Confirmation
The sacrament that completes the grace of Baptism by a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, strengthening the baptized to be more perfect witnesses of Christ and more deeply rooted as children of God.
Confirmation seals the baptized with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to spread and defend the faith by word and deed as true witnesses of Christ. It is a personal Pentecost, equipping individuals for Christian maturity and mission.
Scriptural Basis: Acts 8:14-17 ('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 19:5-6 ('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; and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.').
Deepens baptismal grace, imprints an indelible spiritual mark (character) on the soul, roots us more deeply as children of God, unites us more firmly to Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord), and binds us more perfectly to the Church.
Must be baptized, be in a state of grace (free from mortal sin), have reached the age of reason (typically), and be prepared to profess the faith and live as a disciple of Christ. Catechetical preparation is usually required.
Matter and Form
The matter of Confirmation is the anointing with sacred chrism (oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by the bishop) on the forehead, along with the laying on of hands. The form is the words: 'Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.'
Minister
The ordinary minister of Confirmation is the bishop. A priest may confirm in certain circumstances, such as when he baptizes an adult or when delegated by the bishop.