The Sacrament of Confirmation

What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
​The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation. It perfects the graces received in Baptism and is the means by which the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within the soul of the recipient in a way reminiscent of the Apostles on the feast of Pentecost. It is due to this newly enriched relationship with the Holy Spirit that His gifts become manifest in the recipient of Confirmation. These gifts include:
  1. Wisdom - the gift which enables one to see God at work in the world, to value things of God above worldly attachments, and allows one to better judge all things in light of divine truth. 
  2. Understanding - the gift which enables one to grasp the truths of the faith more deeply and to better comprehend the mysteries of divine revelation. 
  3. Counsel - the gift which enables one to make good decisions, especially in complicated moral situations.
  4. Fortitude - also known as courage, this gift enables one to overcome fear and remain steadfast despite difficulties or persecution. 
  5. Knowledge - the gift which aids one in recognizing God's presence and purpose in ones life and in creation. It is by this gift that one comes to see the value of creation in relation to God. 
  6. Piety - the gift which inspires one to devoted and loving worship of God. It fosters a deep respect and reverence for God and those things related to Him. 
  7. Fear of the Lord - often misunderstood, this gift grants the recipient a profound respect and awe for the majesty and goodness of God. This appreciation leads one to avoid sin.
These gifts allow one to fulfill the mission of the Church, which Christ gave to the Apostles before his Ascension. 
What is required to be a Confirmation Sponsor?
For a person to act as a Sponsor, the following requirements must be met:
  • Be designated by the candidate, parents, guardians, or pastor.
  • Have the intention of performing the role of sponsor.
  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Be a fully initiated Catholic (received Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation).
    • ​Sponsors must provide their Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation certificates to be approved for the role by the parish.
  • Lead a life in harmony with the Faith and the role of a sponsor (i.e., be a registered member of a parish, follow the five precepts of the Church as described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church 2041-2043,  and be faithful to the laws of the Church regarding marriage).
    • ​Sponsors must provide their certificate of marriage from the Catholic Church in which they were married. 
  • Not bound by any canonical penalty.
  • Not the father or mother of the candidate.
  • Provide a letter of Good Standing from their home parish if they are not registered members of Our Lady of Guadalupe.