The Meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation

What does "confirmation" mean in the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Confirmation is one of the three Sacrament of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist.

In the Sacrament of Baptism, our sin was washed away and we became God's children and members of the Church. In addition to the waters of baptism, oil is used to anoint the baptized Christians.

What is the purpose of Confirmation?

Confirmation provides a full outpouring of the Holy Spirit through the anointing of oil and the laying on of the hands. Just as the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus after the waters of baptism, so too does the Holy Spirit come upon us through the oil of Confirmation.

The oil used in Confirmation is called "Chrism." The title "Christ" in Jesus Christ's name means "Anointed One." The Chrism of Confirmation makes us like Christ as anointed ones.

Eastern Churches refer to Confirmation as "Chrismation" to remember the anointing of oil we receive in the sacrament.

Where does the term "Confirmation" come from?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "the term Confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms and strengthens baptismal grace" (CCC, 1289).

Whether the Sacrament of Confirmation is initiated immediately after Baptism or after many years, the purpose of the sacrament is to complete and strengthen the grace we receive in baptism.

On a practical level, Confirmation is often administered once a person is reaching teenager years. It has the added benefit of allowing someone to reach the age of reason and desire to receive the sacrament.

Ordinarily a bishop of the diocese will administer the sacrament as a sign of unity with the whole Church. This is why Confirmation is often done in large groups.

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