Sophia SketchPad: Confirmation

Summary

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a powerful spiritual milestone that deepens the grace of the Holy Spirit received at baptism. It empowers believers with the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit, including wisdom, understanding, and fortitude, to boldly live out and spread their faith. Through the bishop's laying on of hands and anointing, the individual is sealed with Christ's protection, ready to serve others and proclaim the Gospel. Confirmation also involves choosing a saint's name as a spiritual guide and a sponsor to support the believer's journey, reinforcing the call to live virtuously and resist temptation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confirmation is not just a ceremony, but a deep spiritual strengthening through the Holy Spirit.
• 😀 The Holy Spirit, received at baptism, is increased and empowered through the Sacrament of Confirmation to spread and defend the faith.
• 😀 The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity, and one of His titles is 'The Giver of Life.'
• 😀 Confirmation provides special graces to live unselfishly and for the good of others, empowering us to act like Christ.
• 😀 Just as the apostles received the Holy Spirit after Jesus’ death and resurrection, we too receive this outpouring in Confirmation to face life's challenges.
• 😀 Confirmation is a call to courage and strength, enabling us to live out and share our faith despite opposition or persecution.
• 😀 The apostles were transformed from fearful individuals to bold proclaimers of the Gospel, thanks to the Holy Spirit.
• 😀 Jesus invites each of us to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation, so we too can boldly spread His message.
• 😀 In Confirmation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, like soldiers with a seal on their armor, marking us as Christ’s followers.
• 😀 You choose a Confirmation name (a saint to guide you) and a sponsor (an example of holiness), both of whom support your spiritual journey.
• 😀 The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord) are given to help us grow in virtue and live according to God’s will.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the Sacrament of Confirmation?

The main purpose of the Sacrament of Confirmation is to strengthen and confirm the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at baptism, providing special strength to spread and defend the faith.

How does the Holy Spirit impact a person's heart in the Sacrament of Confirmation?

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Holy Spirit fills the heart, strengthening it and making more room for God's love. The more a person prays, the more their heart is stretched to receive this love.

What are the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Confirmation?

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit are: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts help individuals live a life aligned with God's will.

Why is the Holy Spirit referred to as the 'Giver of Life'?

The Holy Spirit is called the 'Giver of Life' because through the Holy Spirit, God imparts the strength and grace necessary to live a Christian life, unselfishly and for the good of others.

How did the Apostles experience the Holy Spirit during Pentecost?

During Pentecost, the Apostles experienced the Holy Spirit as a strong wind and saw tongues of fire resting on their heads. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave them the courage and fortitude to preach the gospel, even in the face of persecution.

How does Confirmation relate to the mission of the Apostles?

Confirmation connects to the Apostles' mission by empowering individuals to spread and defend the faith, just as the Holy Spirit gave the Apostles the strength to share the message of Jesus Christ with the world.

What is the role of a Confirmation sponsor?

A Confirmation sponsor serves as a guide and example of holiness, supporting the individual being confirmed on their spiritual journey and helping them grow in faith.

Why is it important to choose a Confirmation name?

Choosing a Confirmation name, typically that of a saint, is significant because it connects the individual to a spiritual guide who will intercede for them and serve as a role model in their faith journey.

What does the laying of hands and anointing with oil symbolize during Confirmation?

The laying of hands and anointing with oil during Confirmation symbolizes the sealing of the individual with the Holy Spirit, much like a soldier bearing a seal on their armor. This signifies their strengthened connection to Christ and their mission to live out the faith.

What happens if someone neglects the gifts received in Confirmation?

If someone neglects the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Confirmation by failing to pray and live virtuously, they risk falling into sin and being misled by Satan, who seeks to distract them from the path of holiness.