(‘THE ESSENTIAL RITE … OF CONFIRMATION IS … ‘THROUGH THE ANOINTING OF CHRISM ON THE FOREHEAD, WHICH IS DONE BY THE LAYING ON OF THE HAND, AND THROUGH THE WORDS: “BE SEALED WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT”.’ – CATECHISM 1300)
The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred by the Bishop (or a specially appointed delegate) who places his hand on the head of the candidate and anoints their head with Chrism in the sign of a cross while saying:
‘Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit’.
‘Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit’.
The Participants
Children's Confirmation – Children are eligible to receive Confirmation if they have been baptised (or received) into the Catholic Church and are at least 7 years of age.
Adult Confirmation – For those who are already baptised Catholic but have not yet been confirmed. To enrol for adult confirmation, please contact your local parish.
For those who are not yet baptised or received into the Catholic Church
The preparation for this is usually through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA
Adult Confirmation – For those who are already baptised Catholic but have not yet been confirmed. To enrol for adult confirmation, please contact your local parish.
For those who are not yet baptised or received into the Catholic Church
The preparation for this is usually through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA
The Stages of Confirmation
STEP ONE
The Presentation of the Candidates After the Gospel, the Parish Priest presents the candidates to the celebrant for Confirmation. The Parish Priest informs the celebrant that all candidates have been suitably prepared by their parents and teachers, and are ready to be confirmed. |
STEP TWO
The renewal of baptismal promises A Christian receives all the basic spiritual gifts needed to relate with God and to live as Jesus taught through Baptism and Confirmation. The two sacraments, therefore, are linked. The promises made during Baptism, therefore, are repeated during Confirmation to make the link between these Sacraments clear. |
STEP FOUR
The Sign of Peace The Confirmation Rite concludes with the Sign of Peace. This symbolises that the newly initiated Catholic is united by the Spirit with the whole Church community and its leader, the bishop. The Bishop touches the cheek of the newly confirmed as a sign of peace. The bishop says: Peace be with you. The newly confirmed responds: And also with you |
STEP THREE
The Laying on of Hands The third element in the Rite of Confirmation is the Laying on of Hands. Here, the celebrant holds his hands over those to be confirmed and prays that they will receive the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. |
(Archdiocese of Perth Western Australia, 2001)