Symbols and Rituals of Confirmation
The Renewal of Baptismal Promises, Laying on of Hands, Anointing with Chrism and the Holy Spirit are symbols and rituals that are central to the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Sacrament of Confirmation together with the Eucharist and Baptism constitute the 'Sacraments of Christian Initiation'. When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism the Liturgy of Confirmation begins with the renewal of the baptismal promises (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2014).
During the Rite of Confirmation candidates receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the Laying on of Hands by the Bishop. The laying on of hands is a ritual action of calling upon the Holy Spirit (Kelly, 2010). After the Apostles baptized new believers they laid hands upon them to impart the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The act of 'laying on of hands' is recognised in the Catholic tradition as the essential rite and origin of the sacrament of Confirmation - a ritual which perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, as cited in Tobin, n.d).
During the Rite of Confirmation the bishop anoints each candidate on the forehead with Chrism. Chrism is made from an oil from olives, scented with balsam and blessed by the Bishop (Knight, 2012). The anointing of Chrism marks the seal of the Holy Spirit, which marks that the confirmed belong wholly to Christ. The spiritual seal received through confirmation symbolises ones consecration as a Christian, and calls one to share in Jesus' priestly, prophetic and kingly mission (Brisbane Catholic Education Office, 2013).
With the renewal of baptismal promises, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are received in a new way to strengthen the bond with the church and its members (Catechism of the Catholic Church, as cited in United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2013). The seal of the Holy Spirit gives strength to those who are confirmed for ongoing service in the Body of Christ within the Church and the world (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2013). Therefore, confirmation is not only an anointing, it is a commissioning to share in Jesus' mission in Luke 4:18-19 (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2013).
Biblical references
In biblical times the laying on of hands was an action that conferred blessing or authority and was also associated with receiving the Holy Spirit (Kelly, 2010).
Class resources
The Catechism of the Catholic Church
The Sacrament of Confirmation together with the Eucharist and Baptism constitute the 'Sacraments of Christian Initiation'. When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism the Liturgy of Confirmation begins with the renewal of the baptismal promises (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2014).
During the Rite of Confirmation candidates receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the Laying on of Hands by the Bishop. The laying on of hands is a ritual action of calling upon the Holy Spirit (Kelly, 2010). After the Apostles baptized new believers they laid hands upon them to impart the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The act of 'laying on of hands' is recognised in the Catholic tradition as the essential rite and origin of the sacrament of Confirmation - a ritual which perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, as cited in Tobin, n.d).
During the Rite of Confirmation the bishop anoints each candidate on the forehead with Chrism. Chrism is made from an oil from olives, scented with balsam and blessed by the Bishop (Knight, 2012). The anointing of Chrism marks the seal of the Holy Spirit, which marks that the confirmed belong wholly to Christ. The spiritual seal received through confirmation symbolises ones consecration as a Christian, and calls one to share in Jesus' priestly, prophetic and kingly mission (Brisbane Catholic Education Office, 2013).
With the renewal of baptismal promises, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are received in a new way to strengthen the bond with the church and its members (Catechism of the Catholic Church, as cited in United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2013). The seal of the Holy Spirit gives strength to those who are confirmed for ongoing service in the Body of Christ within the Church and the world (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2013). Therefore, confirmation is not only an anointing, it is a commissioning to share in Jesus' mission in Luke 4:18-19 (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2013).
Biblical references
In biblical times the laying on of hands was an action that conferred blessing or authority and was also associated with receiving the Holy Spirit (Kelly, 2010).
- Jesus laid his hands on the children and blessed them - Mark 10:13-16
- Receiving the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands - Acts 8:14-19
Class resources
- Doctrine teaching - Laying on of hands with 10 study questions
- Create an online word cloud to solidify the meaning of each word using the Tagul Clouds website
- View YouTube presentation of Sealed with the Holy Spirit: What does this mean?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church