Explore the Sacrament of Confirmation & Gift Guide

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a vital and transformative moment in the journey of every Catholic. As one of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ, Confirmation imparts upon the faithful a deepening of their baptismal grace and empowers them to grow into the fullness of their Christian identity.

Let’s explore the significance of Confirmation and examine its purpose, scriptural foundations, and the graces received during the sacrament.

The Purpose of Confirmation

Confirmation is often referred to as the “sacrament of Christian maturity.” It marks a pivotal stage in a Catholic’s spiritual journey, when they are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who strengthens their faith and empowers them to bear witness to Christ in the world.

Through Confirmation, the individual becomes a full and active participant in the Church, taking on a greater responsibility to live out the teachings of Christ and to defend and spread the faith.

Scriptural Foundations

The sacrament of Confirmation is rooted in the Acts of the Apostles, specifically during the event of Pentecost. In Acts 2:1-4, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire, enabling them to proclaim the Gospel in various languages. This event signifies the birth of the Church and the beginning of its mission to evangelize the world.

Additionally, in John 14:16-17, Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples, saying, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth, which the world cannot accept because it neither sees nor knows it.”

This passage illustrates the importance of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and the empowerment that comes from being sealed with the Spirit.

The Celebration of Confirmation

The Rite of Confirmation typically takes place during Mass and is celebrated by the bishop, who is the ordinary minister of the sacrament, or by a delegated priest.

During the rite, the bishop lays his hands on the confirmands, invoking the Holy Spirit upon them. Following this, the bishop anoints each confirmand’s forehead with sacred chrism—a perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop during Holy Week—while saying, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The Graces Received

Through the sacrament of Confirmation, numerous spiritual graces are imparted upon the confirmands, including:

An increase and deepening of baptismal grace: Confirmation augments the sanctifying grace received during Baptism, enabling the individual to grow in their relationship with God and the Church.
The indelible spiritual mark: Just as in Baptism, Confirmation imprints a spiritual mark on the soul, signifying that the confirmand is forever changed and set apart for God.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—are bestowed upon the confirmand, aiding them in their spiritual growth and mission.
Strengthening of faith: Confirmation provides the confirmand with the strength and courage to bear witness to Christ in the world, even in the face of adversity.

The Spiritual Journey

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a profound moment in a Catholic’s spiritual journey, as it deepens the graces received during Baptism and empowers the individual to take on a more active role in the Church.

By exploring the significance, scriptural foundations, and graces bestowed during this sacrament, we can better appreciate the transformative power of Confirmation and the vital role it plays in the lives of the faithful.

Confirmation Gifts to Celebrate Spiritual Growth

The sacrament of Confirmation marks a deepening of a Catholic’s baptismal grace and a commitment to live out their faith more fully. CatholicShop.com offers a large variety of Confirmation gifts.

If you’re seeking a meaningful gift to celebrate this special occasion, here are several thoughtful suggestions to help you find the perfect Confirmation gift.

Personalized Patron Saint Medals

Every confirmand chooses a patron saint as a role model and intercessor in their spiritual journey. Gifting a medal bearing the image of their chosen saint is a thoughtful way to honor this spiritual connection. Patron saint medals can be worn as a pendant or carried as a pocket token, serving as a constant reminder of the saint’s guidance and protection.

There are thousands of saints and medals to choose from on our site, easily discoverable with our patron saints index. We can engrave most of them with a special message on the back. An example of engraving for a Confirmation gift would be the recipient’s name and Confirmation date.

♦PATRON SAINT MEDALS♦

Catholic Bible

Gifting a Bible is a wonderful way to encourage the newly confirmed individual to dive deeper into the Word of God. We encourage you to shop for a high-quality Bible with a durable cover and to consider choosing a Catholic edition, which includes the Deuterocanonical books.

♦CATHOLIC BIBLES♦

Personalized Patron Saint Rosaries

Just like our Patron Saint Medals, these high-end rosaries are available in a wide variety of saints and devotions, and they’re made with beautiful beads and Sterling Silver components. We can engrave most of our Patron Saint Rosaries with a special message on the back of the centerpiece medal, making them special gifts that the recipient will cherish (and use) for a lifetime!

♦SAINT ROSARIES♦

Prayer Books, Devotionals & More

A prayer book or devotional specifically tailored to Confirmation can help nurture the newly confirmed individual’s prayer life and foster a deeper connection with God. We also recommend biographies of saints, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and other books.

♦CATHOLIC BOOKS♦

Charitable Donation

Another meaningful gift idea is to make a charitable donation in the confirmand’s name. Select a cause that aligns with their interests or passions, such as a Catholic charity, a local food bank, or an organization supporting the environment or social justice.

This gesture demonstrates the importance of living out one’s faith through acts of love and service. Here at CatholicShop, we especially recommend, support, and endorse the non-profit organization Mary’s Meals.

♦MARY’S MEALS♦

Personalized Patron Saint Rosary Bracelets

From the same American-made line of Patron Saint Medals and Rosaries, our saintly rosary bracelets come in many saints and devotions. Each bracelet features stylish arrays of beads and Sterling Silver components. We can engrave most of our Patron Saint Rosary Bracelets with a message on the back of the centerpiece medal.

♦SAINT BRACELETS♦

Wall Crucifix or Cross

A beautifully crafted wall crucifix or cross can serve as a daily reminder of Christ’s love and the individual’s commitment to their faith. There are numerous styles available, from simple wooden crosses to intricate metal or glass designs. Personalize this gift by selecting a crucifix that reflects the individual’s tastes or aligns with the theme of their Confirmation.

♦CROSSES & CRUCIFIXES♦

Inspirational Artwork

Inspirational artwork, such as a framed scripture verse or a depiction of a favorite saint, can be a beautiful and meaningful addition to the confirmand’s living space. Choose a piece that speaks to their spiritual journey or resonates with their personal style. We carry posters, framed canvases, plaques, icons and more!

♦CATHOLIC ARTWORK♦

Finding The Perfect Gift

Choosing a thoughtful gift for someone celebrating their Confirmation is an opportunity to support and encourage their spiritual growth. By selecting a meaningful religious item that reflects their personal journey and commitment to their faith, you can make this special occasion even more memorable.

Whatever you decide on, your gift will serve as a lasting reminder of the love and support that surrounds the newly confirmed individual, and we at CatholicShop.com would be honored to be your source for Confirmation gifts.

Aside from these popular options listed above, we have much more to choose from, so we invite you to browse our Confirmation Gifts section today. And, with over 50,000 Catholic items for sale here on CatholicShop.com, almost any of our products make wonderful Confirmation gifts.