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Sacraments
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Receiving the Holy Spirit and becoming a witness of Christ
What Is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament that completes Baptism. Through the laying on of hands and the anointing with Holy Chrism, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
This sacrament gives us the strength to bear witness, in word and deed, to the love and power of God. It makes us full and responsible members of the Catholic Church.
The Meaning of Confirmation
Confirmation is like a “contract” with God. The person being confirmed says:
“Yes, I believe in You, my God; give me Your Spirit so that I may belong to You completely, that I may never be separated from You, and that I may be Your witness throughout my life, with all my soul and all my body, in deeds and in words, in good days and in bad.”
And God answers:
“I too believe in you, my child – and I will give you my Spirit, yes, I will give myself to you.”
How Is Confirmation Celebrated?
Minister
The sacrament is ordinarily administered by the bishop.
Rite
The person being confirmed receives the anointing with Holy Chrism on the forehead, accompanied by the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Context
In the Archdiocese of Moncton, confirmation is celebrated with young people who have completed seven years of catechesis.
Preparing for Confirmation
Preparation for confirmation involves:
Personal reflection on faith and Christian commitment.
Support from the parish community and catechists.
Active participation in the life of the Church.
This preparation concerns the whole ecclesial community, because confirmation is an event of the Church that is accomplished in the faith of the Church.
Living as a Witness of Christ
After confirmation, those who have been confirmed are called to:
Witness to their faith in their daily lives.
Take an active part in the mission of the Church.
Grow in their relationship with God through prayer and the sacraments. Confirmation is not an end, but a new beginning for a life guided by the Holy Spirit.
Need help?
Do you have any questions?
For any question about the Sacrament of Confirmation or to prepare its celebration, contact your parish or the archdiocese.
The sacraments