The gifts of the Holy Spirit given at baptism are enriched and brought to greater fruition in the Sacrament of Confirmation. The sacramental with chrism and indelible sealing of the Holy Spirit “incorporates us more firmly in to Christ, strengthens our bond with the Church, associates us more clearly with her mission and helps us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1316)
The Apostles and disciples locked themselves in an upper room out of fear for their lives. For days, they prayed in anticipation for the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus. On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon them and they were empowered with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That day, 3,000 people joined the Church and the Good News has continued to spread to the ends of the earth. From this time onward, confirmation has been celebrated through the laying on of hands by the apostles and bishops. The Holy Spirits gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, fortitude or courage, counsel, love, fear of the Lord and many more are for the good of the community, to build up the Body of Christ. Please contact the parish office (321) 725-3066 to learn more about this process.
Biblical Reference
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for it had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:14-17; RSV)
While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples and said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?î And they said, “No, we have never even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.î And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?î They said, “Into John’s baptism.” And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had
laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them. (Acts 19:1-6)
Teaching of the Church
Preparation for confirmation should lead the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit-his actions, his gifts, and his bidding – in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of
Christian life… (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1309)
