Confirmation
Confirmation is a Catholic sacrament of mature Christian commitment and a deepening of baptismal gifts. Like Baptism and Eucharist, it is a Sacrament of Initiation for Catholics and a Sacrament of faith in God's fidelity to us.
Confirmation is a continuation, ratification or sealing of Baptism. It helps us to focus on the missionary dimensions of the baptismal commitment.
Confirmation celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit first given at the great Pentecost event and bestows a sharing of that gift on those who receive this sacrament (Acts 2.1-39; 8.14-17, 19-5f). The prayer said with the hands extended over those to be confirmed and the anointing with the words "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" point to the gift of the Holy Spirit who strengthens us and equip us with the charisms to bear witness to Christ and share in the Church's universal mission of sanctifying the world. (Acts 1.8;2.4).
Confirmation points to the full possession of the Holy Spirit in the world to come.
Click here for information regarding the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.