Theology 3 - Unit 3 (Confirmation)

indelible spiritual mark (CCC, 1304)

Like Baptism, Confirmation is given only once, for it too imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual mark, the "character" which is the sign that Jesus has marked a Christian with the seal of his Spirit by clothing him with power from on high so that he may be his witness

wisdom

-desire for the things of God and to direct our whole life and our actions to His honor and glory

-helps the Confirmed to keep and maintain God's perspective on things

understanding

-enables us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith

-helps the Confirmed to grasp more easily the meaning of God's revealed truths

counsel

-warns us of the deceits of the devil and of the dangers to salvation

-helps the Confirmed to make right judgements about actions that could lead us to or away from God

fortitude

-strengthens us to do the will of God in all things

-helps the Confirmed to be courageous in the face of difficulty or suffering

knowledge

-enables us to discover the will of God in all things

-helps the Confirmed to recognize those things which aid or detract from faith

piety

-we love God as a Father and obey Him because we love Him

-helps the Confirmed to keep sight of our God as our common source

fear of the Lord

-we have a dread of sin and fear of offending God

-helps the Confirmed to stay close to God and resist being separated by sin

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control

What are the fruits of the spirit

from the Holy Spirit, through Confirmation

Where do the Fruits of the Spirit flow from?

brings forward the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, effectively increasing and deepening(completing) the baptismal graces

How does the Sacrament of Confirmation fulfill the definition of a Sacrament?:

efficacious sign of grace

"Christ instituted this Sacrament not by bestowing it, but by promising it, according to John 16:7: 'If I go not, the Paraclete will not come to you, but if I go, I will send Him to you." (ST III, 72, I)

How does the Sacrament of Confirmation fulfill the definition of a Sacrament?:

instituted by Christ

-at Pentecost

-the coming of the Spirit in Acts ch. 2

How does the Sacrament of Confirmation fulfill the definition of a Sacrament?:

entrusted to the Church

we can reach divine life by living out the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit that are made present to us by way of the Church

How does the Sacrament of Confirmation fulfill the definition of a Sacrament?:

by which divine life is dispensed to us

-roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!"

-unites us more firmly to Christ

-increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us

-renders our bond with the Church more perfect

-gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly and never be ashamed of the Cross

5 effects of Confirmation

-emphasizes the link that Confirmation has to Baptism

-marks the individual's personal commitment to live out the responsibilities of baptism

During the Rite of Confirmation, why does the confirmand renew their baptismal promises?

-must already be baptized

-reach the age of reason (7 years old)

-must be in the state of grace (free from mortal sin)

-candidates must be properly instructed

-must have the intention of receiving the Sacrament

-must be ready to assume the responsibilities of being a disciple and witness to Christ, both in the Church and in the world

What are the requirements that have to be met to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?

-in the 1st centuries, Confirmation generally comprised 1 single celebration with Baptism

-forms with it a "double Sacrament"

-as the Christianity spread, bishops were no longer able to attend all baptismal celebrations, allowing Baptism to be administered by priests but reserving the completion of Baptism for bishops

West:

-the 2 separated

-expresses the communion of the new Christian with the Bishop as guarantor and servant of the unity, catholicity, and apostolicity of his Church

East:

-remained united

-can be administered by priests with myrons (oils) blessed by the Bishop

-greater emphasis on the unity of the Sacraments of Initiation

Give a detailed account of the historical development of the Sacrament of Confirmation. How do the West and East differ in their practices?

baptism- confirmation - eucharist

What is the restored order of the Sacraments of Initiation?

-to make sure the Confirmed person acts as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations that come from this Sacrament

-puts an emphasis on unity with Baptism (when same sponsor for both)

What is the role of the sponsor?

-Bishop

-may delegate a priest to administer the Sacrament if he's unable to attend

Confirmation: ordinary minister

"(name), be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."

What is the prayer (form) that the ordinary minister prays as he confirms someone?

Peter and John laying hands on and praying for the already baptized people of Samaria to receive the Holy Spirit

Acts 8: 14-17

Ezekiel's vision of the dry bones coming to life upon receiving the Spirit

Ezekiel 37: 1-14

traditional names for the gifts of the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 11: 1-3

Ananias following the Lord's command and laying hands on Saul (Paul) and praying for him

Acts 9: 17-19

-Paul laying hands of the people of Ephesus to receive the Holy Spirit

-spoke in tongues and prophesied

Acts 19:6