November 1, 2024
Welcome back to the Domestic Church Corner! This month, we're focusing on the Sacrament of Confirmation.
While many of us may not remember our Baptism, which usually occurs in infancy, most Catholics experience Confirmation in their 8th or 9th grade year of school. This Sacrament is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation into the Catholic Church.
The term "confirmation" comes from the Latin word confirmare, meaning to strengthen or make firm. This sacrament builds upon the grace received at Baptism, deepening and enriching our relationship with Christ and the Church through a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation vs. Baptism
Saint Thomas Aquinas offers insight into the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation. He states that while Baptism initiates us into Christian life, Confirmation represents a spiritual growth, bringing us to a "perfect spiritual age." In Baptism, we receive the grace necessary for our own salvation; in Confirmation, we gain the spiritual strength to engage in the larger spiritual battle for our faith.
Confirmation is a moment of spiritual "growing up," empowering us to publicly confess our faith and proclaim the Gospel. Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost, so too is the Holy Spirit given to us at Confirmation. However, we must choose to cultivate this relationship with the Holy Spirit and act boldly in our faith; otherwise, this grace may remain dormant.
The Indelible Character
Like Baptism, Confirmation leaves an indelible mark on our souls, signifying that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. This character means that Confirmation can only be received once, marking a permanent commitment to our faith.
As we transition from the self-focused nature of our Baptismal faith—characteristic of spiritual childhood—to the responsibilities that come with Confirmation, we begin to see our duty to Christ and our neighbor more clearly. This Sacrament strengthens our commitment to serving others in the spirit of Christ.
Not Just a Rite of Passage
It's important to clarify that Confirmation is not a coming-of-age ceremony like a bar mitzvah or a Quinceañera, nor is it simply a graduation from religious education. Our journey of faith is ongoing, requiring lifelong learning and practice.
Effects of Confirmation
According to the Catechism (CCC 1303), Confirmation has five key effects:
- Deeper Divine Filiation: Confirmation roots us more deeply in our identity as adopted children of God.
- Closer Union with Christ: We develop a more profound relationship with Jesus.
- Increased Gifts of the Holy Spirit: We are strengthened in the gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. Learn more about the 7 gifts here.
- Stronger Bond with the Church: Our relationship with the Church is perfected.
- Empowerment to Witness: We gain the strength to spread and defend our faith and to proclaim Christ boldly.
Form and Matter
The matter, or tangible material sign of Confirmation consists of the Holy Chrism oil, which is consecrated by a bishop, and the laying on of hands. The form, or the words spoken during the sacrament, is “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Additionally, the confirmandi renew their baptismal vows, receive a blessing from the bishop, and the bishop traces the sign of the cross on the confirmand’s forehead.
While the bishop typically performs the Sacrament, a priest can confirm with the bishop's authority.
Confirmation Name
In the Bible and the Early Church, a new name represented a new phase in one's life, or a new mission given to them by God. We see some of the name changes here:
- Abram became Abraham (Genesis 17:5)
- Jacob became Israel (Genesis 35:10)
- Simon became Peter (Matthew 16:17-18)
- Saul became Paul (Acts 13:9)
At Confirmation, it is traditional to choose the name of a Saint and be confirmed in that Saint’s name. We do this because it helps us to develop a relationship with a Saint who becomes a patron and heavenly intercessor who can guide and protect us. We can choose to model our life after the Saint because we admire him or her and want to imitate their life. It’s a great reminder for us that we are all connected in the great Communion of Saints.
As we reflect on Confirmation this month, let us embrace the call to grow in our faith and live as witnesses of Christ in our world. Our upcoming November bulletins will feature activities to help reinforce the Sacrament of Confirmation.
