Confirmation Basics
This sacrament strengthens the grace first received at Baptism.
What is Confirmation?
The Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles at this event, empowering them to preach (Acts 2:1–4).
What is Pentecost?
This holy oil is used in Confirmation.
What is Sacred Chrism?
The ordinary minister of Confirmation.
Who is the bishop?
Candidates choose a Confirmation name usually taken from one of these holy men or women.
Who are the saints?
The three Sacraments of Initiation.
What are Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist?
In the Old Testament, this prophet foretold that God would pour out His Spirit on His people (Joel 2:28–29).
Who is the prophet Joel?
This gesture by the bishop shows the passing on of the Holy Spirit.
What is the laying on of hands?
The person who stands behind the candidate during the anointing.
Who is the sponsor?
Confirmation gives us the strength to be this kind of witness to Christ.
What is a disciple (or missionary disciple)?
The divine Person we receive in a deeper way during Confirmation.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit came upon this woman so she could conceive Jesus (Luke 1:35).
Who is Mary?
This fragrant ingredient in Chrism represents the “sweet aroma of Christ.”
What is balsam?
Before the anointing, candidates renew these promises.
What are Baptismal promises?
The seven special gifts given by the Holy Spirit help us live this kind of life.
What is a holy life?
At Confirmation we are sealed with this special spiritual gift.
What is the Gift of the Holy Spirit?
Jesus promised the Apostles this special helper who would guide them into all truth (John 14:26).
Who is the Advocate, the Holy Spirit?
The forehead is anointed with the words, “Be sealed with the gift of the ___.”
What is the Holy Spirit?
The bishop uses this part of his body to trace the Sign of the Cross on the candidate’s forehead.
What is his thumb?
After Confirmation, we are called to serve our Church in works of this.
What is service or charity?
This mark on the soul received at Confirmation lasts forever.
What is an indelible seal (or permanent mark)?
In the story of David’s anointing, the prophet used oil as a sign of the Spirit’s presence (1 Samuel 16:13).
Who is the prophet Samuel?
The color often associated with the Holy Spirit and Confirmation.
What is red?
After the anointing, the bishop often offers this gesture of welcome into full mission.
What is the Sign of Peace?
Confirmation strengthens us to use these fruits—like love, joy, patience—to help others see Christ in us.
What are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit?