Seal of the Spirit, Gift of the Father
Confirmation is the sacrament by which those born anew in baptism receive the seal of the Holy Spirit, the Gift of the Father. Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace. Along with Baptism and the Eucharist, Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation, initiation into the full life of the Catholic Church. By the sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized, are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit, they are true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed. The Catholic catechism states:
“It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost”.
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1302
In the celebration of Confirmation there is a two-fold action. First, the laying of hands on the candidates by the Bishop and concelebrants. This is the biblical gesture by which the gift of the Holy Spirit is invoked. And second, while anointing you with the Sacred Chrism (blessed mixture of olive oil and balsam), the celebrant addresses you, using your chosen confirmation name saying: “[Name] be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” These words unite us more firmly to Christ and enhance the spiritual gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge, reverence and wonder and awe in God’s presence. As Saint Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus, “In him you also.were sealed with the promised holy Spirit, which is the first installment of our inheritance.” (Ephesians 1:13-14). This giving of the Holy Spirit connects believers more perfectly to Christ and strengthens them so that they may bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love. They are so marked with the character or seal of the Lord that the sacrament of confirmation cannot be repeated.
Confirmation Preparation -
Sacramental preparation is not only for those who will be preparing to celebrate the sacrament for the first time but for all parishioners to take advantage of the opportunity for spiritual renewal and formation.
To participate in the Confirmation program you must be age 14 or older.
For teens who are preparing to receive the sacraments of Confirmation they must participate in our Faith Formation program for a full school year before they can enroll in Sacramental Preparation. Teens must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For questions, please contact Nancy Watson – faithformation@avaloncatholic.org or at 407-381-0967
Para preguntas en español: Edith Heinsen – evangelization@avaloncatholic.org or at 407-926-0915
Is My Child Ready for Confirmation Flowchart