Sacraments of Initiation: Confirmation

Confirmation

“Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit” (Acts 8:14-17).

The sacrament of Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds. (CCC, 1316)

Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or indelible character on the Christian’s soul; for this reason one can receive this sacrament only once in one’s life. (CCC, 1317)

A candidate for Confirmation who has attained the age of reason must profess the faith, be in the state of grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ, both within the ecclesial community and in temporal affairs. (CCC, 1319)

The essential rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism, together with the laying on of the minister’s hand and the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” (CCC, 1320)

When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, its connection with Baptism is expressed, among other ways, by the renewal of baptismal promises. The celebration of Confirmation during the Eucharist helps underline the unity of the sacraments of Christian initiation. (CCC, 1321)

If you have been baptized as a Roman Catholic, are at least a high school junior, and are interested in being confirmed, please contact the Pat Wisialowski at 414/276-9814, ext. 3119 or by « email », for more information on the program of preparation for Confirmation.

If you have been baptized in another Christian religion and are interested in becoming confirmed as a Catholic, please contact Pat Wisialowski at 414/276-9814, ext. 3119 or by « email », about making a profession of faith and receiving the sacrament of Confirmation through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

The Adult Confirmation Program will begin in January 2012. If you would like to register for the Adult Confirmation Program please contact Pat Wisialowski, Pastoral Associate by « email » or 414-276-9814.