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What is Confirmation?
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In
the Sacrament of Confirmation, we experience an important extension
of our Baptism and the Confirmation liturgy begins with the renewal
of baptismal promises. The principal signs used in Confirmation are
the laying on of hands and the anointing with sacred chrism. From
the time of the apostles, the Church has used the sign of laying on
of hands to impart the gift of the Holy Spirit that completes
baptism.
Generally, it is the bishop, the successor of the apostles, who presides over
Confirmation and who lays hands on those to be confirmed. He anoints
them with chrism and says, “Be sealed with the gifts of the Holy
Spirit.” The spiritual seal in which these words refer is a
permanent mark on the soul that signifies a total belonging to
Christ, external enrollment in his service and promise of division
protection. (CCC 1296)
Confirmation increases and deepens the grace first received at Baptism. It
enables us to better approach God as Father, strengthen our bond with
Christ, “increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us,”
binds us more closely with the Church, and “gives us a special
grace of the Holy Spirit, to spread and defend the faith by word and
action.” (CCC 1308)
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