SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

PURPOSE

►Catechism of the Catholic Church #1285
 
Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the "sacraments of Christian initiation," whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.
 
For "by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed."

Please explore the lower sidebar for a CCC link, a printer friendly USCCB document and a video by Busted Halo, all related to this grace-filled Sacrament!

FAITH DOCTRINE REFERENCES

 
►CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
 
CONFIRMATION REFERENCES
Confirmation, 1285-321
age for receiving, 1307-08
apostolate of the laity and, 900, 941
character of, 698, 1121, 1304-05, 1317
New Law and, 1210
preparation and purposes for, 1309
priesthood of the Christian faithful and, 1546
salvation and, 1286-92
significance of, 1289
state required for receiving, 1310, 1318-19
who may receive the sacrament of, 1306-11
witness and, 2472
See also Chrism; Sacrament(s)
Confirmation and the sacraments
    Christian initiation and, 695, 1212, 1275, 1285, 1533
effects of Confirmation
    increase of baptismal grace, 1303, 1316
    indelible character of, 1304-05, 1317
    the outpouring of the Spirit, 1302
    the Seal and, 698, 1121
Rite of Confirmation, 1297-301
    anointing, 695, 1242, 1291, 1294, 1300, 1523
    celebration separate from Baptism, 1233, 1290, 1321
    to be conferred only once, 1304
    godfather and godmother, 1311
    handing over of the Lord's Prayer, 2769
    Holy chrism, 1297
    laying on of hands, 1288
    minister of, 1312-14, 1318
    signs and rites of, 1293-301, 1320