Sacraments 101: Confirmation (why we're confirmed)

Summary

This video explains the significance of the sacrament of confirmation in the Catholic Church. It emphasizes that, while baptism is the first step, confirmation provides essential support for a Christian's faith journey, like adding the third leg to a stool. Confirmation equips individuals with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live and share their faith. The video highlights the preparation process, including classes, choosing a sponsor, and selecting a confirmation name. Confirmation is not a rite of passage but the beginning of a deeper commitment to Christian life and mission.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of Christian initiation, alongside baptism and the Eucharist.
• 😀 Baptism, confirmation, and the Eucharist together form a foundation for the Christian life, like a three-legged stool.
• 😀 Without confirmation, individuals lack the support needed for their faith journey, which is provided by the Holy Spirit.
• 😀 Confirmation can be seen as a personal Pentecost, empowering individuals to become doers of God’s word, not just receivers.
• 😀 The sacrament of confirmation provides gifts of the Holy Spirit, including courage, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, right judgment, reverence, and fear of the Lord.
• 😀 The gifts of the Holy Spirit help individuals navigate their faith and act in accordance with God’s will in the world.
• 😀 Preparation for confirmation typically involves attending classes and may include a service component to put faith into action.
• 😀 Individuals preparing for confirmation often choose a sponsor to guide them through the process and offer support.
• 😀 A confirmation name, often that of a saint, is chosen to signify a new phase in one's Christian life.
• 😀 The bishop administers the sacrament of confirmation, signifying the mission to spread God’s word globally.
• 😀 Confirmation is not a rite of passage or graduation, but the beginning of a deeper Christian life and mission to share the faith.

Q & A

What is the role of confirmation in the Catholic faith?

Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church, alongside baptism and the Eucharist. It strengthens a person's faith, empowering them to live out their Christian mission and providing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Why is confirmation compared to a stool with three legs?

Confirmation is compared to a stool with three legs because it, along with baptism and the Eucharist, forms the foundation of the Christian life. Without confirmation, a person lacks the support needed for their spiritual journey.

How does confirmation relate to the Holy Spirit?

Confirmation is seen as a personal Pentecost, where the individual receives the Holy Spirit. This event empowers them to live out their faith more fully, just as the Apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit received during confirmation?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit received during confirmation include courage, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, right judgment, reverence, and fear of the Lord. These gifts help believers live out their faith and navigate challenges in life.

What is the difference between baptism and confirmation?

Baptism marks the beginning of a Christian’s faith journey, while confirmation strengthens that faith, empowering the individual to take an active role in the mission of the Church and live out Christian values in the world.

Do you need to be a certain age to receive confirmation?

There is no set age for confirmation; it varies by diocese. It can occur from infancy to as old as 16, but many parishes also offer preparation for adults seeking confirmation.

What is the role of a sponsor in the confirmation process?

A sponsor is a mentor who is already confirmed and actively practicing their Catholic faith. They provide guidance, prayers, and spiritual support throughout the confirmation journey.

Can someone choose a new name for confirmation, and what is its significance?

Yes, during confirmation, individuals can choose a confirmation name, typically that of a saint they admire. This name symbolizes a new phase in their faith life and deepens their connection with the broader faith community.

What is the role of the bishop in the confirmation sacrament?

The bishop is usually the minister of confirmation. Their presence signifies that the person being confirmed is now sent into the world to spread the Christian message, just as the apostles were sent by Jesus.

How is confirmation different from other rites of passage like a bar mitzvah?

Unlike other rites of passage such as a bar mitzvah, confirmation is not just a coming-of-age ritual. It is the completion of Christian initiation, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to live out and share the Christian faith.