The Sacrament of Confirmation
Strengthened by the Holy Spirit
The Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation, together with Baptism and the Eucharist. Through Confirmation, the baptized are more deeply united to Christ, strengthened in their relationship with the Church, and enriched with a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation completes and strengthens the grace received in Baptism. Through this sacrament, we are called to live more fully as disciples of Jesus Christ and to bear witness to Him through our words and actions.
What Is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament in which the baptized person receives a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit, first received in Baptism, strengthens the Christian through Confirmation and gives them the grace to live more fully as a witness to Christ.
Confirmation deepens our relationship with God the Father, unites us more firmly to Christ, strengthens our bond with the Church, and gives us the strength to defend and share the Catholic faith.
Confirmation is not a graduation from religious education or the end of a person’s faith journey. It is a sacrament that strengthens us for the lifelong mission of living as a Christian.
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Through Confirmation, we receive a special strengthening of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The traditional seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are:
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Counsel
- Fortitude
- Knowledge
- Piety
- Fear of the Lord
These gifts help us grow in our relationship with God and give us strength to live according to the Gospel.
The Holy Spirit helps us discern what is good, remain faithful to Christ, and give witness to the Catholic faith.
The Signs of Confirmation
The celebration of Confirmation includes several important signs that express what God accomplishes through the sacrament.
Sacred Chrism
The essential sign of Confirmation is the anointing with Sacred Chrism.
The bishop or other authorized minister anoints the forehead of the person being confirmed with sacred chrism while invoking the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In the Roman Rite, the minister says:
“Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
The anointing signifies that the person has been marked and strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
The Laying On of Hands
The laying on of hands is part of the celebration of Confirmation and expresses the calling down of the Holy Spirit upon those receiving the sacrament.
The Sign of Peace
The celebration concludes with the sign of peace, expressing communion with the bishop, the Church, and the entire Christian community.
The Effects of Confirmation
Confirmation strengthens the grace already received in Baptism.
Through Confirmation:
- We are more deeply rooted as children of God.
- We are united more firmly to Christ.
- The gifts of the Holy Spirit are increased within us.
- Our bond with the Church is strengthened.
- We receive special strength from the Holy Spirit to defend and share the faith.
- We are strengthened to live as witnesses to Christ through our words and actions.
Confirmation also leaves a permanent spiritual mark upon the soul. Like Baptism, it is received only once.
Living as a Witness to Christ
Confirmation calls us to live our faith beyond the walls of the church.
Those who receive Confirmation are called to be witnesses to Christ in their families, schools, workplaces, communities, and throughout the world.
Being confirmed means accepting the responsibility of living as a disciple of Jesus Christ. We are called to know our faith, practice our faith, defend our faith, and share the Gospel through the way we live.
Confirmation therefore gives us not only a gift, but also a mission.
Who Receives Confirmation?
Every baptized person who has not yet received Confirmation can and should receive the sacrament at the appropriate time.
A candidate for Confirmation should be prepared to profess the Catholic faith, have the intention of receiving the sacrament, be in a state of grace, and be prepared to live as a disciple and witness of Christ
Confirmation is part of Christian Initiation and it is closely connected to Baptism and the Eucharist.
Confirmation at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish
At St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, young people prepare for Confirmation through our Religious Education program.
For the 2026–2027 school year, Confirmation preparation takes place in Grades 8 and 9, with the Sacrament of Confirmation celebrated in the spring. The program provides young people with continued faith formation and preparation to receive the sacrament. (stpioofpietrelcinaeh.com)
Religious Education
For registration, class information, Confirmation preparation, and more information about the Religious Education program, please visit our Religious Education page.
LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Confirmation for Adults
Adults who have been baptized but have not yet received the Sacrament of Confirmation may prepare to receive the sacrament through the parish’s Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA).
St. Pio’s OCIA program welcomes adults who are seeking to become Catholic or complete their Sacraments.
For more information about completing the Sacraments as an adult, please visit our OCIA page.
Confirmation Is a Beginning
Confirmation does not mark the end of religious education or the end of a person’s relationship with the Church.
Rather, Confirmation strengthens us to continue living our faith and responding to the call of Christ.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit received through Confirmation are meant to guide us throughout our entire lives. As confirmed Catholics, we are called to continue growing in faith, participating in the Eucharist, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, serving others, and sharing the Gospel.
Confirmation sends us forth as witnesses of Christ.