Confirmation

Confirmation is the sacrament of initiation in which a baptized person receives special gifts of the Holy Spirit and is strengthened in grace. It is administered typically by a bishop, by anointing of the candidate with chrism (consecrated oil) and making the Sign of the Cross on the forehead saying, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." Confirmation bestows a permanent character on the soul and cannot be received again.

"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."

~Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285

Confirmation, one of the sacraments of initiation, deepens our baptismal call and strengthens our relationship with Jesus Christ. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed at confirmation, we are better equipped to contemplate and understand the purpose and plan of God and our role in the community of the Church.

In late 2019, the Archdiocese of Seattle made the transition for the age of confirmation from 11th grade or 16 years of age to seventh grade or the equivalent age. To learn more regarding the change in age, please read Archbishop Etienne's letter about the age revision.

The gift of the Holy Spirit in confirmation completes the sacraments of initiation and equips a person to live one’s faith as an adult.

In the Book of Isaiah 11:2-3, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are described as ones that the Messiah would possess. Through Jesus, we also receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of confirmation.

Wisdom helps us recognize the importance of others and the importance of keeping God central in our lives.

Understanding is the ability to comprehend the meaning of God's message.

Knowledge is the ability to think about and explore God's revelation, and also to recognize there are mysteries of faith beyond us.

Counsel is the ability to see the best way to follow God's plan when we have choices that relate to him.

Fortitude is the courage to do what one knows is right.

Piety helps us pray to God in true devotion.

Fear of the Lord is the feeling of amazement before God, who is all-present, and whose friendship we do not want to lose.

Taken from Loyola Press

A confirmation sponsor is a practicing Catholic who has been confirmed and who will guide you and share the Catholic faith with you. The sponsor symbolizes the greater community's role of supporting you in your faith life.