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Sacrament of Confirmation |
| Baptism Confirmation Holy Eucharist Reconciliation Last Rites Holy Orders Matrimony |
Now, when the apostles in Jurusalem heard that the Samaritans had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. They went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for he had not as yet come down upon any of them since they had only been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. So Peter and John laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17) |
What is Confirmation? Confirmation is the Sacrament which gives you the strength to be a good Catholic. This Sacrament completes and perfects the Christian life you begin at Baptism.
Who comes into your soul when you are confirmed? The Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity.
What does Confirmation do for your soul? It gives you more Sanctifying Grace and it gives you more strength to stay away from sin and lead a Christian life. It also helps you to be a loyal and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. It gives you the strength to profess your Catholic Faith openly and not hide it.
Can you get into Heaven without Confirmation? Yes but it is more difficult.
Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation? Yes, it is a sin to neglect Confirmation.
Who gives Confirmation? Usually a bishop.
What do you have to do to receive Confirmation worthily? You have to be baptised Catholic and have no mortal sin on your soul. You should also be well instructed in the Catholic religion.
Do you have to have a sponsor for Confirmation? Yes but not the same one you had for Baptism.
How many times can you be confirmed? Only once.
What is expected of a confirmed Catholic? A confirmed Catholic, by his prayers and words and good example, should try to lead others to the True Church.
How is Confirmation given? In the traditional rite, the Bishop, holding his hands over those to be confirmed, prays for them and then makes the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of each one with the holy oil of Chrism. He then taps each person lightly on the cheek.
What words does the Bishop say while confirming? He 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 Spirit".
What is Holy Chrism? A mixture of olive oil and balm, consecrated by the Bishop on Holy Thursday, it is a symbol of the strength received in Confirmation.
Why does the Bishop tap each one on the cheek? The tap on the cheek is to remind those confirmed that they must be ready to suffer all things, even death, for the sake of Jesus Christ.
| Baptism Confirmation Holy Eucharist Reconciliation Last Rites Holy Orders Matrimony |