Hey there,
Here we are in the month of May when most parishes in the US confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on school-aged Catholics. My church held Confirmations last week.
The kids had been preparing for a while and the day finally came when the Bishop anointed them with the Chrism oil and might even have given them a little slap on the cheek.
Did you know that the age at which Confirmation is performed varies from 7 or 8 years to middle school age, with even some parishes waiting until high school?
There are those who view this Sacrament as a type of coming of age. But that’s really not what Confirmation is about.
You might say that Baptism and Confirmation are like washing and waxing a car.
When you wash your car, you remove all the dirt and grime, uncovering the beauty of the finish. And you could stop there and be very happy. But if you wax the car, not only are you adding a layer of protection to it, but the car will be even more shiny.
When we are baptized, we are cleansed of original sin by the Holy Spirit. And when we are confirmed, our relationship with God is strengthened and we receive even more gifts from the Holy Spirit.
Whether you’ve never been confirmed, or it was so long ago you don’t recall much about it, it’s a good time to review the Sacrament of Confirmation. So this week, Genuflect digs into the history of the Sacrament going all the way back to Jesus, the effects of being Confirmed, the various elements and symbols of the Sacrament, and what happens if you skipped Confirmation.
Let’s pray for all those who are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmtion this month, and for all those Catholics who have not been confirmed that they will be one day soon.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
The Sacrament of Confirmation
Who’s eligible for the Sacrament of Confirmation? What are the effects? Who can minister the Sacrament? Here you’ll find these answers and more.
The Sacrament of Confirmation in The Catholic Church | Learn Religions
Overview of Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation has its roots in the Old Testament. Here’s an overview of how it evolved over the centuries.
A Quick Intro to The Sacrament of Confirmation | Aleteia
8 Things About Confirmation
Here’s a quick overview of 8 key things you need to know about the Sacrament of Confirmation.
8 Things You Need to Know About Confirmation | LifeTeen
5 Effects of Confirmation
There are 5 effects from receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Here’s a colorful infographic
The 5 Effects of The Sacrament of Confirmation, One Infographic | ChurchPOP
3 Confirmation Myths
If it’s been a while since you were confirmed … or you’ve never been confirmed, you may not recall what it’s all about. Here are 3 common myths about this Sacrament.
3 Things Most People Get Wrong About The Sacrament of Confirmation | ChurchPOP
Why Confirmation Names?
Did you select a Confirmation Saint Name? This has become a relatively recent tradition in some parts of the world. Here’s how it emerged and why we do it.
Why do Some Catholics Pick Confirmation Names? | Aleteia
Why Chrism Oil?
We are anointed with Chrism oil during our Confirmation. Where does Chrism oil come from and why is it used? Here’s what you need to know.
Why Are Catholics Anointed With Chrism at Confirmation? | Learn Religions
The Confirmation Slap
When you were confirmed, the Bishop may have given you a little slap on your cheek. It wasn’t because he was upset with you. Here’s what it meant.
The Confirmation Slap | Latin Mass Society
Skipping Confirmation
Some Baptized Catholics never receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This excludes them from receiving or participating in some other Sacraments. But there’s something even more important that they miss out on.
Skipping Confirmation | Saint Paschal Catholic Church
How to Get Confirmed
If you missed out on the Sacrament of Confirmation, it’s not too late. In fact, the Catholic Church wants everyone to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation. Here’s how you can get Confirmed.
How Do I Get Confirmed? | Learn Religions
genuflect: related
We covered the other Sacraments of the Catholic Church, so you can take a deeper dive into each one:
Receiving Grace From The Sacraments
Shining a Light on Our Baptismal Calling
Joining With Christ in The Sacrament of Communion
Celebrating The Sacrament of Matrimony
Utilizing The Sacrament of Confession
Studying The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Requesting The Sacrament of The Anointing of The Sick
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Inspiration on Your Desktop And Phone
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational Christmas wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
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