| The Sacrament of Confirmation - Confirmation as a Sacrament |
In the Roman Catholic Church, Confirmation is a Sacrament. There are seven sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy Orders and the Sacrament of the Sick.
A sacrament marks certain stages in the journey of faith of a Christian. Confirmation is often considered as the sacrament which marks the end of the process of Christian initiation started at Baptism (see The History of Confirmation below). It is usually the case that Catholics are baptised as infants. Certain promises are made on behalf of the infant at Baptism by his or her parents and godparents. Confirmation marks the time when the child has reached a stage when he or she confirms those promises. Many parents tell their children that at Confirmation they become full members of the church. Insofar as the candidate completes the process of initiation and takes on more responsibility for their Christian life, this is correct.
Confirmation is often referred to as the Sacrament of the Holy Spirit. The appearance of the Holy Spirit often occurs at critical times in the Church's history. There are many instances of the Holy Spirit influencing events in the Old Testament. Important stages in Jesus' life are marked by the Holy Spirit: His Conception and His Baptism, which marked the start of Jesus' public ministry, are just two examples. When Jesus ascended into heaven He promised to send the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles at Pentecost to strengthen and enpower them.
The Holy Spirit is undoubtedly instrumental in all aspects of the life of the Church and its people. However, anointing of candidates at Confirmation strengthens and equips them by conferring gifts of wisdom and understanding, wonder and awe, knowledge, right judgement and courage.