| What does the word "confirmation" mean? |
The word "confirmation" means strengthening. Confirmation strengthens
or completes the work of the Holy Spirit begun in us at Baptism so that
we may be faithful and courageous in the practice of our Catholic faith. |
| Who instituted the Sacrament of Confirmation and when? |
Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Confirmation in the descent ot the
Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost. |
| Who may receive Confirmation? |
Anyone who has been Baptized and properly instructed my receive Confirmation. |
| How many time may Confirmation be received? At what age may
one be Confirmed? |
Confirmation may be received only once.
Roman Catholics may be confirmed after the age of reason (seven years).
Christian maturity should be observed before receiving the Sacrament. |
| When may Confirmation be administered? Where may Confirmation
be administered? Who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation? |
Confirmation may be administered at any time of the year. Confirmation
is usually administered in Church. The ordinary minister of Confirmation
is the Bishop. Under special conditions, a priest may administer
the Sacrament of Confirmation. |
| What is meant by the "matter" of Confirmation? |
The matter of Confirmation consists in the imposition of the hand on
the candidate's head, together with the anointing of his forehead with
sacred chrism. |
| What is the "form" of Confirmation? |
The "form" consists in the words spoken by the minister: "(name) be
sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit." |
| What is the sacred chrism? |
Sacred chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balm that has been blessed
by the Bishop. |
| What does the oil stand for? |
The oil signifies God's chose person Formerly used to strengthen
the limbs of athletes, the oil in sacred chrism alludes to the strength
conferred in Confirmation. |
| What does the balm stand for? |
Since balm is a sweet, fragrant, preserving substance, it signifies
the sweetness of virtue and freedom from corruption. |
| How should the candidate prepare for the reception of Confirmation? |
The candidate should understand the chief truths of his faith, by praying
for the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and by living a deeply Christian life. |
| Which truths and duties should the candidate know? |
The candidate should know the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Apostles
Creed, Ten Commandments, Act of Contrition, prayer before meals, and the
effects of Confirmation. The candidate must believe in the goodness
and justice of God, the mystery of the Blessed Trinity and the mystery
of the Incarnation. The candidate should know and practice the Corporal
and Spiritual Works of Mercy and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. |
| What name may the candidate choose for Confirmation? |
The candidate may choose the name of a Saint whom he/she admires for
their Christian values. The candidate may also choose to use only
his baptismal name at Confirmation. |
| What is the duty of the sponsor? |
The sponsor presents the candidate to the bishop. By prayers,
words, and example, the sponsor is to see to it that the confirmed carries
out his duties as a Christian. |
| Who may be a sponsor? |
A sponsor must be a practicing Catholic and already confirmed.
Example: a godparent, relative, close friend, or one chose by the Church.
The sponsor usually presents a sponsor certificate. |