Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament that completes Baptism, sealing a Catholic with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthening them to live and defend their faith as a mature member of the Church.
The Rite
A bishop (or a priest delegated by him) anoints the person's forehead with sacred chrism oil while saying, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."
Choosing a Sponsor and Name
Candidates typically choose a confirmation sponsor and sometimes a saint's name, asking that saint's ongoing intercession as they grow in faith.
Related Prayers
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age is Confirmation received?
Practice varies by diocese and rite — in the Latin Church it's often around early adolescence, while in the Eastern Catholic Churches infants are confirmed immediately after Baptism.
Can Confirmation be received more than once?
No, like Baptism it is received only once and leaves a permanent spiritual character.