Confirmation
ConfirmationA ceremony which sees a young person making a commitment to lead a Christian life. is one of the three sacraments of initiation. The other two are baptismRite of initiation involving immersion in, or sprinkling or pouring of water; a sacrament marking the start of Christian life. and the EucharistA service celebrating the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, using elements of bread and wine..
The sacrament of confirmation typically takes place in early teenage years, when a child starts to be seen as an adult member of the Church. This is because they are now considered old enough to renew and confirm for themselves vows that were made on their behalf when they were baptised. However, there is no set age for the confirmation rite, and people are often confirmed as adults.
Confirmation usually takes place during a Mass that is given by the bishopAnglican, Orthodox, or Catholic clergy ranking above a priest. They are usually in charge of a diocese..
Importantly, the bishop anointTo rub water or oil on a person as a ceremony of blessing. Typically an honour reserved for royalty. the believerâs forehead with holy oil called chrismSpecial oil used for anointing..
The four parts of confirmation
The sacrament of confirmation can be divided into four parts:
- Presentation of the candidate - The individuals awaiting confirmation are summoned.
- Renewal of baptismal vows - The individuals renew the promises made at their baptism.
- Laying on of hands - The candidate being confirmed kneels before the bishop, who reads out the candidateâs chosen confirmation name. A sponsor places their right hand on the shoulder of the candidate and the bishop lays his hands on the candidateâs head. This is to call down the power and blessing of God.
- Anointing with chrism - The bishop then anoints the candidate with chrism, which is holy oil. The bishop then makes a sign of the cross on the candidateâs forehead, saying the words âbe sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spiritâ. The bishop then says âpeace be with youâ, which the candidate repeats back to the bishop.
Question
Whose gifts are sealed at confirmation?
The gifts of the Holy Spirit.