The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the sacrament of baptism
Most of us were baptized by our parents at a very young age. We were not old enough to know what the sacrament of Baptism was nor able to ask for it. We were not able to say, yes or no.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is given at this age, 15 and higher as an individual request. You have the opportunity to learn about this religion called Catholic. You have 2 years to discern, is this what I am called to do, as a follow of our Lord, Jesus Christ and live out my faith, my Catholic faith.
Confirmation confirms this decision, you are stating before God and the Community of believers, yes, I chose Christ, yes, I chose to be a Catholic. Yes, I chose to put on the amour of God and live my Catholic faith. Yes I chose to live the gifts of the Holy Spirit Only you can make that choice. Confirmation confirms the good work that began with your baptism
Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Isaiah told us the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Is 11:2
Wisdom Understanding
Counsel Fortitude
Knowledge Piety
Fear of the Lord.
These seven gifts, part of sanctifying grace, complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make us docile in obeying divine inspirations without need for reflection but always with full consent.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are greater than the theological and cardinal virtues. The virtues operate to the limits of human power and volition, but the gifts bring divine assistance. We are to pray to the Holy Spirit and ask for one of these gifts. If He gives us a gift, we may ask for another, and so on.
The practice of virtue, enabled by the gifts seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, bring us the twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The are supernatural works that manifest the presence
of the Holy Spirit. Identifiable effects of the Holy Spirit.
St. Paul told us Gal 5:22
Charity Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness Generosity Gentleness Faithfulness Modesty Self-control Chastity
THE CHURCH THUS TEACHES:
Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from baptism.
It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied
by prayer.
The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament.
The effect of the sacrament of confirmation is to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character.
If you are interested and/or have any questions,
e-mail the SRE Office.
