Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist. Through Confirmation, Catholics receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in a special way, strengthening their faith and their commitment to live as witnesses of Christ in the world (CCC 1285).

What Is Confirmation?

Confirmation completes the grace we receive in Baptism. While Baptism welcomes us into the Church, Confirmation deepens the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, empowering us to live boldly as disciples of Christ (CCC 1288-1289).

The sacrament is rooted in Scripture:

  • Acts 1:8 – Jesus tells His disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
  • Acts 8:14-17 – The apostles lay hands on the baptised to receive the Holy Spirit.
  • John 14:16-17 – Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, to guide and strengthen His followers.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Confirmation bestows seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1830):

  1. Wisdom – Seeing life from God’s perspective.
  2. Understanding – Grasping the meaning of God’s message.
  3. Counsel (Right Judgment) – Making choices according to God’s will.
  4. Fortitude (Courage) – Staying strong in faith even in difficulty.
  5. Knowledge – Recognising God’s plan in our lives.
  6. Piety (Reverence) – Loving and worshipping God sincerely.
  7. Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe) – Respecting God and avoiding sin.

These gifts help the confirmed person live a life rooted in Christ and serve the Church and the world faithfully.

Who Can Receive Confirmation?

Confirmation is usually received by baptised Catholics who have reached the age of reason (often teenagers or young adults) and have been adequately prepared through school and parish catechesis (CCC 1310, 1311). Adults who have been baptised but not yet confirmed can also receive the sacrament, often as part of RCIA preparation.

The Celebration of Confirmation

The sacrament is administered by a bishop or a priest delegated by him. The key elements include:

  1. Laying on of Hands – Invoking the Holy Spirit.
  2. Anointing with Sacred Chrism – A visible sign of the Holy Spirit sealing the candidate (CCC
    1293).
  3. Words of Confirmation – The bishop says: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
  4. Prayer and Blessing – The community prays for the confirmed to live as witnesses of Christ.

The Role of Sponsors

A sponsor supports the candidate for Confirmation at the ceremony by placing their hand on the candidate’s shoulder as a sign of backing for their commitment to live out their baptismal promises. However, the sponsor’s role extends beyond just one day. The sponsor commits to helping the confirmed individual to grow in the fullness of their faith and their membership of the Catholic Church.

A person qualifies as a sponsor when they are a reasonably mature adult, at least 16 years old, and have already received the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). The Confirmation sponsor can be someone who was a sponsor at Baptism. To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor, a person must (Ref. Code of Canon Law §874):

  • be appointed by the candidate, or by the parents or whoever stands in their place, or failing these, by the parish priest or the minister; to be appointed, the person must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it;
  • be not less than sixteen years of age, unless the diocesan Bishop has stipulated a different age, or unless the parish priest or the minister considers that there is a just reason for an exception to be made;
  • be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken;
  • not labour under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared;
  • not be either the father or the mother of the candidate.

The significance of the Name

The tradition of adopting a new name at Confirmation emphasises the fresh identity of a Christian called to witness to their faith. People are encouraged to choose the name of a saint or a biblical figure who inspires them in some way.

The use of Oil

The oil used is called the Oil of Chrism. It is olive oil blended with balsam, blessed and consecrated by the bishop and priests of the diocese during the Cathedral’s ‘Chrism Mass’ on Holy Thursday. The Sacrament is administered through the laying on of hands and anointing with this ‘Oil of Chrism’ on the forehead as the Bishop (or his delegate) says, ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’