United States Catholic Catechism for Adults

208 • Part II. The Sacraments: The Faith Celebrated

FROM THE CATECHISM

1. Who may receive Confirmation? Every baptized person not yet confirmed can and should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Since Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist form a unity, it follows that “the faithful are obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time.” (CCC, no. 1306, citing CIC, can. 890) 2. How should candidates for Confirmation be prepared? Preparation for Confirmation should aim at leading the Christian toward a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit—his actions, his gifts, and his biddings—in order to be more capable of assuming the apostolic responsibilities of Christian life. To this end catechesis for Confirmation should strive to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ, the universal Church as well as the parish commu nity. The latter bears special responsibility for the prepa ration of confirmands. (CCC, no. 1309) 3. Why do we not receive Confirmation more than once? Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark, or indelible character on the Christian’s soul; for this reason one can receive this Sacrament only once in one’s life. (CCC, no. 1317)

in our mission and witness. The impact of these gifts accompanies us in the various stages of our spiritual development. As the confirmed, we walk with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom enables us to see the world from God’s viewpoint, which can help us come to grasp the purpose and plan of God. It grants us the long range view of history, examining the present in the light of the past and the mystery of the future. It saves us from the illusion that the spirit of the times is our only guide. The Spirit’s gift of knowledge directs us to a