and it's also an opportunity for those preparing for marriage.
• 🗣️ A confirmation sponsor, similar to a godparent at baptism, is a practicing Catholic who supports and guides the confirmed individual in their faith journey.
• ✍️ Confirmation names, typically those of saints, are taken on to provide an example and spiritual intercession for the confirmed individual.
• 👨‍🦱 The bishop, as the leader of the diocese, usually performs confirmations to signify the individual's connection with the church community.
• 🏆 Confirmation is a one-time sacrament, marking the end of the Christian initiation process and the beginning of an individual's active mission in the Church.

Q & A

What is the sacrament of confirmation in the Catholic Church?

The sacrament of confirmation is a rite that completes the initiation into the Catholic Church. It is an intensification of baptism, providing a strengthening of the baptismal grace and the Holy Spirit to help carry out the mission of spreading the Gospel to others.

Why is the Holy Spirit received again at confirmation if it was already received at baptism?

The Holy Spirit is received again at confirmation to help believers carry out their baptismal mission more effectively. It is a way to strengthen and empower individuals to spread the message of Jesus Christ to others.

What is the significance of the sacrament of confirmation being likened to our participation in Pentecost?

Confirmation is seen as a personal Pentecost because, like the Apostles on Pentecost, the confirmed receive the Holy Spirit to go out and proclaim the Gospel. It is a moment when individuals are given the grace to spread the mission of Jesus.

Why is the oil of chrism used in the sacrament of confirmation?

The oil of chrism is used as it symbolizes the anointing with the Holy Spirit, similar to Jesus' baptism. It also serves as a preservative, signifying that the Holy Spirit given at confirmation helps to preserve the individual in their faith and life of grace.

What does it mean to be 'sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit' during confirmation?

Being sealed with the Holy Spirit is like receiving a mark that authenticates us as belonging to God. It signifies that we are set apart and called to carry out the mission of Jesus in the world.

Why is the color red often associated with confirmation ceremonies?

The color red is used to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit that came upon the Apostles at Pentecost, and which is given to the confirmed during their sacrament.

What are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit traditionally associated with confirmation?

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, strength or fortitude, piety, and reverence of God. These gifts are always available to the confirmed to help them in their spiritual journey.

Is it possible for adults who have not been confirmed to receive the sacrament?

Yes, it is never too late. There are adult confirmation ceremonies held annually in many dioceses, and individuals preparing for marriage who have not been confirmed can also receive the sacrament.

What are the responsibilities of a confirmation sponsor?

A confirmation sponsor, similar to a godparent at baptism, should be a practicing Catholic aged 16 or older. They are expected to support the confirmed in their growth in faith, set a good example, and provide encouragement and teaching if necessary.

What is the significance of choosing a confirmation name?

A confirmation name, usually a saint's name, is taken on to provide an example of Christian life and virtues. It can be an opportunity to revisit the saint's name given at baptism or to choose a new one to honor a particular saint.

Why is the bishop typically the minister for confirmation?

The bishop, as the leader of the church in the diocese, performs confirmation to signify the individual's connection with the diocese and to emphasize the importance of the sacrament as a completion of Christian initiation.

Does confirmation mean the end of one's involvement with the Church?

No, confirmation is not the end but rather the end of the beginning. It signifies the start of an individual's mission in the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ.