Confirmation chapter

Apostolate

the activity of each Christian that fulfills the apostolic nature of the whole Church by working to extend the reign of Christ to the entire world. Also called evangelization.

Chrism

greek for "anointing." It is oil mixed with balsam, signifying the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is consecrated by a bishop. It is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Chrism Mass

the mass at which a bishop consecrates the Sacred Chrism (mixture of oil and balsam) and blesses the Oil of the Sick, to be used for liturgical anointings.

Christ

greek for "anointed." This is used in reference to Jesus because he accomplished perfectly the divine missions of priest, prophet, and king.

Confirmation

one of the Sacraments of Initiation. It completes and confirms sanctifying grace first received in the Sacrament of Baptism by a special outpouring of the gifts and seal of the Holy Spirit. This Sacament equips the confirmed for worship and apostolic life in the Church.

Divine Filiation

a child of God. This consoling mystery brings each Christian a spirit of sincerity and trustwhile filling him or her with lov for ad wonder towards God; see the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Perfecttions that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modest, self-control, chastity.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

They belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily accepting divine inspirations. These gifts are given to Christians to assist them in following Christ and are conferred in a special way in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Laying on of hands

the ritual act, going back to the Old Testament, whereby men were consecrated for sacred duties. From the New Testament onward, it has been the action used to ordain men to the priesthood.

Pentecost

originally, a Jewish festival, fifty days after Passover, celebrating the giving of the Law to Moses at Sinai. Fifty days after Jesus' Resurrection, the Holy Spirit was manifested, given, and communicated to the Church, fulfilling the mission of Christ. This is the "birthday" of the Church.

Seal

A permanent mark which is imprinted on the soul by the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.

Name for Confirmation in the East

Chrismation

Matter of Confirmation

oil, chrism

Form of Confirmation

Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit

Minister of Confirmation

Bishop but may be a priest

Validity requirement for Confirmation

Must be baptized, have a sponsor, state of grace, adequate preparation.

Wisdom

Allows us to know God and savor his presence.

Understanding

Deeper knowledge of divine truth and to reach fullness of faith.

Counsel

Knowing what we should or should not do in situations that demand moral decisions.

Fortitude

Strengthens the will and resolve, allowing a follower of Christ to stand firm in his or her convictions.

Knowledge

Gives Christians the supernatural light to see that all creation and good actions comes from God.

Piety

Respect towards one another and helping our neighbors.

Fear of the Lord

Knowing we have a God who holds authority and dominion over the world.

Role of Sponsor

To guide and set an example for the person being confirmed.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Became a Carmelite nun and helped the evangelize the world. Let God act through her