Confirmation

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that: “Catholic confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace – 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.”

Catholic confirmation is the sacrament that completes Christian initiation. It is the rite that confirms and strengthens baptismal grace. The ordinary minister of this sacrament is the bishop, who anoints the forehead with sacred chrism (a mixture of olive oil and balm, which he has blessed) as he says, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” Through this sacrament preparation, baptized Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, binding them to Christ and strengthening them for Christian witness.