The Sacrament of Confirmation builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in the Holy Eucharist. It completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead. Confirmation means accepting responsibility for your faith and your destiny. The focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and gave them courage to practice their faith. The same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts and fruits.
In Confirmation the bishop seals us, the baptized, with the Gift of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament is intended to:
- root us more deeply as sons and daughters of God,
- incorporate us more firmly into Christ,
- strengthen our bond with the Church,
- associate us more closely with the mission of the Church, and
- strengthen us to bear witness to the Christian faith.