Why Be Confirmed? | The Sacrament of Confirmation Explained
What is Confirmation in the Catholic Church?
Confirmation is one of the seven Sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. The word "Confirmation" comes from the Latin confirmare, meaning "to strengthen." In this Sacrament, the faith given to us at Baptism is confirmed and made strong. Those who receive Confirmation become " soldiers of Christ"βnot in a military sense, but in a spiritual sense, called to fight the war between good and evil, light and darkness.
Through Confirmation, the gifts of the Holy Ghost are sealed and strengthened in your soul. This Sacrament completes the work begun at Baptism and binds you more perfectly to the Church.
β Key Fact: Confirmation was not invented by the Churchβit was instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. This is a sacred Sacrament that carries profound spiritual power and grace.
Why Should You Be Confirmed?
The Code of Canon Law for the Catholic Church explains the purpose of Confirmation: "The sacrament of confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith. It imprints a character, enriches by the gift of the Holy Ghost the baptized continuing on the path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to the Church."
There are both spiritual and practical reasons to be confirmed:
β¨ Spiritual Benefits
- Receive the gifts of the Holy Ghost
- Strengthen your baptismal graces
- Become more perfect in your faith
- Receive grace to live as a Christian
- Deepen your relationship with God
πͺ Practical Benefits
- Be a stronger witness to your faith
- Have courage to defend your beliefs
- Lead a more committed Catholic life
- Fulfill your role in the Church
- Live with greater spiritual strength
Are You Ready to Be Confirmed?
Whether you're a young person preparing for teen Confirmation, an adult who was never confirmed, or preparing for Confirmation as a child, we have the right program for you. Choose your path below:
π§ Children's Confirmation
For younger students (ages 7-13) preparing for Confirmation. Age-appropriate lessons with engaging content.
π€ Adult Confirmation
For adults preparing for Confirmation at any age. All adults are required to complete our comprehensive Adult Faith Formation Program.
π€ Confirmation Sponsors
Sponsors play a vital role in Confirmation. Prepare with our comprehensive sponsor preparation course.
What Are the Benefits of Confirmation?
The Baltimore Catechism explains the gifts received through Confirmation: "Confirmation is a Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ."
When you are confirmed, you receive:
- The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost β Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord
- Strengthened Grace β The graces of Baptism are confirmed and made strong in your soul
- An Indelible Mark β Like Baptism, Confirmation imprints a permanent spiritual character on your soul
- Greater Commitment β You are bound more firmly to the Church and to Christ
- Courage for Witness β You receive grace to proclaim your faith by word and deed
- Spiritual Maturity β You become a more perfect Christian prepared for adult responsibilities in the Church
Is It a Sin to Not Be Confirmed?
Baptism is necessary for salvation. Without Baptism, it is impossible to be a member of God's Church or to merit Heaven. Confirmation, strictly speaking, is not absolutely required to enter Heaven.
However, the Baltimore Catechism teaches: "It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially in these evil days when faith and morals are exposed to so many and such violent temptations." There is also "a divine command obliging all to receive it, if possible. Persons who have not been confirmed in youth should make every effort to be confirmed later in life."
In other words, while Confirmation is not required for salvation, willfully neglecting it and spurning it as unnecessary is a sin. God desires for all Catholics to receive this Sacrament and the graces it brings.
β οΈ Important: If you were never confirmed as a child, do not delay any longer. Seek to be confirmed as soon as possible, at any age. God wants to give you His graces!
What Do I Need to Do to Be Confirmed?
The requirements for Confirmation are straightforward:
- Be Baptized β Baptism is required before any other Sacrament, including Confirmation
- Know the Chief Doctrines of the Catholic Faith β You should understand basic Catholic teachings about God, Christ, the Church, and the Sacraments
- Have the Intention to Receive the Sacrament β You must freely choose to receive Confirmation
- Be in the State of Grace β Ideally, receive Confession before your Confirmation
- Choose a Sponsor/Godparent β Select someone who is a practicing Catholic and can guide you spiritually
Am I Too Old to Be Confirmed?
Absolutely not! There is never an age that is too old to be confirmed. If you were not confirmed as a child, you can study for Confirmation as an adult and receive the Sacrament from your diocese's bishop (or a priest delegated by him).
Many adults have successfully completed Confirmation preparation through online programs and received the Sacrament at any ageβfrom young adults through elderly Catholics. Do not worry about being seen as too old or too busy. God wants you to be confirmed, and He will provide you the grace and opportunity to do so.
Are Protestant Confirmations Valid?
No. Since Protestants do not have valid apostolic succession, they do not have valid priests or the authority to confer valid Sacraments. Protestant "confirmations" or "baptisms" do not convey the sacramental grace of the Catholic Church.
If you were confirmed in a Protestant ceremony, your soul was not actually confirmed. You will need to be confirmed in the Catholic Church to receive the authentic Sacrament of Confirmation instituted by Jesus Christ.
Before, During & After Confirmation β Your Journey
BEFORE
β Contact your parish
β Register for Confirmation
β Enroll in preparation course
β Choose your sponsor
β Plan your attire
β Select your Confirmation name
β Pray and prepare spiritually
β Receive the Sacrament of Confession
DURING
β Renew baptismal vows
β Laying on of hands by the Bishop
β Anointing with Sacred Chrism
β Sacramental formula spoken
β Confirmation name proclaimed
β Receive the bishop's blessing
β Become a soldier of Christ
β Receive the Holy Ghost power to be an evangelist for Christ
AFTER
β Receive a confirmation preparation certificate
β Celebrate with family & parish
β Live out your confirmation
β Grow in spiritual maturity
β Serve as witness to faith
β Defend the Church's teachings
β Share faith with others
β Continue spiritual growth
How Can I Study for Confirmation Online?
CatechismClass.com's online Confirmation programs are designed for flexible learning at your own pace, available 24/7. You don't need to attend weekly in-person classes at a parish (though your parish priest must ultimately approve your preparation).
After completing our Sacramental Preparation coursework, you will receive a CatechismClass.com Certificate of Completion. This certificate can be presented to your priest or parish to demonstrate that you have completed a rigorous year of religious education and formation.
Keep in mind that only a validly ordained priest or bishop can administer the Sacrament of Confirmation. We provide comprehensive preparationβthe knowledge and formation that must occur before a priest will allow someone to receive the Sacrament. You will still need to arrange with a priest to actually receive the Sacrament after completing our coursework.
Our Course Calculator helps you determine which specific courses you need based on your unique situation. The courses differ person-to-person depending on age, prior knowledge, and diocesan requirements.
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Why Should You Be Confirmed Catholic?
Confirmation is a sacred Sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ Himself. It is an incredible opportunity to enrich your soul and deepen your relationship with God. A Sacrament is a visible means by which God communicates His grace to us. In a world searching for purpose, God has given us this means to come to a greater knowledge of Him and His divine will.
Receive Confirmation as soon as possible to perfect the work begun at Baptism. Through Confirmation, the Gifts of the Holy Ghost are sealed and strengthened in your soul. Receive Confirmation because it is God's will for your life!
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