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Confirmation


Mrs. Bro. Adam

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Mrs. Bro. Adam

This is something that I've read about, but don't remember, probably cause I never really comprehended.

Can someone help me, please?

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[url="http://www.christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/confirm.html"]http://www.christusrex.org/www1/CDHN/confirm.html[/url]

From the Catechism.. Im horrible at explaining stuff so I hope that helps :)

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[b]CONFIRMATION[/b]

[b]FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH[/b]:

[i]Preparation for confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a closer union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit-the Spirit’s actions, gifts, and biddings- in order to be more capable of assuming the responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ as well as the local parish community. [par 1309]

The reception of the sacrament of confirmation is necessary for the completion of Baptismal grace. For by the sacrament of confirmation the baptised are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are true witnesses of Christ. [par 1285][/i]

In the early Church, a rite of anointing with chrism followed Baptism immediately. This perfumed oil was used in the ordination of priests and the coronation of kings. It symbolised the newly baptiser’s sharing in Christ’s priestly and kingly role
.
The first letter of St Peter reminds us: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people.”

In the western church, this ritual became reserved to the bishop as leader of the local church. It sealed or “confirmed” person’s baptism and membership in the church; and, through a renewal of baptismal promises the candidate “confirmed” commitment to Christ. Eventually confirmation came to be celebrated separately.

In past centuries the order of the sacraments was Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. With the Bishop the only one conferring the sacrament the age for admission to Holy Communion became later and later. Many people did not make their first Communion until the late teens or early twenties. Pope St Pius X at the beginning of the 20th century, concerned at this, ordered that children over the age of 7 should be able to make their first Communion. The outcome of all this was that first time the order of the sacraments was changed.

Today Confirmation is celebrated together with Baptism and the Eucharist in the case of adults. Children baptised as infants are Confirmed at about the age of seven years, prior to or with first Communion, unless the Bishop establishes a later age. Today confirmation is celebrated by the laying on of hands, and the anointing of the forehead with chrism, with the words: “ Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Baptism introduces the new Christian to a relationship with God –Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It could be said the rituals and prayers of Baptism focus mainly on the Father whose children we become; and on Jesus whose death and resurrection we share.
Confirmation focuses on the Holy Spirit whose gifts are given to us in the sacrament.

Pentecost saw the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. This frightened group was transformed, and set out to preach the gospel fearlessly. The Christian today is similarly called to bear witness to Christ in everyday life. We are invited to the ministry of service within the Church. We are sent on a mission into the world, to build up God’s kingdom.

All of us who follow Jesus are called to work together to build up that kingdom. To do this we need the help of God’s Holy Spirit.

At Confirmation the church prays that the Holy Spirit may always be our Helper and Guide. The Church prays that we receive all the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help us live as a Christian and to help us build God’s kingdom.

It is not always easy to know the right way to act at all times and this is why we need the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence, Wonder & Awe, to help us make choices which are good and which help to make peace and true happiness.

These gifts are not really separate from one another. They all work together because they all grow out of the same spirit of trust in God and love for others.

When we love God we learn to REVERENCE all that God has made and to treat God’s creation with WONDER and AWE. In this way we learn to respect one another. Our trust in God gives us COURAGE to overcome our fear. And when we are no longer afraid we can come to UNDERSTAND one another. When we see one another with the KNOWLEDGE that comes from love we can make RIGHT JUDGEMENTS in WISDOM. It is only by growing in this spirit of love and trust that we can build God’s Kingdom on earth.

CONFIRMATION PRAYER


ALL-POWERFUL God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
By water and the Holy Spirit
You freed your sons and daughters from sin
And gave them new life.
Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide.
Give them the spirit of wisdom, and understanding
The spirit of right judgement and courage
The spirit of knowledge and reverence
Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

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Mrs. Bro. Adam

Well..at first, I needed to know everything. But now, if you can explain to me how it works, i.e. how the Holy Spirit and the gifts given go hand in hand.

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heyyoimjohnny

The Sacrament of Confirmation is when the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Fear of the Lord, Piety, Counsel, Understanding, Knowledge, Wisdom, Fortitude) are imparted into the soul. Or, at least some of the gifts... I'm not sure... But it strengthens you spiritually, and brings you more fully into the union of the Church, making you an official Soldier of Christ.


That's the John Martin condensed version.

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[quote name='heyyoimjohnny' date='Oct 27 2004, 11:16 AM'] The Sacrament of Confirmation is when the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Fear of the Lord, Piety, Counsel, Understanding, Knowledge, Wisdom, Fortitude) are imparted into the soul. Or, at least some of the gifts... I'm not sure... But it strengthens you spiritually, and brings you more fully into the union of the Church, making you an official Soldier of Christ.


That's the John Martin condensed version. [/quote]
What he said :cool:

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Thy Geekdom Come

[quote name='1337 k4th0l1x0r' date='Oct 27 2004, 01:10 PM'] Just make sure to write down your confirmation number. You'll need it to get into heaven. :) [/quote]
:rolling: :rolling: :rolling: :rolling: :rolling: :rolling: :rolling: :rolling: :rolling: :rolling:

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