"The signs and symbols used in the Church’s liturgy provide us with a great opportunity for reflection. These simple elements of everyday life invite us to reflect on the mystery of our faith." (National Catholic Education Commission, 2015).
Laying on of hands
The Bishop stretches out his hand over the children and calls down the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a profound gesture which is also used in other sacraments including the anointing of the sick and ordination of a priest. This gesture is also used during the consecration of the bread and wine at Mass, so that they become the body and blood of Christ. In Confirmation, the Bishop or Priest calls upon the gifts of the Holy Spirit to overshadow the person being confirmed.
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Anointing with Oil
Chrism, which is a special oil blessed by the Bishop is used for anointing during the confirmation ceremony. Anointing is a symbol of being called and strengthened for an important task, which is derived from ancient times. In Confirmation, the person is being anointed to go forth in life as a Catholic, as a disciple of Jesus, as a person of the Spirit, with confidence and strength
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The Sign of Peace
This Sign of Peace is used within the Confirmation ceremony as a sign of our unity and that we are one people of God, one body of Christ. When the bishop or Priest says ‘Peace be with you’ during the Confirmation ceremony or during Mass, he is saying it on behalf of the community to symbolise that we are all one with the Church.here to edit.
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(Catholic Education Office Melbourne, 2005)