Confirmation
Religious Studies A: AQA GCSE Religions, topic 3.2.3
Confirmation
Catholics consider Confirmation to be one of seven sacraments, the second sacrament of initiation.
Timing - adolescence
- Most Catholics receive Confirmation when they are older, typically when they reach adolescence.
- This is often believed to be an age when they can understand the demands of the Christian faith and can choose to make the commitment for themselves.
Timing - can vary
- The timing of receiving the sacrament can vary though:
- Some dioceses believe a child should be confirmed before they first receive communion, and so are confirmed at an earlier age.
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that seven is the ‘age of discretion’ or the age at which children can understand the implications of the decisions they make.
Significance
- It is an opportunity for a baptised Catholic to renew the commitments made on their behalf at Baptism.
- Those being confirmed reject evil and profess their belief in God and the Christian faith.
- They believe they receive a special grace, or gifts, from the Holy Spirit to help them live good Christian lives.
- These gifts include wisdom and courage, as were shown by the Apostles at Pentecost when they also received the Holy Spirit.
Process of Confirmation
The Confirmation ceremony is usually conducted by a bishop, but he can designate the role to a priest. The process of Confirmation has three main stages:
Vows renewed
- The person being confirmed renews the vows made on their behalf at Baptism.
Bishop spreads hands
- The bishop spreads his hands and prays for the Holy Spirit to come down on those who are being confirmed.
Foreheads anointed
- Each one is then anointed on the forehead with the oil of chrism as a sign of the strength they are being given to live up to their commitment.
Test yourself on Confirmation
Which sacrament of initiation is the Confirmation?
When do Catholics typically receive Confirmation?
Who is the Confirmation ceremony usually conducted by?
At a Confirmation ceremony, what are those being confirmed anointed with?