Religion 11 - Chapter 3: Confirmation

What is necessary for the completion of Baptismal Grace?

Confirmation

Where does Confirmation find its roots? What other sacrament finds its roots in the same place?

on the day of Pentecost, like Baptism

What does Messiah mean?

Hebrew for “anointed one”

What is the Greek translation for “anointed one”?

Christ

Who is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit intended for?

not for Christ alone, but for all of God’s chosen, who are called a messianic people

What are the physical signs of the Sacrament of Confirmation?

the Laying on of Hands and an anointing with perfumed oil called Sacred Chrism

What does the name “Sacred Chrism” illustrate?

the name “Christian” (the name of the followers of Christ), which means anointed ones

By whom/when was the name “Confirmation” first used?

by St. Ambrose of Milan in the 4th century

What do Eastern Rite churches call Confirmation, and why?

“Chrismation” because of the Sacred Chrism used

What are the effects of Confirmation?

• Baptismal grace is perfected

• An Indelible Mark is imprinted on the soul

• The Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit are increased

• Special graces are given

What does the perfection of Baptismal grace in Confirmation enable a person to do?

to be an Apostle of Christ

What is an effect of the Indelible Mark imprinted on the soul at Confirmation?

because of its permanence, Confirmation can only be received once

What do the special graces received at Confirmation enable a personto do?

to spread and defend the faith by word and deed as a true witness to Christ

What is the matter of Confirmation?

sacred oil (Sacred Chrism) that is used to anoint the confirmation candidate

What did St. Paul say about an anointing with a certain fragrant perfume?

an anointing with balsam is a symbol of putting on the “aroma of Christ”

What is the difference in the anointing between the East and the West?

• West: The forehead is anointed

• East: Eyes, nose, ears, lips, chest, back, hands, and feet are anointed to show that the whole person is anointed in Christ

What is the form of Confirmation?

“Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” is said as the minister traces the sign of the Cross with Sacred Chrism over the forehead of the Confirmation candidate.

Who are the ordinary ministers of the Sacrament of Confirmation and why?

the bishops (the successors of the Apostles) because the Holy Spirit was given directly to the Apostles at Pentecost

Who can consecrate the Sacred Chrism used in Confirmation, and why?

only a Bishop because of Apostolic Succession

Who can be the extraordinary minister of Confirmation? When?

a priest - during Easter Vigil, cases of emergency, or a lack of a Bishop in the diocese

What role does the Confirmation sponsor fulfill?

much the same role as the Baptismal sponsor (godparent), so the Catechism encourages that one of the godparents be the confirmation sponsor

What are the requirements for being a Confirmation sponsor?

• be at least 16 years old

• be a practicing Catholic

• have received all sacraments of initiation

What is a Confirmation sponsor meant to do?

to be a role model and to assist the Confirmation candidate through constantly praying for them

Who chooses a candidate’s Confirmation sponsor?

the candidate

Other than a sponsor, what else does a Confirmation candidate choose?

a Confirmation name - usually the name of a saint that they admire

What are the minimum requirements for a Confirmation candidate?

• have received Baptism, Reconciliation, and the Eucharist

• be in the state of grace (no mortal sin)

• have the intention to receive the sacrament

Between what ages is Confirmation usually received?

between 7 and 17

Wisdom

both the knowledge of and judgement about “divine things” and the ability to judge and direct human affairs according to divine truth; the ability to make good judgements

Understanding

penetrating insight into the very heart of things, especially those high truths that are necessary for our eternal salvation—in essence, the ability to “see” God; the ability to perceive, interpret, and comprehend information

Counsel

aka Right Judgement; allows a man to be directed by God in matters necessary for his salvation; teach, guide, and encourage others

Fortitude

aka Courage; denotes a firmness of mind in doing good and in avoiding evil, particularly when it is difficult or dangerous to do so, and the confidence to overcome all obstacles, even deadly ones, by virtue of the assurance of everlasting life; virtue of moral strength, courage, and determination

Knowledge

the ability to judge correctly about matters of faith and right action, so as to never wander from the straight path of justice; the ability to learn, acquire, and use information

Piety

aka Reverence; revering God as Father “Abba,” knowing we are sons and daughters. Properly aligning our relationship then to God and our neighbor; the ability to live a life free of sin and devoted to God

Fear of God

aka Wonder and Awe; “filial” or chaste fear whereby we revere God and avoid separating ourselves from him—as opposed to “servile” fear, whereby we fear punishment; awe and reverence for God - can’t imagine ever doing something to separate us from God

What must we do to receive the full effects of Confirmation?

engage in the rest of the sacraments consistently and faithfully

What sacrament is the beginning of a new life in the Church?

Baptism

True or False: Jesus unintentionally promises the Holy Spirit to the Apostles.

False