Baptism and Confirmation could be considered, in light of their origins and history, one sacrament. Confirmation, which comprises the post baptismal rites of anointing, the laying on of hands, and the words, “Be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” is a ratification, or sealing, of Baptism.
For those who were baptized as infants, Confirmation provides an opportunity to ratify freely and deliberately what was done for them at Baptism.
The Effects of Confirmation
It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1302).
Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:
- It roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, “Abba! Father” (Rom 8:15)
- It unites us more firmly to Christ
- It increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us
- It renders our bond with the Church more perfect
- It gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith
Who Can Receive this Sacrament?
Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation (Code of Canon Law, can. 889.1).
How do we Celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in our Parish?
Young people, ages 12 thru 19, are prepared for this sacrament in a two year program. For more information contact one of the priests or call us at (649) 941-5136.
RCIA
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is a spiritual journey to find out whether one is being called to a life as a Catholic Christian. The journey is marked by landmarks of rites along the way that help each person to discover where it is that God is leading them.
References
- Catechism of the Catholic Church – 1285: “Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the ‘sacraments of Christian initiation,’ whose unity must be safeguarded.”
- Canon Law 879 – Title II: “The sacrament of confirmation confers a character. By it the baptized continue their path of Christian initiation.”