Confirmation

Question 166

What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is a Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.

Question 167

Who administers Confirmation?

The bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation.

Question 168

How does the bishop give Confirmation?

The bishop extends his hands over those who are to be confirmed, prays that they may receive the Holy Ghost, and anoints the forehead of each with holy chrism in the form of a cross.

Question 169

What is holy chrism?

Holy chrism is a mixture of olive-oil and balm, consecrated by the bishop.

Question 170

What does the bishop say in anointing the person he confirms?

In anointing the person he confirms the bishop says: I sign thee with the sign of the cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Question 171

What is meant by anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross?

By anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross is meant, that the Christian who is confirmed must openly profess and practice his faith, never be ashamed of it, and rather die than deny it.

Question 172

Why does the bishop give the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek?

The bishop gives the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek, to put him in mind that he must be ready to suffer everything, even death, for the sake of Christ.

Question 173

To receive Confirmation worthily is it necessary to be in the state of grace?

To receive Confirmation worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace.

Question 174

What special preparation should be made to receive Confirmation?

Persons of an age to learn should know the chief mysteries of faith and the duties of a Christian, and be instructed in the nature and effects of this Sacrament.

Question 175

Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation?

It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially in these evil days when faith and morals are exposed to so many and such violent temptations.

Strength for witness

Questions 166, 171, 175

The phrase soldiers of Jesus Christ describes readiness to profess and practice the faith, even under pressure. It does not authorize coercion or aggression. Catechism 1302–1305 connects Confirmation with deeper baptismal grace, union with Christ, and strength to witness. The old expression perfect Christians should not be read as a claim that the newly confirmed are morally flawless. The gift calls for growth and faithful use throughout life.

The historical rite and the present celebration

Questions 167, 168, 169, 170, 172

Chrism is consecrated perfumed oil; anointing signifies consecration and the Spirit's seal. The formula in question 170 and the gesture in question 172 describe an older rite. Catechism 1300 gives the present Latin formula, Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and 1301 describes the sign of peace. The bishop's role expresses communion with the wider Church. Do not use a historical catechism as a current ceremonial script.

Preparing to receive the gift

Questions 173, 174

The lesson asks for life in grace and understanding appropriate to the person receiving the sacrament. Preparation should connect knowledge with prayer and the practice of faith. A learner might explain why Confirmation is related to Baptism, identify the meaning of anointing, and consider a situation requiring truthful witness. These questions make preparation more than memorizing the sequence of the ceremony. Acts presents the gift of the Spirit within the life of a community, not as an isolated achievement.

Acts 8:14–17

The apostles pray and lay hands on baptized believers in Samaria.

14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

2 Corinthians 1:18–22

Paul uses the language of anointing, sealing, and the Spirit's pledge.

18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. 20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. 21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

2 Timothy 1:6–14

The exhortation connects a received gift with courage, love, and faithful witness.

6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.