Lesson 21: The Sacrament of Confirmation
"Now when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.  Who, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost.  For he was not as yet come upon any of them; but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost."  (Acts 8:14-17)

  1. What is Confirmation?

    2.    Confirmation is the Sacrament which gives you the strength to be a good Catholic.
    This Sacrament completes and perfects the Christian life you begin at Baptism.

  2. Who comes into your soul when you are confirmed?

    3.    The Holy Ghost, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity.
    "Or know you not, that your members are the temple of the Holy Ghost?"    (I Corinthians 6:19)

  3. What does Confirmation do to your soul?

    1. Confirmation gives you more Sanctifying Grace...
    2. It gives you more strength to stay away from sin and lead a Christian life...
    3. It helps you to be a loyal and faithful follower of Jesus Christ...
    4. It gives you the strength to profess your Catholic Faith openly and not to hide it.

  4. Can you get to Heaven without Confirmation?

    5.    Yes, but it is more difficult.

  5. Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation?

    6.    Yes, it is a sin to neglect Confirmation.

  6. Who gives Confirmation?

    7.    Usually a bishop.

  7. What do you have to do to receive Confirmation worthily?

    1. You have to be a baptized Catholic, and...
    2. have no mortal sin on your soul.
    You should also be well instructed in the Catholic religion.

  8. Do you have to have a sponsor for Confirmation?

    9. Yes, but not the same one you had for Baptism.

  9. How many times can you be confirmed?

    10. Only once.

  10. What is expected of a confirmed Catholic?

    11. A confirmed Catholic, by his prayers and words and good example, should try to lead others to the True Church.

  11. How is Confirmation given?

    12. In the traditional rite, the Bishop, holding his hands over those to be confirmed, prays for them and then makes the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of each one with the holy oil of Chrism.  He then taps each person lightly on the cheek.

  12. What words does the Bishop say while confirming?

    13. He says:  "I sign thee with the Sign of the Cross, and I confirm thee with the Chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

  13. What is Holy Chrism?

    14. A mixture of olive oil and balm, consecrated by the Bishop on Holy Thursday; it is a symbol of the strength received in Confirmation.

  14. Why does the Bishop tap each one on the cheek?

    15. The tap on the cheek is to remind those confirmed that they must be ready to suffer all things, even death, for the sake of Jesus Christ.
    "Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake."    (Matthew 5:11)

PRACTICAL POINTS

  1. Choose a good Catholic for your sponsor.  You also have to select the name of another Saint for Confirmation (not the one you had for Baptism).

  2. The Holy Ghost comes into your soul more fully when you are confirmed.  He brings to your soul His Seven Gifts, which are:  Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety and Fear of the Lord.

  3. A dying parishioner may receive Confirmation from his pastor if the Bishop cannot be reached in time.