Origins - Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17)

Confirmation PERFECTS Baptismal Grace. It is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation (incorporate us more with Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds).

Confirmation, like baptism, imprints a spiritual mark, or indelible character, on the Christian’s soul; for this reason one can receive this sacrament only once in his/her lifetime.

In the Latin Church, this sacrament is administered when the age of reason has been reached (7 years of age), and its celebration is ordinarily reserved to the bishop, thus signifying that this sacrament strengthens the ecclesial bond.

A candidate for Confirmation who has attained the age of reason must profess the faith, be in the state of grace, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, and be prepared to assume the role of disciple and witness to Christ, within the ecclesial community.

The essential rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead of the baptized with sacred chrism together with the laying on of the minister’s hand and the words "Accipte signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti" which means "be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit".

When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, its connection with Baptism is expressed, among several ways, by the renewal of baptismal promises. The celebration of Confirmation during the Eucharist helps to underline the unity of all the sacraments.

[Put on the blackboard all of the reasons why students are getting confirmed]

There is no right reason. There is no "official" reason for being confirmed. As long as you are doing it for a worthy reason, it is ok.

So – What are your fears about being confirmed? [Put those on the blackboard as well].

[Answer the concerns]

Assignment - Bishop’s letter:

The Most Reverend Robert Mulvee
Bishop of Providence
One Cathedral Square
Providence, RI 02903

The Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament by which Christ gives comfort and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, of someone who is dangerously ill due to sickness, injury, or old age. The priest is the actor in this sacrament.

Unlike Confirmation and Baptism, the oil used is the "oil of the sick

Only a priest or bishop may administer this Sacrament.

This sacrament:

• Fortifies the sick person’s soul with more grace and with the strength to resist temptations (for often temptations are strongest when a person is weak)
• Gives the sick person comfort to bear his or her sufferings bravely, and courage and consolation in the face of death;
• Unites the sick person to the passion of Christ – which allows him to bear his suffering bravely.
• Cleans the soul of venial sin;
• Removes mortal sin – even forgotten ones, if the person would have wished forgiveness but is unable to make his/her confession
• Remits at least some of the temporal punishment due to sin
• Restores physical health (sometimes).

Any person who is believed to be in danger of death, who is a baptized Catholic, should receive this sacrament. There is no limit on the amount of times one may receive this sacrament.

Viaticum – The Eucharist offered to the person receiving the Anointing of the Sick Sacrament.

OPTIONAL HW NEXT WEEK: pp. 115-124, in Basic Catechism

NON - OPTIONAL HW - First draft of Bishop’s letter.