Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation

Confirmation is the second Sacrament of Initiation received by every baptized person.  It strengthens our life with God and unites us more closely to Christ and His Body, the Church. “The gift of the Holy Spirit which you are to receive will be a spiritual sign and seal to make you more like Christ and more perfect members of his Church.” -Rite of Confirmation

The significant symbol of the Rite of Confirmation is the anointing of the forehead with chrism as the bishop, who is the ordinary celebrant of the Sacrament of Confirmation, lays his hand on the person’s head, saying:  “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Confirmation bestows on us the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, which strengthen us to become a disciple of Christ by living and proclaiming the Gospel.

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:

  • Wisdom is the ability to see things from all sides, to get the “whole picture.”

  • Understanding is the ability to see from another person’s “heart,” to feel the feelings of others and to put these before our own.

  • Knowledge is the gift of objectivity, of seeing the world and things around us as they really are, rather than as we would like them to be.

  • Fortitude (courage) is the strength to do what is right in spite of obstacles and difficulties.

  • Counsel (right judgment) allows us to see a situation clearly, view the options, and make a clear choice.  It also allows us to seek advice from those who have more experience.

  • Piety (reverence) helps us see the value of every person and thing God has created.

  • Fear of the Lord (wonder and awe) tells us that God created the beauty of the universe but also listens to us, cares for us, and loves us beyond all measure.

We can be confirmed only once.  Like Baptism, Confirmation leaves a character on our soul that marks us forever as belonging to Christ.  Through Confirmation, we are sealed with the Spirit.

The Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit:

  1. Kindness:  the strength of Christ’s love which leads us to a greater service.

  2. Joy:  the ability to celebrate life even in the midst of pain and confusion.

  3. Peace:  quiet, inner confidence that keeps us from feeling uptight and anxious.

  4. Patience:  enables us to handle frustration and conflict without becoming unduly edgy or annoyed.

  5. Goodness:  a real desire to live a holy life, to set a good example by our conduct wherever we are.

  6. Long-Suffering (positive attitude):  because we know we are loved by God, we are able to put up with the injuries, slights, and outrages of life.

  7. Humility (gentleness):  an inner strength that permits us to be aware of our own abilities without having to make a show of them.

  8. Faith/Fidelity:  the ability to stick to our work and to stay firm in our commitment to God and to God’s people with whom we are connected.

  9. Modesty:  no longer needing to impress other people with our power or degrees or connections or wealth.

  10. Self-Control:  learning to discipline my time, energy and desires to reflect my spiritual values and priorities.

  11. Chastity:  able to form loving and caring friendships, which help us to at appropriately with our gift of sexuality.

  12. Love (charity):  quick to sense the needs of the people with whom we work and live and respond to Jesus would.

For Diocesan policies on the Sacrament of Confirmation, please click to download this PDF file.

For guidelines for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, please click to download this PDF file.

For more information on St. Charles Parish Confirmation Program, please click here.

For more information on St. Charles Adult Confirmation Program, please click here.