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Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation. The other two are baptism and the Eucharist.

The sacrament of confirmation typically takes place in early teenage years, when a child starts to be seen as an adult member of the Church. This is because they are now considered old enough to renew and confirm for themselves vows that were made on their behalf when they were baptised. However, there is no set age for the confirmation rite, and people are often confirmed as adults.

Confirmation usually takes place during a Mass that is given by the bishop.

Importantly, the bishop anoints the believer’s forehead with holy oil called chrism.

The four parts of confirmation

The sacrament of confirmation can be divided into four parts:

1. Presentation of the candidate - The individuals awaiting confirmation are summoned.
2. Renewal of baptismal vows - The individuals renew the promises made at their baptism.
3. Laying on of hands - The candidate being confirmed kneels before the bishop, who reads out the candidate’s chosen confirmation name. A sponsor places their right hand on the shoulder of the candidate and the bishop lays his hands on the candidate’s head. This is to call down the power and blessing of God.
4. Anointing with chrism - The bishop then anoints the candidate with chrism, which is holy oil. The bishop then makes a sign of the cross on the candidate’s forehead, saying the words “be sealed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit”. The bishop then says “peace be with you”, which the candidate repeats back to the bishop.