Confirmation | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

A sacrament is a visible sign that conveys an invisible grace.

Confirmation as a Sacrament

Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments recognized by the Catholic Church.

Sacrament of Initiation

Confirmation is classified as a sacrament of initiation within the Church, alongside:

• Baptism
• Eucharist

Significance of Initiation

Through confirmation, an individual is fully welcomed as an adult member of the Catholic Church. During this sacrament, individuals personally affirm the commitments made on their behalf by their parents and godparents during baptism. They take ownership of their faith journey.

Biblical Roots of Confirmation

Confirmation is deeply rooted in biblical events, particularly Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit to his disciples.

Scriptural Reference

Jesus said:

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26)

As promised, after Jesus’ ascension, the Holy Spirit descended upon his followers, empowering them to proclaim the Gospel with courage. This event is described in the Acts of the Apostles:

“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” (Acts 2:3-4)

Signs, Symbols, and Actions in Confirmation

Confirmation includes specific signs, symbols, and words that carry profound meaning:

• Presence of a Bishop: The bishop’s involvement signifies that the individual is being commissioned to go out into the world and share the Good News of Jesus, mirroring the mission of the apostles.
• Anointing with Chrism Oil: The application of chrism oil on the forehead represents the presence and sealing of the Holy Spirit.
• Laying on of Hands: This gesture symbolizes the bestowal of the Holy Spirit’s gifts and God’s blessings upon the individual.
• Words of Confirmation: The bishop says, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit,” marking the formal reception of the Spirit.

Effects and Importance of Confirmation

Confirmation holds significant spiritual and communal importance for several reasons:

• Affirmation of Baptismal Promises: It is the moment when a Catholic personally reaffirms the promises made at their baptism, committing to live according to Jesus’ teachings.
• Entry as an Adult Christian: Confirmation marks the individual’s entry into God’s family as a mature Christian, responsible for their own moral and spiritual choices.
• Renewal of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is revitalized within the individual, providing strength to resist evil and live a virtuous life.
• Strengthening of Faith: Like the disciples at Pentecost, the individual’s faith is fortified, equipping them to face life’s challenges.
• Call to Evangelize: Confirmation calls the individual to spread the Good News of Jesus, following the example of the early disciples who were empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
• Living as a Witness: By living a faithful Christian life, the individual sets a positive example for others, demonstrating the values of the Gospel.
• Deepening of Grace: According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, confirmation “brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1302).