Aspects of the Ceremony
This minister oversees the sacrament of Confirmation in the Catholic Church.
Who is the bishop?
The essential words of Confirmation begin with this command.
What is “Be sealed…”?
This blessed oil is used in Confirmation.
What is Sacred Chrism?
This color, symbolizing fire and the Holy Spirit, is commonly worn by the bishop at Confirmation.
What is red?
A person must already have received this first sacrament before being confirmed.
What is Baptism?
In many dioceses, candidates take this additional name, often that of a saint, as a sign of this reality.
What is a Confirmation name?
The sacrament of Confirmation includes this final phrase naming the divine gift.
What is “…with the Gift of the Holy Spirit”?
This part of the body is anointed during Confirmation.
What is the forehead?
This mass occurring during Holy Week is where the bishop consecrates the sacred chrism and other oils used within the diocese throughout the year.
What is the Chrism Mass?
This sacrament is typically required beforehand so the candidate is in a state of grace.
What is Reconciliation (Confession)?
This role, often filled by a friend or extended family member, represents support in the candidate’s lifelong faith journey.
What is the Confirmation sponsor?
These words are spoken by the minister while performing this simultaneous action.
What is anointing with chrism?
Sacred Chrism is made from olive oil mixed with this aromatic substance.
What is balsam?
This Pentecost event is the biblical foundation for Confirmation.
What is the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles?
A person must be how old to be a Confirmation sponsor?
What is 16 years old?
This renewal made by candidates during the ceremony echoes promises first made at Baptism.
What is the renewal of baptismal promises?
In the Eastern Catholic Churches, a similar formula emphasizes this action of the Spirit.
What is “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit”?
This action, together with anointing, is considered part of the sacramental matter.
What is the laying on of hands?
In earlier practice, the bishop gave a light tap on the cheek symbolizing this virtue.
What is readiness to suffer for the faith (or spiritual strength/fortitude)?
Candidates are expected to have reached this level of spiritual development, often called this “age.”
What is the age of reason/discretion?
This action by the bishop signifies the calling down of the Holy Spirit before anointing.
What is the laying on of hands?
The form highlights this theological concept: the permanent spiritual mark left on the soul.
What is the sacramental character (indelible mark)?
This annual diocesan Mass is when the bishop consecrates the oils used for sacraments.
What is the Chrism Mass?
Confirmation, Baptism, and the Eucharist are all administered for the first time simultaneously for new Catholics during this mass.
What is the Easter Vigil?
The Church requires candidates to be properly instructed and able to renew these promises made at Baptism.
What are baptismal promises?