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Confirmation

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:30

Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of Baptismal grace. For “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. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” CCC 1285

Very early, to better signify the gift of the Holy Spirit, an anointing with perfumed oil (chrism) was added to the laying on of hands. This anointing highlights the name “Christian,” which means “anointed” and derives from that of Christ himself whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit. Innocent III wrote: “The anointing of the forehead with chrism signifies the laying on of hands, which is otherwise called confirmation, since through it the Holy Spirit is given for growth and strength.”

This giving of the Holy Spirit conforms believers more perfectly 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.

Preparing for Confirmation

There are specific requirements for reception of this Sacrament, which completes our Christian initiation in the Catholic Church. Upon registration for the classes, detailed information will be received regarding the class schedule, requirements and meeting dates for parents and sponsors.

The Restored Order

The Archdiocese of Denver is in the process of restoring the order of the Sacraments of Initiation. These three sacraments are originally intended to be received in this order: Baptism, Confirmation then Holy Eucharist (First Communion). The sacrament that fully initiates a person into the Catholic Church is First Communion.

A video about the Restored Order and a Pastoral Letter “Saints Among Us” from Archbishop Aquila are available below.

The Restored Order

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Annie Beal

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