Confirmation

Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, because, as the introduction to the
Rite of Confirmation states: "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more
perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit.
Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the
faith by word and deed.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church points out, "The original minister of Confirmation is
the bishop." Each bishop is a successor to th apostles. The essential element in
Confirmation is the bishop's anointing of the confirmand (the person being confirmed) with
chrism (an aromatic holy oil) accompanied by the words "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy
Spirit." This seal is a consecration, an indelible mark, representing the Holy Spirit's
safeguarding the graces conferred at Baptism. The seven Gifts of the Spirit give the
confirmandi the strength to defend and live the Catholic faith.

Two other elements of the sacrament of Confirmation are the bishop's blessing in the laying
on of hands and the confirmandi's renewal of baptismal promises.

Confirmation is conferred upon the candidates in the fall of ninth grade, following the
successful completion of a two year preparation program. Older teens and adults considering
confirmation should contact the Parish office regarding the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation
for Adults) program.