Sacraments and God's Grace, Unit 2, Chapter 5

bishop

The ordinary minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Sacrament of Confirmation

Through the Holy Spirit, this sacrament perfects and strengthens the graces received in Baptism.

Apostolic Succession

The uninterrupted passing on of apostolic preaching and authority from the Apostles directly to the bishops.

discernment

The practice of listening for God's call in our lives and distinguishing between good and bad choices.

vocation

A universal call from God, rooted in our Baptism, to all members of the Church to embrace a holy life.

charism

A special grace of the Holy Spirit.

ruah

A Hebrew word meaning "wind, breath, and spirit." Another word to describe the Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist

He baptized Jesus in the River Jordan.

Advocate

Jesus' word for the Holy Spirit. The Third Divine Person of the Blessed Trinity.

Pentecost

The fiftieth day after Passover, when the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles as a driving wind and tongues of fire.

restored order

Some dioceses celebrate the sacraments in this way: first Baptism, then Confirmation, and last, the Eucharist.

Presentation of the Candidates

The pastor, deacon, or catechist brings forth the candidates to the bishop, usually by the calling of names.

Laying On of Hands

This is a sign of the descent of the Holy Spirit during the Sacrament of Confirmation.