Confirmation

Confirmation is a Christian religious ceremony or rite in which a baptised person reaffirms his faith after instruction in the doctrines of his church. In most Western churches where Confirmation is considered a sacrament or a sacramental, the usual age of the confirmand is between 11 and 16, at which time he is considered capable of making a mature decision concerning the faith. In Eastern Christianity, however, Confirmation (called Chrismation) follows soon after the reception of infant baptism.

The various Rites of the Catholic Church teach the doctrine that the Sacrament of Confirmation is the normal form of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which by the laying on of the hands of a bishop and anointing with chrism confers the seven-fold grace of the Holy Spirit as listed in Isaiah 11:2-3a: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude (might), knowledge, piety (godliness) and fear of the Lord (Douay-Rheims version).

Secular confirmation (Confirmation hearings)

Confirmation is also an informal term for the Senate giving "Advice and Consent" to a presidential nomination for an executive or judicial position.

See also

• Sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church
  • Baptism
  • Eucharist - First Holy Communion
  • Confession
  • Confirmation
  • Holy Orders for Priests and Monks
  • Marriage
  • Anointing of the Sick
• Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Fruits of the Holy Spirit