Main symbols, rituals, and questions relating to the Sacrament of Confirmation

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There are Seven Sacraments that were given to us. These sacraments touch all the important stage and important moments of life. The Seven Sacraments are divided into three groups. We will continue today with the sacraments of initiation: Confirmation.
What exactly is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
The day we were baptized is the day our parents promised to God to raise us as good practicing Catholics. However once we get older most of us do not know what exactly as a Catholic we can do and cannot do. Everything that our parents were supposed to teach us through life as Catholics is attempted to be taught to us before receiving the Sacraments. Or answer any questions were our parents were unable to answer.
Confirmation is a sacrament where we make one big decision in our life at a more appropriate age. The day we receive Confirmation is the day:
 we sign up to become “Soldiers of Christ”
 we receive a seal that marks us as a special friend of Jesus
 we make a commitment that we will start or continue living a true practicing Catholic
 we will make sure to grow our faith
 become witnesses of God by spreading the word of the Lord
Confirmation is not
 something one does in order to graduate
 something one does just to get married in the Catholic Church
 a cultural celebration or party

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What are the symbols for the Sacrament of Confirmation?
The symbols are
1. Chrism
2. Dove
3. Sponsor
4. New Name
5. Wind
6. Red
7. Crosier
8. Mitre
What are the rituals during the ceremony of Confirmation?
Rituals
1. Presentation of the Candidates
2. Renewal of Baptismal Promises
3. Laying of Hands
4. Anointing with Chrism
What else is there to Confirmation?
Confirmation
1. How to be a witness?
2. What does Confirmation involve?
3. What is the faith of the church?
4. How does the Spirit of God act in us?
5. How is the Spirit present in our lives?
6. How is the Spirit tied to the mission of Christ?
7. What is Pentecost?
8. The effects of Confirmation

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Chrism
Dove
 Scripture frequently references the use of oil and anointing with the Holy Spirit. The sacred chrism is a mixture of oil and perfume that has been blessed by the bishop. In ancient times, oil was used to heal wounds and soothe the limbs of athletes. That, along with the scent that is added, creates a symbol that is no associated with health, healing, strength and beauty.
 Chrism is connected to the word Christ, “anointed one”
 We are anointed so that we can spread the Kingdom of God on this earth
 The oil is a symbol of strength and healing
 We receive strength to be witnesses of Christ resurrected, and to do what is right and good.
The Holy Spirit is represented by a bird that is gentle, graceful and peaceful.

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Sponsor
New Name
 Sponsors have a responsibility to help the one being confirmed remain firm and strong in the faith
 Sponsors are role models of faith, their task is to give support and inspiration to those living the Christian faith
 In the early Church, choosing a new name meant to reject the former pagan life and to accept rebirth into the life of Jesus.
 A name is chosen to remind us of baptism

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Wind
Red
 God’s Spirit is described as wind because the wind blows wherever it wants to go; it is free, similar to the Spirit who moves among us and comes to us at God’s pace, not ours
 Winds is both gentle and it is powerful -just as God’s Spirit can both refresh people and galvanize people in action
 This color is used as a symbol of feasts that are dedicated to the Holy Spirit

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Crosier
Mitre
 The staff of a shepherd is used symbolically by the bishop who is the chief shepherd of souls in the diocese, Shepherds used the staff to chase predators from the sheep and used the hook to rescue animals that fell into crevices or to hold barriers in place so that his sheep could continue on their way.
 The hat worn by the bishop at the Confirmation ceremony is called a mitre; this headband or turban represented leadership in ancient times.

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Presentation of the Candidates
 Students stand when their name is called to signify their readiness
Renewal of Baptismal Promises
The baptismal promises reconnect to the first sacrament of initiation into the church.

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Laying of the Hands
 This indicates that the Spirit is bestowed on the person and therefore, the power of the Spirit is bestowed
 The gesture means dedication to do a task for God
Anointing with Chrism
 Using the sacred oil, the bishop forms the cross on the forehead to show that the seal is bestowed
 The anointing is done in the shape of a cross to show that the person is redeemed by Christ
 At the same time of the anointing on the forehead, the bishop says the words of Confirmation:”(Name) be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

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How to be a witness?
 Become involve in your community of faith (parish), through its different ministries.
 Be a role model of faith to your family, friends and your community.
 Share your faith with your co-workers and friends.
 Support social justice (listen to the Pope and the bishop’s call for social change in society on areas such: racism, prejudice, wages, right to life, abortion, euthanasia among others).
 Get to know your Catholic faith, the scriptures.
What does Confirmation involve?
 Confirmation involves a mature faith ( a desire to grow in the knowledge of God).
 Confirmation involves a commitment to one’s faith (Church)
 Confirmation involves a commitment to know more about our faith’ s teachings, practices and traditions.
 Confirmation involves a sharing of this gift of faith with others.

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What is the faith of the Church?
 The celebration of Confirmation celebrates the faith of the Church in the power of the Holy Spirit given to us at Pentecost.
 The Power of the Holy Spirit is life transforming.
 Acts 2: 1-13

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How does the Spirit of God act in us?
 The Spirit of God is given to us through the sacraments of initiation. We believe the Holy Spirit:
 A. Lives in us
 B. Act through us
 C. Assist us
 D. Strenghten us
 E. Guide us

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How is the Spirit present in our lives?
 A. In our baptism ( we are marked forever)
 B. In our confirmation ( We are anointed and filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit)
 C. In our daily lives ( We are strengthened through the sacraments and the Lords’ divine protection.
 D. Through the gift of faith
 E. In our actions ( our good deeds toward God and neighbor)
 F. In the Truth (When we practice honesty and justice)

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How is the Spirit tied to the mission of Christ?
 The Spirit helps us carry on the mission of Christ.
 The Spirit inspires us to follow Christ’s teachings
 The Spirit help us promote and live the Kingdom of God through love, peace, and justice

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What is Pentecost?
 Pentecost is the feast of the Holy Spirit
 On Pentecost the disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit
 The Church’s mission began on Pentecost
Before Pentecost
 A. The disciples of Jesus were afraid.
 B. The disciples of Jesus were discouraged
 C. The disciples of Jesus were disappointed
 D. The disciples of Jesus were confused.
 John 20:19
After Pentecost
 A. The disciples were no longer afraid of persecution
 B. The disciples recovered the faith
 C. The disciples were ready to continue what Jesus started
 D. The disciples were clear about God and his will.

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The effects of Confirmation
 A. Courage : mental strength
 B. Hope: Positive outlook on life
 C. Strength: Power to conquer temptation
 D. Purpose: Direction and meaning in life
 E. Peace: the strength to overcome anxiety and fear.
 F. Grace: The power to do God’s will
 G. Truth: The power to do and follow what is right and true.