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.

Outlines

00:00

📜 Understanding Confirmation: Its Significance and Relation to Baptism

This paragraph explores the sacrament of confirmation within the Catholic Church, addressing common questions about its necessity and its relationship with baptism. Father Jack explains that while the Holy Spirit is received at baptism, confirmation serves as an intensification or strengthening of baptism, providing a new way of receiving the Holy Spirit. It is likened to the Apostles' experience on Pentecost, where they received the Holy Spirit to carry out their mission. The sacrament is described as a participation in Pentecost, where individuals are given the grace to spread the Gospel and introduce Jesus to others. The use of the oil of chrism symbolizes anointing with the Holy Spirit, similar to Jesus' baptism, and serves to preserve and strengthen one's faith.

05:02

🛡 The Role of the Holy Spirit and the Color Red in Confirmation

The paragraph delves into the symbolism and practical aspects of confirmation. The phrase 'be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit' is explained as a mark of authenticity and possession by the Holy Spirit, similar to a seal on a letter. The frequent use of the color red during confirmation ceremonies is linked to the tongues of fire that symbolized the Holy Spirit's presence at Pentecost. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are detailed, including the seven gifts traditionally associated with the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and reverence. These gifts are available to believers at all times to assist in various situations. The paragraph also addresses the process for adults who have not been confirmed, the role of a sponsor, and the significance of choosing a confirmation name. Lastly, it clarifies that confirmation is a one-time sacrament, signifying the completion of Christian initiation, but it is only the beginning of one's mission and life within the Church.

Keywords

💡Confirmation

Confirmation is a sacrament in the Catholic Church that signifies the completion of Christian initiation. It is seen as an intensification of baptism, where the individual is strengthened in their faith and receives the Holy Spirit to carry out the mission of spreading the Gospel. In the video, it is described as a personal 'Pentecost', where one is empowered to go forth and share the message of Jesus Christ, similar to the Apostles after receiving the Holy Spirit.

💡Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is a person of the Holy Trinity in Christian theology, representing God's active presence in the world. In the context of the video, the Holy Spirit is received at baptism and again in a new way at confirmation. It is given to help individuals carry out their baptismal mission to spread the faith and introduce others to Jesus Christ.

💡Baptism

Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church, through which a person is admitted to the Christian community. The video script clarifies that while the Holy Spirit is received at baptism, confirmation serves to strengthen and deepen this initial reception, preparing the individual for a more active role in the Church's mission.

💡Pentecost

Pentecost is a Christian feast that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, as described in the New Testament. In the video, confirmation is likened to a personal Pentecost, where the individual receives the Holy Spirit to go out and proclaim the Gospel, just as the Apostles did after the original Pentecost event.

💡Sacrament

A sacrament in Catholic theology is a visible sign of God's grace, instituted by Christ for the benefit of the faithful. The video focuses on the sacrament of confirmation, which is one of the seven sacraments, and discusses its significance in completing the process of Christian initiation.

💡Oil of Chrism

The Oil of Chrism is used in the sacrament of confirmation to anoint the confirmed individual. It symbolizes the anointing with the Holy Spirit that Jesus received at his baptism and serves as a sign of preservation and sanctification. The video mentions that the use of oil also signifies the Holy Spirit's role in helping the faithful persevere in their faith.

💡Sealing with the Holy Spirit

In the video, being 'sealed with the Holy Spirit' at confirmation is likened to placing a seal on a letter to authenticate it. This seal marks the individual as authentically belonging to Christ and being set apart for the mission of spreading the Gospel. It signifies the Holy Spirit's mark on the confirmed person, drawing them into a closer relationship with God.

💡Color Red

The color red is often used in confirmation ceremonies and is associated with the tongues of fire that appeared at Pentecost, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. In the video, it is mentioned that the use of red in the sacrament of confirmation represents the fire of the Holy Spirit that empowers the confirmed to carry out their mission.

💡Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are traditionally seven in number: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and reverence. These gifts are given to individuals at confirmation to aid them in their spiritual journey and mission. The video emphasizes that these gifts are always available to the confirmed for use in their daily lives, such as invoking the gift of patience in challenging situations.

💡Adult Confirmation

The video addresses the question of whether it is too late for adults who have not been confirmed. It explains that there are annual adult confirmation ceremonies in the diocese, allowing adults to receive the sacrament. This also applies to couples preparing for marriage who have not yet been confirmed, providing them with the opportunity to receive the sacrament before their wedding.

💡Sponsor

A sponsor in the context of confirmation is similar to a godparent in baptism. They are typically a practicing Catholic, aged 16 or older, who assists the confirmed individual in their growth in faith. The sponsor's role is to provide an example, encouragement, and possibly instruction to the confirmed person, supporting them in their faith journey. The video highlights the importance of this role in ensuring that the confirmed person does not undertake their faith life alone.

💡Confirmation Name

A confirmation name is usually the name of a saint that the individual takes on at the time of confirmation. This practice is rooted in the desire to emulate the virtues and examples of the saints. The video mentions that individuals may choose to revisit the saint's name they were given at baptism or choose a new one if they did not previously have one, honoring the confirmation name as a significant aspect of their faith commitment.

💡Bishop

The bishop is the minister for confirmation and is typically the leader of the church in a particular diocese. The video explains that the bishop performs confirmations to signify the link between the confirmed individual and the diocese, reinforcing the communal aspect of the sacrament. The bishop's role in confirmation is seen as a reminder of the individual's connection to the wider Church community.

Highlights

Through the sacrament of confirmation, our initiation into the Catholic Church is made complete.

We receive the Holy Spirit again or in a new way at confirmation, intensifying and strengthening our baptism.

Confirmation is our participation in Pentecost, when we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel like the apostles.

The Holy Spirit given at confirmation helps us persevere in the faith and preserve us in the life of grace.

The oil of chrism used in confirmation symbolizes our anointing with the Holy Spirit and helps preserve us in the faith.

Being 'sealed' with the Holy Spirit at confirmation marks us as authentically belonging to God and His mission.

The color red in confirmation ceremonies symbolizes the fire of the Holy Spirit given at Pentecost and confirmation.

The Holy Spirit gives us seven gifts - wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, strength, piety, and reverence of God.

We receive all seven gifts of the Holy Spirit at confirmation and can call upon them anytime.

Adults who have not been confirmed can still receive the sacrament through adult confirmation ceremonies or before marriage.

A confirmation sponsor, similar to a baptismal godparent, is a practicing Catholic who supports the confirmand's faith growth.

Taking a confirmation name, usually a saint's name, provides an example of Christian life to follow.

The bishop, as the church leader in the diocese, ordinarily administers the sacrament of confirmation.

We only need to receive confirmation once, as it completes the seal of the Holy Spirit and our Christian initiation.

Confirmation is not the end of our life in the Church, but rather the end of the beginning as we begin our mission of Jesus in the world.

Confirmation is the completion of our initiation into the Catholic Church, but it is just the beginning of our mission in the Church.

Transcripts

hello everyone did you know that it is

through the sacrament of confirmation

that our initiation into the catholic

church is made complete

i've also heard that you received the

holy spirit through confirmation

but didn't we already receive this in

our baptism so why then is there a need

for the sacrament

what does confirmation even mean and

what makes it so different to baptism

well today we're joined by father jack

who's going to help us explore the

sacrament of confirmation

thank you for being here father thanks

hi everyone now i thought we received

the holy spirit during our baptism so

why do we still need to be confirmed

you're right we do receive the holy

spirit at baptism we receive the holy

spirit

again or in a new way at confirmation

it's

confirmation is like an intensification

of baptism kind of a strengthening of

baptism

but also we receive the holy spirit to

help us carry out that baptism

to others to to take jesus that we've

received

at baptism and to then give him to

others introduce him to others

so that's why we receive the holy spirit

again that confirmation what is the

sacrament of confirmation

and how does it actually help us well

the sacrament

of confirmation is kind of our

participation

in pentecost okay so on that feast of

pentecost

the apostles were given the holy spirit

and they went out

particularly saint peter after that in

proclaimed the message of jesus and they

brought many into the church

on that on that feast of pentecost

confirmation

is kind of our pentecost it's when we

receive the gift of the holy spirit

and then we're given the grace to go out

like saint peter

and spread that mission of jesus that

gospel of jesus

to introduce him to others so it's like

what you said at the first question that

is that going out and bringing jesus

into the world yeah precisely and the

holy spirit is given to us in

confirmation to help us in that mission

why do we use the oil of chrism in

confirmation

well it goes back to jesus's baptism in

the river jordan

we hear that he was anointed with the

holy spirit

and so we're anointed with oil at our

confirmation

as we receive that same gift of the holy

spirit

but also oil preserves things okay it

keeps them and

helps them last longer and the holy

spirit is given to us a confirmation

to help us persevere in the faith okay

to preserve us in the life of

grace the life of god and so we're also

anointed with oil

to preserve us in that life so during my

confirmation the bishop said these words

be sealed with the gift of the holy

spirit

can you tell me what this means yeah we

kind of forget what

be sealed might mean because we don't

send many letters

anymore a seal is something that someone

would put on a letter

or an envelope to say that it was

authentically from them

so this was their mark to say that this

letter this envelope was from them

so we're sealed with the holy spirit at

our confirmation

it's his kind of mark on us he's

drawing us out to make us his own it's

it's his mark of

us being authentically his and so we

take that mission then to the world

during confirmation ceremonies i often

have seen a lot of the color red

it's in the altar the priest sometimes

wears red why do we see a lot of red

well this goes back again to the feast

of pentecost where

the holy spirit came down on the

apostles in the appearance of tongues of

fire

and so that color red symbolizes that

fire of the holy spirit that the

apostles were given at pentecost and

that we are given at our confirmation

i heard you receive the gift of the holy

spirit

what does this mean and can you run

through some of them

well it refers to firstly the holy

spirit himself but also then

the gifts that he gives us and

traditionally we speak about

seven gifts that he gives us so wisdom

understanding counsel

knowledge strength or fortitude

piety and reverence of god

these are his seven gifts to us so do we

only receive

one or all of them and how do we use

this

we really receive all of them all seven

and we can use them

anytime anywhere the holy spirit is with

us so these gifts are always at our

disposal

you know for example if you're waiting

in a line

and you're really your patience is being

tested it's a perfect opportunity to

pray for that gift of patience

or if you're having a difficult

conversation with a friend

to pray for the gift of understanding so

there's the holy spirit's always

there to help us with these seven gifts

so what about adults who have not been

confirmed is it too late for them

no it's never too late every year in the

diocese we have an adult confirmation

ceremony in the diocese so every year

we confirm adults but also when couples

come to us

priests for marriage preparation if

they're not confirmed that's also an

opportunity

for them to receive the sacrament of

confirmation before their marriage

so what is a sponsor do they have any

requirements

and what are their responsibilities yeah

sponsored confirmation

is similar to a godparent at baptism so

they're supposed to be a practicing

catholic

and of a certain age so 16 or older

and the reason that they're practicing

or in their life of faith is because

they have a responsibility to

kind of help the person being confirmed

in their growth in the faith okay so

they set them an example give them some

encouragement

perhaps even teach them if they need it

so they have some responsibilities with

that

so they're like our support and so we

don't that way when we live our

confirmation we're not doing it on our

own

yeah precisely so i heard that some

people taken a confirmation name

what is this well the confirmation name

is

ordinarily a saints name so we take on

the saints

because of their example so they provide

an example for us

so it might be an opportunity for us to

revisit the saints name we were given

that baptism

or if we don't have one from our baptism

then it's an opportunity to take one

honoured confirmation

so i know i was baptized i go to

confession and i

take the eucharist from local parish

priests so why is the minister for

confirmation the bishop

it's a good question because he's the

kind of the leader of the church in our

area in our diocese

and so he's ordinarily does

confirmations

to remind us or signify to us

that link that we have with him in this

diocese of paramount

is a person only confirmed once

yeah confirmation is a little bit like

baptism in that sense we receive it only

once

and we only need to receive it once

because we in confirmation receive that

seal of the holy spirit so he

completes that start of our christian

life within the sacraments of initiation

with confirmation

so that's why we only need to receive it

once so confirmation is the completion

of my initiation into the catholic

church

does this mean i've graduated and don't

need to have anything to do with the

church

yeah good question the confirmation is

the completion of our initiation to the

church

now initiation means the beginning and

so it's confirmation is

just the end of the beginning in our

life in the church

we're given the holy spirit a

confirmation to begin

that mission of jesus in our life so

it's not the end

of our life in the church it's just the

beginning

well there you have it the sacrament of

confirmation thanks for joining us

father jack we learned so much thank you

you