GROUP 3

CONFIRMATION
Biblical Foundations
Contrary to what some critics say about the sacrament of
Confirmation that it was just added by the Catholic
Church, the Acts of the Apostles 8:14-17 bears witness to
its apostolic origin:
Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that
Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them
Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them,
that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet
fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid hands on them and
they received the Holy Spirit.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms:
From that time on the apostles, in fulfilment of
Christ's will, imparted to the newly baptized by the
laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes
the grace of Baptism. For this reason in the Letter to the
Hebrews the doctrine concerning Baptism and the laying
on of hands is listed among the first elements of
Christian tradition as the origin of the sacrament of
Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the
grace of Pentecost in the Church.
Form and Matter
The sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the
anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by
the laying on of hand and through the Byzantine
formula: Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The
CBCP adds the name of the candidate: N.., be sealed
with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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Source: Wilfredo C. Paguio, Notes on Sacraments and Sacraments According

to the Revised Code of Canon Law, 74.

Recipient and Minister

Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should
receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
On the Latin tradition, there is an age of discretion as
the reference point.
In danger of death, children should be confirmed even if
they have not yet attained the age of discretion.
Effects of Confirmation as a sacrament
Roots us more fully in the divine filiation;
Incorporates us more deeply into Christ;
Strengthens our bond with the Church;
Associates us more closely with her mission; and
Helps us bear witness to the Christian faith in words
accompanied by deeds.
Call to Mission
Confirmation is deliberately received at the age of
discretion, an age when one knows what it means for
ones life and for the life of the Church, for it enables us
to participate more intensely in the mission of Jesus
Christ and of the Church. It appoints us public witnesses
of the faith and sends us forth to work responsible in the
Church.
Confirmations Indelible Character

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Confirmation imprints an inedible spiritual mark on the

soul. This confirmation character is a sign of being taken
permanently into the service of Jesus Christ. For that
reason, Confirmation, like Baptism, can be received only
once.

7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- As Baptism, we receive seven special gifts from the Holy Spirit. These
gifts are freely given to us to help us live as followers of Jesus and to
build up the Body of Christ, the Church. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are
sealed and strengthened within us at Confirmation. These seven gifts
help us to respond to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, to make
good choices, and to serve God and others.
Wisdom

- Is the gift of knowing the right choices to make to live a holy life. The
gift of wisdom helps you to avoid the things that could lead you away
from God.
Understanding

- Is the gift of comprehension, or the ability to grasp the meaning of the

teachings of the Church. The gift of understanding helps you be tolerant
and sympathetic of others. It helps you sense when someone is hurting
or in need of compassion.
Right Judgment or Counsel

- Is the gift of prudence. The gift of right judgment helps you make
choices to live as a faithful follower of Jesus.
Courage or Fortitude

- Is the gift that helps you stand up for your faith in Christ. The gift of
courage helps you overcome any obstacles that would keep you from
practicing your faith.
Knowledge

- Is the gift of knowing and enlightenment. The gift of knowledge enables

you to choose the right path that will lead you to God. It encourages you
to avoid obstacles that will keep you from Him.

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Reverence or Piety

- Is the gift of confidence in God. This gift of reverence inspires you to

joyfully want to serve God and others.
Fear of the Lord

- Is the gift of wonder and respect that encourages you to be in awe of

God. The gift of wonder and awe moves you to so love God that you do
not want to offend him by your words or actions

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

When we cooperate with the graces and gifts we receive from the Holy
Spirit, we grow as followers of Jesus. We see the effect of the Holy Spirits
presence in our lives in special qualities and attitudes that we develop as we
grow in faith. The Church identifies these qualities and attitudes as the fruits of
the Holy Spirit. The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are signs that the Holy Spirit
is alive within us and helping us live the Catholic faith in our daily lives.
LoveWe exhibit the virtue of charity, or love, by our unselfish devotion
and care for God and our neighbor.
JoyWe live with joy when we recognize that true happiness comes, not
from money or possessions, but from knowing and following Christ.
PeaceWe are freed from worrying about trivial things because of the
inner peace we experience with God in our hearts. We work and pray for
peace throughout the world.
PatienceWe demonstrate patience by treating others with
thoughtfulness and tolerance. We know that we can overcome the
temptations and sufferings of life because God is always with us.
KindnessWe live the virtue of kindness by treating others as we want
to be treated.
GoodnessWe exhibit goodness when we honor God by avoiding sin
and always trying to do what we know is right.
GenerosityWe demonstrate the fruit of generosity when we are share
our gifts and possessions with others.
GentlenessGentle people act calmly and avoid actions that might
lead others to anger or resentment.
FaithfulnessWe are faithful when we live out our commitment to the
teachings of Jesus, the Scriptures, and the Catholic Church.

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ModestyWe exhibit modesty by being pure in our thoughts, words,

and dress.
Self-controlWe exercise self-control by working to overcome the
temptations we face and by trying always to do Gods will.
ChastityWe live the virtue of chastity when we use the gift of
sexuality wisely, according to Gods plan.
Source:
http://faithfirst.com/RCLsacraments/confirmation/teens/older/gifts_spirit.
html