what is confirmation?
Confirmation is the Sacrament that completes Baptism; in it the gifts of the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon us. Through this Sacrament, the candidate receives the strength to witness God's love and might in word and deed. The candidate is now a full-fledged, responsible member of the Catholic Church.
what is the FOrm?
During Confirmation, the minister says the words, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit."
what is the Matter?
The matter for Confirmation is Chrism, a perfumed oil, accompanied by the laying on of hands by the minister.
who is the minister?
For Confirmation, the bishop of the diocese is the ordinary minister. In an extraordinary situation, an extraordinary minister may administer the Sacrament, such as a priest with permission from the bishop. One such situation may be if the bishop cannot be at every parish for Confirmations. On the Easter Vigil, the pastor of a parish can confirm those entering the Church that night.
If the bishop cannot be at a parish for Confirmation, he may send an ordinary priest.
If the bishop cannot be at a parish for Confirmation, he may send an ordinary priest.
what is the rite?
After saying his homily, the bishop celebrating the mass helps those receiving the sacrament to renew their baptismal vows. The bishop asks them a series of questions, those that were answered for them at their Baptism, but now they will speak for themselves. One by one, the recipient and the sponsor approach the bishop. The bishop will take the oil of chrism and mark the recipients forehead with the sign of the cross, while saying "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." At the same time, the sponsor stands behind the recipient, and places his or her hand on their shoulder. That completes the Sacrament of Confirmation.
who can be confirmed?
Those who have been previously baptized, but who are unconfirmed and in need of the completion of the Baptismal Grace, may be confirmed. Also, those who have been baptized in another faith and are entering the Catholic faith may receive this sacrament. The Church doesn't recognize confirmations in other faiths because they are not done the same way as the Church.
how many times can this sacrament be received?
Confirmation can only be received once in a person's lifetime. This sacrament leaves an indelible, or permanent, mark on the soul of the receiver.
what are the effects of confirmation?
1) Sign of Consecration.
2) Confirmation leaves an indelible spiritual mark imprinted on the soul.
3) Completes Baptismal Grace.
4) Full outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
2) Confirmation leaves an indelible spiritual mark imprinted on the soul.
3) Completes Baptismal Grace.
4) Full outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
the seven gifts of the holy spirit
1) Wisdom
2) Understanding
3) Council
4) Fortitude
5) Knowledge
6) Piety (Reverence)
7) Awe
2) Understanding
3) Council
4) Fortitude
5) Knowledge
6) Piety (Reverence)
7) Awe
My Confirmation
my sponsorMy Confirmation sponsor was my Aunt Andrea. A Confirmation sponsor's job is to spiritually prepare the candidate for the sacrament and faithfully guide them towards the Church. When choosing my sponsor, I was looking for someone with whom I had a strong relationship and I could easily talk to. I look up to my aunt as inspiration for my faith and someone I aspire to be like. I knew she would be by my side, answering any questions I had about the sacrament or my faith. Through the process of Confirmation, she taught me so much about the Church and our relationship grew even stronger.
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my confirmation nameMy Confirmation name is Elizabeth. The name Elizabeth is Greek, meaning oath of God. Saint Elizabeth was cousin to the Virgin Mary and the mother of St. John the Baptist. Saint Elizabeth is the patron saint of pregnancy. She was barren, so her husband, desiring a child, prayed and the angel Gabriel told him his wife will bear a son. I chose Saint Elizabeth because through Elizabeth's strong undying faith, God sent her a child, a miracle. This child will prepare the world for Jesus and baptize Him for all to see. Saint Elizabeth's feast day is celebrated on November 5.
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