Sacrament of Confirmation (The Sacraments of Christian Inititiation) The reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion

n of baptismal grace. Concerning this sacrament, the Catechism (1285) states: By the sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are 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. Confirmation comes from a word which means to make fast or to secure. This sacrament confirms and strengthens the gift of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism. To use a military analogy, to receive Confirmation is to be empowered and sent on active duty as a servant and witness of Christ. Confirmation is a spiritual, sacred and permanent sign or seal. Through this sacrament, the faithful share more fully in the gifts of the Holy Spirit which bring renewed vibrancy to the spiritual life of the person. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are: 1. Knowledge 2. Understanding 3. Wisdom 4. Fortitude 5. Right judgment 6. Piety 7. Fear of the Lord. The gifts enhance the spiritual life of the confirmed and prepare him or her to be a witness to the world. Reference/s: http://www.ascensioncatholic.net/catechism/catechism_13.pdf http://www.slideshare.net/dlrs_vasquez/what-is-confirmation http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c1a2.htm