The Sacrament of Confirmation

Historical Origins of the Ritual

• Ancient Israel• Anointed kings with oil• Showed that the chosen king was touched

by God• 1 Samuel 10:1• 1 Samuel 16:10-13

Biblical Roots in the New Testament

• Baptism required for initiation into the Church• Required confirmation from an Apostle/Bishop• Apostle/Bishop represents the community• Acts 8:14-17

Tradition in the Church

• Three Sacraments of Initiation done together for the first five centuries• Pope Clement letter to Corinth in the year 100• Cyprian distinguishes between Confirmation

and baptism

Tradition in the Church Continued

• Medieval Ages – Introduce infant baptism• Council of Trent – list of 7 sacraments

solidified

The Rite

• Performed by Bishop or his designate• Renewal of Baptismal vows• Laying of hands on Candidate• Mark with oil

Why Is it a Sacrament

• Sacrament: Ritual that directly connects one to Christ• Through the connection with Christ,

receive Grace• Experience of both this world and

supernatural simultaneously• Sacraments instituted by Christ

Preparation for the Sacrament

• Service in the community• Study the Faith• Choose sponsor• Select a Saint

Role of the Holy Spirit

• Descends on Confirmation candidate• Not a physical phenomenon• See effects over time• Indelible mark on the soul• Enhance the Gifts• Formed into a soldier for Christ

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

• Gifts of the Holy Spirit – Based off of Romans 12:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 12:8-10• Wisdom• Understanding• Right Judgment• Fortitude (Courage)• Knowledge• Piety• Fear of the Lord