1275. Why is Confirmation necessary after Baptism? (CCC 1285) Confirmation is necessary after Baptism for the completion of baptismal grace.

1276. What is the NT locus classicus for Confirmation in the economy of salvation? (CCC 1287) The New Testament locus classicus for Confirmation in the economy of salvation is Acts 2 (Pentecost).

1277. In what terms does the Letter to the Hebrews speak about Confirmation? (CCC 1288) The Letter to the Hebrews speaks about Confirmation in terms of the “laying-on of hands” (Hebr 6).

1278. What sign is very early added to the laying-on of hands in Confirmation? (CCC 1289) The sign that in Confirmation is added very early to the laying-on of hands is the anointing with sacred chrism (perfumed oil).

1279. Why does Confirmation elucidate the name “Christian”? (CCC 1289) Confirmation elucidates the name “Christian” because Confirmation is an anointing and “Christian” means “anointed” deriving from the name of Christ, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit.

1280. How do the Eastern Churches call Confirmation and its anointing? (CCC 1289) The Eastern Churches call Confirmation and its anointing “Chrismation” and “myron”.

1281. What two things does the name “Confirmation” suggest? (CCC 1289) The name “Confirmation” suggests that:
1. this sacrament confirms Baptism
2. it strengthens baptismal grace.

1282. How was Confirmation administered in the first centuries? (CCC 1290) Confirmation was administered in the first centuries as a single celebration with Baptism.

1283. Why did the Latin Church separate Confirmation from Baptism? (CCC 1290) The Latin Church separated Confirmation from Baptism in order to reserve the completion of Baptism to the bishop who was increasingly unable to be present at all baptismal celebrations.

1284. How is Confirmation administered in the Eastern Churches? (CCC 1290) In the Eastern Churches Confirmation is administered by the priest right after Baptism.

1285. What was the “double anointing” in the Latin Church? (CCC 1291) The “double anointing” in the Latin Church was administered right after Baptism:
1. the first by the priest (part of Baptism)
2. the second by the bishop (Confirmation).

1286. What aspects does the practice of Confirmation in East and West express? (CCC 1292) The practice of Confirmation in East and West expresses the following aspects:
1. The Eastern Churches stress the unity of Christian initiation.
2. The Latin Church stresses the communion of the baptised with the bishop.

1287. What is the sign of Confirmation? (CCC 1293) The sign of Confirmation is the anointing with sacred chrism (perfumed oil).

1288. What does the sign of Confirmation signify? (CCC 1293) The sign of Confirmation signifies a spiritual seal.
This “seal” is a configuration of the Christian with Christ.

1289. What general fourfold symbolism is attached to anointing? (CCC 1293) The general fourfold symbolism attached to anointing is:
1. abundance
2. cleansing and limbering
3. healing
4. making radiant.

1290. What specific symbolism is attached to anointing with oil in the sacramental life? (CCC 1294) The specific symbolism attached to anointing with oil in the sacramental life is:
1. the pre-baptismal anointing signifies cleansing and strengthening
2. the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort
3. the post-baptismal anointing in Confirmation and ordination signifies consecration.

1291. What does the seal imprinted by Confirmation signify? (CCC 1296) The seal imprinted by Confirmation signifies:
1. the total belonging to Christ
2. the enrolment in Christ’s service
3. the promise of divine protection in the Last Judgment.

1292. What important action of the bishop precedes Confirmation? (CCC 1297) The important action of the bishop that precedes Confirmation is the consecration of the sacred chrism (perfumed oil) in the course of the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday.

1293. How does Confirmation begin when separated from Baptism? (CCC 1298-1299) When separated from Baptism, Confirmation begins with:
1. the renewal of baptismal promises
2. the profession of Faith
3. the bishop invoking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

1294. What are the three parts of the essential rite of Confirmation in the West? (CCC 1300) The three parts of the essential rite of Confirmation in the West are: (1) the anointing with chrism on the forehead through (2) the laying on of the hand and (3) the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

1295. What are the three parts of the essential rite of Confirmation in the East? (CCC 1300) The three parts of the essential rite of Confirmation in the East are: (1) the epiclesis, (2) the anointing of the more significant parts of the body, each accompanied by (3) the formula: “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

1296. How is the rite of Confirmation concluded? (CCC 1301) The rite of Confirmation is concluded by the sign of peace.

1297. Which is the most important of the effects of Confirmation? (CCC 1302) The most important of the effects of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit like at Pentecost.

1298. In which five ways does Confirmation perfect baptismal grace? (CCC 1303) Confirmation perfects baptismal grace:
1. by rooting us more deeply in the divine filiation
2. by incorporating us more firmly into Christ
3. by increasing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us
4. by strengthening our bond with the Church
5. by strengthening our Christian witness.
These five points refer to: God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church and the world.

1299. Why is Confirmation given only once? (CCC 1304) Confirmation is given only once, because it imprints on the soul an indelible spiritual character.
This “seal” is a configuration of the Christian with Christ.

1300. Who can receive the sacrament of Confirmation? (CCC 1306) Every baptised person not yet confirmed can and should receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

1301. What is the age for receiving Confirmation in the West? (CCC 1307-1308) The age for receiving Confirmation in the West is the age of reason.
Notice that age of body does not determine age of soul.

1302. At what does preparation for Confirmation aim? (CCC 1309) Preparation for Confirmation aims at:
1. leading the Christian toward a deeper union with Christ and with the Holy Spirit
2. awakening in the Christian a sense of belonging to the Church.

1303. What sacrament should precede Confirmation and why? (CCC 1310) The sacrament of Penance should precede Confirmation to ensure that the recipient is in the state of grace.

1304. What is the task of the sponsor at Confirmation? (CCC 1311) The task of the sponsor at Confirmation is to be a spiritual help.

1305. Who is the original minister of Confirmation? (CCC 1312) The original minister of Confirmation is the bishop.

1306. Who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation in the Eastern Churches? (CCC 1312) The ordinary minister of Confirmation in the Eastern Churches is the priest who baptises and immediately after Baptism confers Confirmation in one and the same celebration.

1307. When does the priest function as minister of Confirmation in the Latin Church? (CCC 1312) The priest functions as minister of Confirmation in the Latin Church:
1. at the baptisms of adults
2. at conversions.

1308. Who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation in the Latin Church? (CCC 1313) The ordinary minister of Confirmation in the Latin Church is the bishop.

1309. Why is it fitting that in the Latin rite the bishop confer Confirmation? (CCC 1313) It is fitting that in the Latin rite the bishop confer Confirmation, because:
1. Confirmation has been temporally separated from Baptism for this reason
2. the bishop’s presence expresses the aim of Confirmation to bring those confirmed more closely to the Church.