Catechism on the Sacrament of Confirmation

Before we receive the sacrament of confirmation, we should discuss the seven sacraments. The
first sacrament of Baptism wherein we are baptized as infants and it is the “door-way” to the other
sacraments because we need to be baptized first.

Now let’s discuss the second sacrament, it is the sacrament of Confirmation. In this celebration,
both the baptized Christian and the Church mutually confirm their faith in one another.

The third sacrament is the Holy Eucharist, it is the sacrament of Christian initiation which Jesus
Christ “gives His Body and Blood-Himself-for us, that we too might give ourselves to Him in love and
united with Him in Holy Communion. These first three sacraments that we discussed are the sacraments
of Initiation.

The next two sacraments are called Sacrament of Healing. One of the sacraments of Healing are
Reconciliation wherein we receive the grace of forgiveness for the sins we had committed after Baptism.

And the Anointing of the sick, this sacrament offers the gift of Healing and hope onto those who
are critically sick.

Let’s discuss now the sacrament of service, these are the sacrament of Matrimony and the
sacrament of Holy Orders. Matrimony is the rite in the which a man and woman make a covenant before
God and the Church to love each other and commit to each other fully as husband and wife unto death.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is when the ordained receives the gift of the Holy Spirit who gives him a
sacred authority that is conferred upon him by Christ through the Bishop.

Now let’s move to our main topic, in receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, we are called to
become “true soldiers” of Christ who are ready to spread and defend the faith. The sacrament of
Confirmation is considered the sacrament of Christian maturity because it marks the beginning of our
lifelong journey toward maturing in the faith and living a life in accordance with the Spirit.

Here are the parts of the Rite of Confirmation:

First, the Presentation of Candidates, in this part, the Confirmands or the candidates of Confirmation are
presented to the entire community to publicly acknowledge their readiness and willingness to carry on
the threefold mission of Christ-priestly, prophetic and Kingly-bestowed on them in Baptism.

The second part of Confirmation is Homily or instruction. The Bishop as the ordinary minister of the
rite of Confirmation explains the readings and leads the confirmands and the whole assembly into a
deeper understanding of the meaning of the sacrament and the mission it entails.

Third part of the sacrament of Confirmation is the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. In this part, the
confirmands, who are now considered mature enough by the Church, renew the same vows their
parents and Godparents said to them in Baptism.

The fourth part of Confirmation is the laying on of Hands, this is considered by the Church as the
origin of the Sacrament if Confirmation. In this part the Bishop extends his hands forward the
confirmands and prays for the coming of the Holy Spirit and strengthening of its gifts within the
confirmands.

And lastly, the Anointing with Chrism. Together with the laying on of hands, the sacrament of
Confirmation is conferred by the symbolic act of anointing with chrism. The Bishop makes the sign of the
cross on the confirmands forehead using the chrism or holy oil, Signed with the oil by the bishop’s hand,
the baptized person receives the “indelible character” or “seal of the Lord” together with the gift of the
spirit, which conforms him closer to Christ, and gives him the grace to spread Christ’s presence to
others.

How can we become witnesses to the Faith?

By witnessing to the Father’s Kingdom or reign of love in the midst of our present secular age.

By witnessing to Jesus Christ as the unique Savior of Human kind, by witnessing to the Holy Spirit in
us, which empowers us to be free from the slavery of sin, by witnessing to the love of the Triune God
though our loving service to one another, and by witnessing Christ’s real presence in and through His
body.

To become an effective witness to the Faith involves metanoia, a sincere change of heart, a
convection or turning away from our old selfish ways so that we may fully dedicate our lives to love and
serve the Lord and one another. The Holy Spirit inspires us to be conformed closer to Christ by
bestowing upon us His gifts: wisdom, understanding, and knowledge that we may understand
intelligently, right judgement, and courage that we may decide responsibly with reverence and fear of
Lord that we may love totally.

Submitted by:

Jersey Craig F. Lengwa

Blake D. Yodong

Joshua M. Payacda

Noriel E. Ekid

Ahrhies P. Aspilan

Hannah B. Blas

Maricar L. Chaluyen

Shanaiah Keith T. Pagad-o

Czerviel Zeiane Gyl Valencerina