What is it?
Confirmation completes Baptism and strengthens the grace received. The candidate receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit, becoming a mature, confirmed member of the Church, sealed as a soldier of Christ.
Theological Meaning
Confirmation is the completion of baptismal grace. By the sacrament, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church, enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit, and are obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.
How it's Celebrated
The candidate chooses a Confirmation name (traditionally a saint's name)
The bishop or delegated priest extends hands over the candidates in silent prayer
The sacred chrism (oil) is anointed on the forehead with the laying on of hands
The minister says: 'Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit'
The newly confirmed responds: 'Amen'
The sign of peace is exchanged