CHAPTER 4 Chapter 4 The Sacrament of Confirmation

CHAPTER 4

Chapter 4 The Sacrament of Confirmation

It is important to take care that our children, our young people, receive this Sacrament [of Confirmation]. We all take care that they are baptized and this is good, but perhaps we do not take so much care that they are confirmed. Thus, they remain at a midpoint in their journey and do not receive the Holy Spirit, who is so important in the Christian life since he gives us the strength to go on. Pope Francis (General Audience, January 29, 2014) The Sacrament of the Holy Spirit

Rite of Confirmation • Laying on of the hands: “Then they laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8: 17) • Anointing with sacred chrism: “Through the oil we are conformed, in the power of the Spirit, to Jesus Christ, who is the only true ‘anointed one, ’ the ‘Holy One of God’” (Pope Francis—General Audience, January 29, 2014). • Spoken words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. ” The Sacrament of the Holy Spirit

“Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence. ” (Rite of Confirmation 41, 42) The Sacrament of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners. (Is 61: 1) “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ez 36: 26). “It shall come to pass I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dreams, your young men will see visions. ” (Jl 3: 1) Understanding the Sacrament of Confirmation

The Holy Spirit in the New Testament “When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say” (Lk 12: 11– 12). “The wind blows where it wills, and you can hear the sound it makes, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes; so it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit” (Jn 3: 8). “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept, because it neither sees nor knows it. But you know it, because it remains with you, and will be in you” (Jn 14: 16). Understanding the Sacrament of Confirmation

The Laying on of Hands at Confirmation A gesture that is part of the essential rite and origin of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Acts 19: 1– 6 tells the story of a new group of disciples who, after being baptized, received the Holy Spirit when St. Paul laid hands on them Understanding the Sacrament of Confirmation

Names of the Holy Spirit Location in Bible Advocate John 14: 16 power of the Most High Luke 1: 35 Spirit of Adoption Romans 8: 15 Spirit of Wisdom Isaiah 11: 2 Spirit of Counsel Isaiah 11: 2 Spirit of Knowledge Isaiah 11: 2 Spirit of Glory 1 Peter 4: 14 Spirit of Holiness Romans 1: 3 -4 Spirit of Truth John 16: 13 Steadfast Spirit Psalm 51: 12 Spirit of the Lord God Isaiah 61: 1 Spirit of the Son Galatians 4: 6 Spirit of Prophecy Revelations 8: 15 Understanding the Sacrament of Confirmation

Sacred Chrism Oil is a sign of abundance and healing. Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam (a fragrant perfume—sometimes referred to as “the balm of Gilead” —used in healing and preservation from corruption). The balsam symbolizes the sweet “odor” of Christianity, found in virtuous living and imitation of Christ (see 2 Corinthians 2: 15). Those who are anointed with sacred chrism have a new identity—that of Christians, who share in Christ’s mission and have the special duty of proclaiming his Gospel to the world. Understanding the Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation in the Eastern Church Confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church Sacraments of Initiation remain united. Separate celebrations of Baptism and Confirmation are both conferred by the priest using the sacred oils blessed by the bishop. There is an explicit connection between Confirmation and the bishop. The bishop is present for Confirmation. Baptism is immediately followed by Confirmation and Baptism is celebrated with the ordinary minister. Eucharist (even for infants). With infant baptism; Confirmation is delayed until the age of reason is reached and until the bishop is present. Understanding the Sacrament of Confirmation

Chrism Mass An annual Mass, celebrated in a diocesan cathedral on or near Holy Thursday, in which the bishop consecrates the sacred chrism and other oils that will be used in the diocese throughout the year. Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation Sponsor To be qualified to be a Confirmation sponsor, a person must have received all three Sacraments of Christian Initiation, be at least sixteen years old, and lead “a life in harmony with the faith and the role to be undertaken” (Code of Canon Law 874; see CCC 1311). Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation

Order of the Rite of Confirmation Presentation of the Candidates Homily Renewal of Baptismal Promises Invocation of the Outpouring of the Spirit • Laying on of Hands and Anointing with Sacred Chrism • • Bishop: “N, Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. ” Confirmed: “Amen” Bishop: “Peace be with you. ” Confirmed: “And with your spirit. ” • General intersessions (prayers for the newly confirmed, their sponsors and families and the Church so that they may be open to the gifts of the Holy Spirit) Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation

Effects of Confirmation Forms a deeper bond with the Church Increases the Gifts of the Holy Spirit in you Roots you more fully as a child of God Endows you with a special strength to be able to defend the faith in deed and word Shares in Christ’s priesthood by making you closer to Christ The Graces of the Sacrament of Confirmation

Wisdom Understanding Gifts of the Holy Spirit Counsel Fortitude • provides prudence and self-control • keeps your priorities straight • sees "the bigger picture" • helps with the larger mysteries of life • offers right judgment and relies on prudence • seeks and give advice • gives courage to stand up for your beliefs • overcomes obstacles with loving service Knowledge • allows you to know God and be known • helps you learn more about God and the faith Piety • brings faithful obedience, love, and respect for God • helps you to trust in God and respect everything God has made Fear of the Lord • envelops you with wonder and awe • allows you to be receptive to God The Graces of the Sacrament of Confirmation

Fruits of the Spirit charity joy peace patience kindness goodness generosity gentleness faithfulness modesty self-control chastity The Graces of the Sacrament of Confirmation

Journal Question Write about a time when you were particularly strengthened by one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

• https: //www. crossroadsinitiative. com/media/articles/titles-of-theholy-spirit/ • http: //vulgate. org/nt/epistle/galatians_5. htm