About
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church, through which individuals receive the Holy Spirit to strengthen their faith and become more fully initiated members of the Church. It is often considered the sacrament of spiritual maturity, as it builds on the foundation laid in Baptism and empowers the confirmed person to live out their Christian faith more fully. During Confirmation, the bishop or a designated priest anoints the individual with sacred chrism (holy oil) and imparts a special blessing, marking the person with the seal of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament deepens the grace received in Baptism, fortifying the individual with the gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. Confirmation is typically received during adolescence, though adults can also receive it, particularly those entering the Church. It is a public commitment to live as a disciple of Christ, with a stronger sense of responsibility to the Church and its mission. By receiving Confirmation, Catholics are called to actively participate in the life of the Church, sharing their faith with others, and serving the world in Christ’s name.
The Sacrament of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a significant step in the journey of faith for Catholics, as it strengthens the individual’s bond with the Church and deepens the grace received at Baptism. In Confirmation, the candidate is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, which empowers them to live as a true witness of Christ. The sacrament is typically administered by a bishop, who anoints the recipient with sacred chrism (holy oil) on the forehead and invokes the Holy Spirit. This sacrament confers the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—enabling the confirmed person to grow in holiness and more actively participate in the mission of the Church. Confirmation marks the recipient’s full initiation into the Catholic community, empowering them to live out their faith more courageously and take on a greater role in serving others. It is a moment of spiritual maturity, where the person accepts responsibility for their faith and is strengthened to live as a disciple of Christ.
