The Sacrament of Confirmation

Jesus promised to send the Spirit to be our advocate and helper.  At Pentecost this spirit was poured out on the first believers, making them witnesses full of faith and courage.  At Baptism the Holy Spirit comes upon us, and at Confirmation we are anointed in the strength of this Spirit and send to carry on Christ’s mission.  The Spirit in us is the same Spirit who anointed Jesus to redeem the world and bring about the Kingdom of the Father through loving service.  The Holy Spirt and His gifts help us to live our baptismal promises, grow in to the likeness of Christ, and share his mission. We are united with our Spirit-filled people in the Church, the Body of Christ.  Together we spread the message of the Good News, we worship as the Eucharist, we support one another in community and we give service to those in need.

The faithful are strengthened in the Sacrament of Confirmation by being sealed with the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is a completion of the Sacrament of Baptism.  The spirit comes through the laying on of hands and the anointing with chrism by the bishop.  The Sacrament of Confirmation is celebrated during Mass after the Liturgy of the Word.  The rite includes a renewal of baptismal vows, laying on of hands, anointing with oil and a sign of peace.