Sacraments of Initiation

Confirmation

The Holy Spirit Among Us• Where there is death, the Holy Spirit brings

life• Where there is loss and confusion the Holy

Spirit guides and clarifies• Where despair settles in, the Holy Spirit brings

hope based on the true promises of the Lord– Promise of a Messiah– Promise of the Holy Spirit

Promises Fulfilled• Messiah

– Genesis 3:15• The first mention of the

promise to send a savior that would reconcile humanity with the divine

– Isaiah 11:1-3• Prophecy that the Messiah

would come from the family of David

– Luke 1:5• Revelation of who the child of

Mary would be

– Luke 2: 6-7• Promise fulfilled

– John 1: 32-4• Jesus is revealed at his own

baptism by John

• Holy Spirit– John 4:16

• Jesus promises to send an advocate

– Luke 24:29• Jesus tells the apostles to

stay in the city until they are “clothed with the power from on high”

– Luke 2: 1-6• Fulfillment

Confirmation, East & West• In the beginning of the early church all three

sacraments of initiation were celebrated at the same time by the Bishop– Western Church

• Due to the increased number of infant baptisms, the growth of dioceses, and the distance between parishes, Confirmation was delayed until the Bishop could be present. This remains true today

– Eastern Church• Because of the use of chrism that has been consecrated by

the Bishop, priests celebrate Confirmation in the Eastern Churches. Therefore all three sacraments are still celebrated together, including Eucharist.

Reflection of Truth

• Eastern Church– Celebration of sacraments together emphasizes the unity of these

sacraments• Western Church

– Waiting for the Bishop strengthens the connection between the newly confirmed and the apostolic origins

• Bishop is the sign of unity, universal, and apostolic qualities of the Church– Apostolic succession is handed on through the “laying of the hands”

• Even though the bishop is the usual minister of Confirmation, he may grant permission to the parish priest to celebrate the sacrament at the Easter Vigil

Preparation

• Eligibility– Reached the age of reason (seven years old or

whatever age to sixteen the bishop of the diocese chooses)

• Criteria – Profess the faith (Creed)– Be in the state of grace– Desire to receive the sacrament– Intend to live as a disciple of Christ and witness to the

faith, both within the Church and in the world.

Origin• Old Testament:– Mentions the Spirit of the Lord present in certain

individuals destined for a particular mission.• Joel 3: 1-3• Isaiah 61: 1-2

• New Testament– Jesus begins His mission by quoting the words of Isaiah– Spirit descends on Jesus at his baptism– John the Baptist says that “He will baptize you with the

Holy Spirit”– Jesus promises to send the Spirit– Pentecost experience

Celebrating the Rite• Introductory Rites• Liturgy of the Word• Presentation of the Candidates• Homily• Renewal of Baptismal vows• “Laying on of Hands”***• Anointing with chrism***– Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit

• Prayer of the Faithful• Liturgy of the Eucharist• Concluding Rites

Confirmation• Essential Sacramental Symbol– Laying on of hands and the anointing with chrism

while saying “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”

• Usual minister– Bishop – With permission a priest may administer the

sacrament

Life in the Holy Spirit

• Offerings & responsibilities– Roots us more deeply as sons & daughters of God– Unites us more firmly to Jesus– Increases the gifts of the Spirit in us– Strengthens our relationship with the Church– Involves us more deeply with the mission of the

Church– Helps us to bear witness to our faith through our

words and actions

Life in the Spirit

• Gifts:– Wisdom– Understanding– Knowledge– Right judgment– Courage (fortitude)– Reverence– Wonder and awe

• To be “opened” and used always

• Fruits:– Charity– Joy– Peace– Patience– Kindness– Generosity– Gentleness– Faithfulness– Modesty– Self-control– Chastity

• when we live in the Spirit these qualities show up in our lives

Discernment of God’s Will

• What is “discernment?• Know and pray with Scripture• Live the Sacraments• Love the Catholic Church• Pray to the Spirit• Be an active member of the “Body of Christ”