The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation
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Catholic Christianity involves spiritual growth. The soul after baptism must to grow towards God and needs to be strengthened by God. Just as the human body grows from childhood, adolescence, to adulthood, likewise in its own particular way the soul must mature in the life of grace. Catholics believe the Sacrament of Confirmation provides the grace for the supernatural growth which would be the spiritual equivalent of the natural/physical growth process. Confirmation builds on what was begun in the Sacrament of Baptism and nourished in the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist. Confirmation completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work of Christ which is to come.
Here are areas which will help you prepare for and/or understand the Sacrament of Confirmation.
OCIA Lesson 11 on the Holy Spirit
Prayers which the confirmand should know.
The Sign of the Cross
The Our Father
The Hail Mary
The Gloria be to the Father
The Apostles Creed
Act of Contrition
(Optional)
Act of Faith
Act of Hope
Act of Love
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Confirmation marks each person with a spiritual seal. Bestowed on the confirmand are “The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit” for the purpose to “complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them"[1] . According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost."
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed upon Christians are:
wisdom, knowledge,
understanding, piety,
counsel, fear of the Lord (Reverence)
fortitude (Courage),
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[1] (CCC 1831)
The Gift of Wisdom is the ability to value spiritual things over worldly ones. It enables you to desire the things of God and correctly order the things in your life. This gift helps you view the world through God’s perspective and the light of your faith. It instills a desire to contemplate the things of God.
The Gift of Understanding aids you by helping you grasp the truths of the faith more easily and profoundly. Human intellect cannot grasp all of God’s mysteries, but through the gift of understanding you can be led to truth, even when you do not fully comprehend. This gift strengthens your insight through prayer, scripture, and the sacraments.
The Gift of Right Judgment/Counsel acknowledges the difference between right and wrong and bestows proper judgment. A person with right judgment avoids sin and leads a life for Christ. Counsel inspires us to speak up and encourage others to do the correct thing. It bestows upon us prudence, allowing us to act promptly and rightly in the face of difficult situations.
The Gift of Courage/Fortitude sustains our decision to follow the will of God in any situation. It allows us to stand up and defend our faith, even when threatened by bodily injury or death. This gift allows us to be steadfast in our decisions to do well and to endure evil even when we do not want to.
The Gift of Knowledge is awareness of God’s plan. It is not simply an accumulation of facts, but rather an understanding of God’s purpose and how we ought to respond. Knowledge helps bring to light the temptations that we face, and to discern whether to give in or live a life worthy of God’s approval.
The Gift of Piety or reverence is our obedience to God and our willingness to serve him. It is not just obedience through a sense of duty or obligation, but rather obedience out of love and devotion. It facilitates a deeper respect and honor for God and His Church.
The Gift of Fear of the Lord (Reverence) – (Also referred to as Wonder and Awe) makes us aware of the glory and majesty of God. This gift is also synonymous with the "Fear of the Lord", in which we dread sin and fear offending God. We fear displeasing God and losing our connection with him because of our love for Him. Wonder and awe increases our desire to draw closer to God and depart from sin.
The Effects of Confirmation
CCC 1302: It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.
CCC 1303: From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
- it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!";
- it unites us more firmly to Christ;
- it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
- it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
- it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:
Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God's presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts.[1]
Priests, Prophets and Kings
Priests, Prophets and Kings
With the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, Confirmation completes the initiation into the Faith for a Catholic. As a fully initiated Catholic you become priest, prophet and king.
With the Body of Christ as a priestly people, you are dedicated to worshipping God. Worship is a primary part of your faith. You attend Mass at least weekly on Sunday, Holy days of Obligation and more frequently when you can. You are devoted to God through His Love through charity, praise of God and prayer.
As a prophet, you listen, learn and teach the faith. You can do this first and foremost by example. You carry on by example and teaching with family and friends. You can also do this in discussion and in more formal settings as well.
As a king you are meant to serve rather than be served. You can seek to serve those in need. You serve in your family. Serve by helping your neighbor. You also serve in your parish by helping in various functions. You also edify, encourage and assist one another in times of need.
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[1] St. Ambrose, De myst. 7,42:PL 16, 402-403
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