Confirmation

yeah im probably gonna end up making a flashcard set for every sacrament lol. Textbook: "The Sacraments" from the Sophia Institute. "*" represents open response question

Confirmation

Sacrament associated with courage during which a baptized 7-17 y/o (at least in the US) in a state of grace after the preparation process (instruction, study, reflection and prayer) is anointed with chrism oil on the forehead (in the Latin rite) to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, as the apostles were during Pentecost. In the Eastern Catholic Church, this is received together with baptism and eucharist, but in the Western Catholic Church this is done separately from those two by the bishop. This completes Baptism, leaves sacramental character, roots one as a child of God and as a member of the church more deeply, and gives us grace to act as a witness to Christ. St. Thomas Aquinas described this as “The Sacrament of the Fullness of Grace” because the graces of baptism are perfected and strengthened.

Apostolate

Activity that each Christian partakes in by working to extend the reign of Christ to the entire world; work of evangelization.

Laying on of Hands

Ancient ritual gesture used in Confirmation, symbolizing the giving of the Holy Spirit. Just as the apostles did this to the newly baptized at Pentecost, the bishop does it to candidates at Confirmation.

Chrismation

What the Sacrament of Confirmation is called in the Eastern rites of the Church.

Sacramental Character

Seal/Indelible mark on the soul.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Good qualities that result from living in union with the Holy Spirit. They are joy, love, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, self-control, and faithfulness.

Sponsor

Person the candidate selects to act as a role model/witness to their faith. They help the candidate grow in faith through the Confirmation preparation process and beyond, they pray from them, and they place their hand on the candidate’s shoulder during the ceremony. A person only needs one, but they have to be a confirmed practicing Catholic; usually this is the baptismal godparent.

Chrism

Olive oil (abundance and joy) mixed with balsam (aroma of Christ); blessed by the Bishop at the Chrism Mass, typically celebrated in diocesan cathedral on or near Holy Thursday. Here, the bishop consecrates the Sacred Chrism that will be used in the diocese.

Messiah

Word to refer to the Christ; means “anointed one” in Greek. This is the one consecrated to serve as priest, prophet, and king.

Confirmation’s Relation to Baptism

Sometimes these two are called the “double sacrament,” as Confirmation completes baptism and both involve the receiving of the Holy Spirit. In the early church, they were administered at the same time.

Matter of Confirmation

Chrism Oil

Form of Confirmation

The minister says, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Minister of Confirmation

The bishop is the ordinary as he is the successor of the Apostles; however, if he cannot make it (ex. Easter Vigil or other scheduling conflict), he can give permission to a priest to do it, and he would be extraordinary.

Pentecost

Takes place in Acts 2:1-8, where the Holy Spirit comes down upon the Apostles as a violent wind and tongues of fire, granting them the courage to spread the gospel and the ability to speak different languages, creating unity among the people. This was once a Jewish feast celebrating God giving the Ten Commandments to Moses, but now it celebrates Jesus sending the Holy Spirit on His Church to give the New Law of God’s love. Now the law is engraved in our hearts, not stone tablets. This is what happens to us during our Confirmation as well.

Confirmation Saint

Catholics choose a saint and take their name at their confirmation because it symbolizes the new identity and mission of the person being confirmed (being changed in Christ), and that acknowledge that they will look up to this saint in heaven, and they will intercede for them.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Mentioned by the prophet Isaiah, these are the seven things we receive from the Holy Spirit at confirmation to help us live more faithful lives. They are wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Wisdom

Seeing as God sees

Understanding

Ability to comprehend the Divine Mysteries

Knowledge

Helps us to know about and experience God; to personally know Him

Counsel

Good judgement and moral choice making

Fortitude

Courage to stand firm in the faith even in hard times

Piety

Faithful and obedient love, helping us to give God true praise and worship

Fear of the Lord

Desire to please God out of love for Him