Dear Parent/Guardian, Sponsor and
Confirmation Candidate:
This supplement has been provided in order that the
Confirmation Candidate is not only prepared for the
Confirmation interview, but also with the hope that reviewing the
supplement with the parent/guardian and/or sponsor, will further
assist the candidate in the understanding of this beautiful and
grace filled sacrament.
No one should EVER approach a sacrament in ignorance of its
qualities and the responsibilities it brings. The Holy Spirit, the
Third Person of the Blessed Trinity comes to us in a very special
way in Confirmation.
Know what The Holy Spirit brings. The seven gifts, the history of
this sacrament, the actual Confirmation Rite all this and more has
been included in this supplement.
This is a workbook. Use it to study. Fill in the answers to the
questions as you work through the book.
Bring this book with your completed pages to your Confirmation
interview and hand in to your interviewer.
Should you have any questions regarding any of the material,
please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Faith Formation.
St. Clare of Assisi Parish
Confirmation/Interview Preparation Supplement
Confirmation Fall 2016
St. Clare of Assisi Parish
Saturday, October 15, 2016
St. Michael Church, Gibbstown
The Holy Spirit Shall Come Upon You
Samaria was known for its many characters, one of whom was called
Simon. He was famous for his practice of magic and had convinced many
people that he was somebody great. Many people knew of the Israelites
expectation of the Messiah, and perhaps they thought Simon was He, for
they said: “This man is that power of God which is called great.” They
gave him heed because of his magical powers.
In the early Church, shortly after the conversion of St. Paul, many Christians left
Jerusalem because of persecution, and were scattered about preaching the word of God. Some, including Philip, went to Samaria and preached the good news about the Kingdom of God and the
name of Jesus Christ. Many were converted and were baptized, both men and women. Even Simon
himself believed, and after being baptized, he became a disciple
working with Philip. Simon, seeing many real miracles, was amazed.
Now, in Jerusalem, the apostles hear that Samaria had received the word of God.
Peter and John were sent to Samaria to pray over the newly baptized so that they might
receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen on any of them (even though they had been baptized
in the name of the Lord Jesus). They laid their hands on them and the Holy Sprit came upon them.
You too receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit at your confirmation, the same Spirit that
anointed Jesus after His baptism, when the heavens were opened and the Spirit of God descended
upon Him in the form of a dove, alighting upon Him. It was then that God
declared from heaven, “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.” This Spirit led Jesus
into the desert at the beginning of His public ministry as Prophet, Priest, and King.
In Confirmation, you are given the graces to live your public ministry in the Church, receiving
the same graces as the Apostles at Pentecost. They received the Spirit in a rush of wind and tongues
of flame enabled them to speak in tongues. So you too shall be filled with the courage and graces
necessary to evangelize and witness to your faith.
Questions about the Reading
1. Who was famous sin Samaria before the preaching of the Christians? Why?
2. Why did many Christians leave Jerusalem?
3. What did these early Christians do?
4. Who went to Samaria? What did he do there?
5. Did Philip’s preaching affect many people?
6. Why did Peter and John go to Samaria?
7. How did the Holy Spirit come upon the newly baptized people?
8. When do you receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit?
9. Where else do we see the Sacrament of Confirmation in Scripture?
10. What does Confirmation enable us to do?
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation is a difficult sacrament to explain. It’s not about getting confirmed, but
about a relationship with the Third Person of the Trinity. It’s not about receiving the Holy Spirit,
because you already received Him in Baptism. Confirmation, however, completes the Baptismal
graces. It is a Sacrament of Christian maturity. This is the start of your “Christian adulthood.”
You will grow in maturity during your entire life, but this Sacrament recognizes you as responsible for
your faith.
Confirmation more perfectly unites you to Christ and prepares you for a familiarity with the
Holy Spirit, His actions, gifts, and bidding. The Sacrament of Confirmation more perfectly binds you
with Christ’s Church as well and all Her members throughout the ages. By your Confirmation, you
will become a Christian witness a Soldier of Christ responsible for preaching and defending the true
faith. You will also accept for yourself the responsibility of continuing your education in the faith and
practicing your religion.
In Confirmation, you will receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit and His gifts, preparing you for your
ministry and renewed commitment to Christ and His Church. This Holy Spirit is the Counselor
promised to us by Christ Himself when he said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandment.
And I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Counselor, to be with you forever, even
the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither see him nor knows him; you
know Him, for He dwells with you, and will be in you” (Jn 14:16-17).
Jesus gave the Apostles His Holy Spirit after His Resurrection when He breathed on them and
said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (Jn 20:22). We receive the Holy Spirit in Baptism when we are baptized “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”.
Confirmation is the outpouring of this same Spirit, and all His gifts in their fullness, as when
the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus after His baptism in the Jordan, leading Him to His public ministry (Mt
3:13-17). At Pentecost, the Apostle received the fullness of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to evangelize and serve God in their public ministry (Acts 2). Through Confirmation, you too will be prepared
for your public ministry as a soldier of Christ, teaching and defending the faith. You will receive all
the gifts and graces necessary to bear the mark of Christ’s witness. You will be sealed with the gift of
the Holy Spirit.
Confirmation Questions
1. What is the Sacrament of Confirmation about?
2. What does Confirmation do?
3. What does it mean to be a “Christian adult”?
4. In Confirmation, with whom do you become more perfectly united?
5. What does a soldier of Christ do? Is this your ministry?
6. When did Jesus give His Apostles the Holy Spirit? When did you receive the Holy Spirit?
7. Where in the Bible do we see the “Out pouring of the Holy Spirit”?
8. Once you are confirmed, what responsibilities do you accept for yourself?
Effects of Confirmation
1. We receive a full outpouring of the Holy Spirit as at Pentecost.
2. We partake in Divine Filiation
-we are united more firmly to Christ
-we receive an increase in the gifts of the Holy Spirit
-we are bound with the Church more perfectly
-we are strengthened to spread and defend the faith
-we are given the grace to confess the name of Christ boldly and never be ashamed
of the Cross
3. We are given and indelible (permanent) mark as a witness of Christ on our soul.
4. We share more perfectly in the common priesthood, which helps us to profess our
faith publicly and officially for ourselves.
Be SEALED with the Gifs of the Holy Spirit In Confirmation, you will be anointed with
Chrism, as a sign of a seal placed on your soul. This mark, or seal, is permanent. It marks you
as witness of Christ. This mark gives your soul more mobility before the eyes of God. Seal were
often used to close letters. Wax was dripped on a page, then a stamp would mark the wax, showing the identity of the author. A seal on your soul would mark Christ’s identity onto your soul, so
you will share more fully in God’s image.
Sometimes seals were used to bind agreements or covenants. They would be broken in two,
and one half would belong to each party. It was a symbol of unity. In Confirmation, you recommit yourself to your baptismal promises and your covenant with God. You publicly declare yourself God’s servant and family.
Seals were also used to mark identity-for example, branding cows. It marked ownership.
Your seal marks you as Christ’s witness; you belong to Him and are His soldier. You will speak
and defend the faith based on the Authority of Christ.
Questions on the effects of Confirmation
1. What are the four effects of Confirmation?
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2. What does Divine Filiation mean?
3. What are three ways that seals are used?
4. What seal will you receive in Confirmation? What will it mark you as?
Holy Spirit: Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is God, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity. We know this from the Bible,
where Jesus commands his Apostles to baptize people “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit.” But who is this Spirit of God?
Well, the Trinity is like a family. The Father begets the Son. We know the Father from the
Old Testament, and from what Jesus tells us about Him. The Father is the Father of Jesus. He is also
the Father of the People of God through the covenant.
The Son became Man in the Divine Person of Jesus. We know much about Him through the
gospels and the New Testament. The people of the Old Testament were preparing us for His coming. We know that Jesus is God the Son because He tells us about His Father, God.
Jesus also tells us about the Holy Spirit. He said that another Counselor (Jn 14:16) will be
sent after He is gone. This Counselor is the Spirit of Truth (Jn 14:17) promised from of old. The
Holy Spirit is the Paraclete .A paraclete is like a lawyer (defense attorney) or a judge. He will be with
us at our final judgment before God. The Holy Spirit is the Sanctifier . He will make us holy.
The Holy Spirit is the love between God the Father and God the Son. This love is so real that
it is another Person. The Father and the Son together sent us the Holy Spirit. We first read of the
Holy Spirit descending at Pentecost. The Holy Spirit brings life to the Church. The Holy Spirit
brings grace to the Church through the Sacraments. Once we are baptized, we are temples of the
Holy Spirit, who comes alive within is. We receive the fullness of the Spirit and His gifts at Confirmation.
WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. Who is the Third Person of the Trinity?
2. Is the Holy Spirit God?
3. How is the Trinity like a family?
4. How do we know about the Holy Spirit?
5. What are the three names for the Holy Spirit? What do they mean?
6. What do we mean when we say that the Holy Spirit is the Love of God?
7. When do we first read about the Holy Spirit descending?
8. When do we receive the Holy Spirit?
9. When do we receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit?
10. What does the Holy Spirit do in the Church?
GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - In Confirmation, you will receive the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
These seven gifts help us become holy.
WISDOM- the ability to see things as they really are.
UNDERSTANDING- means that your hearts cares, listens, and forgives.
KNOWLEDGE- the ability to learn the faith and know the truth.
COUNSEL- the ability to make good decisions.
PIETY- means that we have a deep love for God and His creation.
FORTITUDE- means that we have the courage to do what is right.
FEAR OF THE LORD- means that we understand the greatness of God and that He is very near to us.
Confirmation Prayer
Spirit of God, grant me:
the gift of wisdom
to see the world through your eyes,
the gift of counsel
to make difficult decisions,
the gifts of knowledge and understanding
to use my mind to know you and to love you,
the gift of fortitude
to have the courage to live in the faith
despite difficulties and disappointments,
the gift of piety
to be able to express my special love
and commitment to you,
and the right kind of awesome fear
VIRTUES
At Baptism, we receive the THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES. They come from God and help us to live in a
way that is pleasing to God. This gives God great glory and by living these virtues, we begin Heaven on earth!
These are
the three theological virtues:
FAITH- to believe in God and all that He had told us
HOPE- to trust in all God has told us, and to want to go to Heaven
CHARITY- to love God and others, and to serve them in love
There are also four CARDINAL VIRTUES. They are called “cardinal” because they are the principal virtues.
All other virtues come from these. For example, if we live the virtue of prudence, we will also live the virtue of
modesty.
The Holy Spirit will help us to live the Cardinal Virtues as well. These virtues are “habits of doing good.” We
need lots of practice and prayer to live these virtues. To live a virtue well, we need to also desire the virtue. So, if
we make a good decision, but don’t really want to make this decision, it is not really virtuous.
For example, if I decide to say my Rosary everyday, but I don’t want o, there is little virtue in this act. But, it is
important to continue this practice, because once it becomes a habit, it will become easier and soon I will desire to
practice this virtue!
The four Cardinal Virtues are: prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance.
PRUDENCE- to make good decisions
TEMPERANCE-to use the things around us well
JUSTICE-to give to others what they deserve
FORTITUDE- to always do the right thing, even if it’s hard
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in virtue, and to help you with each virtue,
especially those you find difficult.
Virtues: True or False
(circle one)
1. Faith is trust in God and all He has told us.
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2. Charity is to love and serve God and others.
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3. Hope is to believe in God.
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4. There are three Cardinal Virtues.
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5. The Holy Spirit will help you to live the virtues.
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6. It is better to want to do the virtue than to do the virtue because you should.
7. We receive the Cardinal Virtues at Baptism.
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8. The Theological Virtues come from God.
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9. Prudence is to make good decisions.
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10. Justice is to judge people.
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11. Fortitude means to do the right things.
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12. Fortitude is a gift of the Holy Spirit.
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13. Temperance is to control your temper.
14. Virtues are habits of doing good.
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15. You should pray to grow in virtue.
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16. Theological and Cardinal virtues are the same thing.
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17. Virtues are always easy to do.
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18. Virtues can become easier.
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Renewing your promises….at Confirmation, you must renew your Baptismal promises, and
make a profession of faith.
Confirmation seals your baptismal commitment and covenant with God
This is the form of the renewal of Baptismal Promises
that is contained in the Confirmation Mass
Do you reject Satan ? And all his works? And all his empty promises?
Your response: I do.
Do you reject sin so as to live in the freedom of God’s children?
Your response: I do.
Do you reject the glamour of evil and refuse to be mastered by sin?
Your response: I do.
Do you reject Satan, the father of sin and the prince of darkness?
Your response: I do.
Do you believe in God, the Father the Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and earth?
Your response: I do.
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary, was
crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of the
Father?
Your response: I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the
forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
Your response: I do.
God, the all-powerful Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven our sins.
May He also keep us faithful to Our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever. Amen.
Who Can Be Confirmed?
To be confirmed, three criteria must be met:
1. Those who have been baptized but not previously confirmed.
2. They must be at the age of discretion . This means that they must be ready
and able to accept the responsibilities that come with Confirmation.
3. They must also be in the state of grace. It is good to go to Confession before
receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Who Can Be Your Sponsor?
1. Your sponsor is usually and preferably a godparent .
2. They must be a baptized and practicing Catholic.
3. You will want to choose someone who you can talk to about the faith, .who will be a good role
model for you and who will take an active role as your sponsor.
Confirmation
Sacraments have two parts: the matter and the form.
The matter is the physical sign of grace received and the form is the words said. In Confirmation, the Matter consists of the laying on of hands by the bishop (who is the ordinary minister and a
sign of apostolic unity), or the priest (who is the extraordinary minister) and the blessing or anointing
with Christ .
The Form is “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”.
The Day of Your Confirmation
At your Confirmation, you will be asked to renew your baptismal promises and to make a profession of faith.
The Bishop (or minister), extends his hands over the person or group as a sign of the gift of
the Holy Spirit. He says: “All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and by 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 help and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the
spirit of right judgment 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” .
The bishop will then anoint your forehead with chrism and lay hands upon you and say “Be
sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”. The chrism is consecrated by the bishop on Holy Thursday at
the Mass of Chrism, usually at the cathedral or basilica.
He will then offer you the sign of peace as a sign of communion with both the
bishop and the church.
CHRISM
Chrism is consecrated oil. It is consecrated by the bishop on Holy Thursday at the Chrism
Mass. Chris is made up of balsam and olive oil. Balsam is fragrant; it is the sign of the scent and
sweetness of holiness. Olive oil is a sign of eternal life because olive trees do not die.
Oil is significant for many reasons. Oil was used to limber athletes. This shows how as soldiers of Christ, we must be prepared at all times. Oil was used for healing wounds. Confirmation
gives us the graces we need to overcome our wounded nature due to sin. Oil was used for nourishment in cooking. Confirmation nourishes our soul with sacramental grace. Oil was used for cleansing, to make something beautiful, healthy, and strong. Confirmation does all these things to our
souls!
Oil was used throughout Scripture for prophets, priests, and kings. In baptism, we came to
share in this threefold ministry of Christ. We are prophets because we speak the truth. We are priests
by our worshipping of God. We are kings by our inheritance to the Kingdom of God . In Confirma-
Confirmation Quiz
1. What is the Matter of the Sacrament of Confirmation?
2. What is the Form of the Sacrament of Confirmation?
3. Who is the ordinary minister?
4. What does he represent?
5. What is the oil used in Confirmation?
6. When is it consecrated?
7. What two things make this oil?
8. What do the two parts of this oil signify?
9. What was the oil used for? How are these paralleled in Confirmation?
10. What was oil used for in the Scriptures? What does this mean for you?
Fruits of the Holy Spirit
There are twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit. It is said that you can tell a tree by its fruits, well, in the
same way, you will be judged by your virtues, actions, and words. If you bear these fruits, people will
know that you area temple of the Holy Spirit.
CHARITY - Love of God and neighbor, acts of love.
PATIENCE - To accept God’s timing.
KINDNESS - To be gentle and good to all you meet by seeing Christ in them.
JOY - To be filled with and express peace and happiness that comes from God.
PEACE - An acceptance of God’s will in your life.
GOODNESS - To always do the good and upright thing to be pleasing in God’s eyes.
GENEROSITY - To give yourself as though you were giving to Christ himself.
GENTLENESS - To be obedient and submissive to God’s will in all things.
FAITHFULNESS - To believe, love, and serve God always.
MODESTY - To act as God would want you to, in humility.
SELF-CONTROL - To speak, think, and act always in the presence of God.
CHASTITY - Gift of self in a loving and holy way.