“Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit.”

- Acts of the Apostles 8:14-17

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a Sacrament of Initiation, the others being Baptism and Eucharist. Confirmation is the completion of baptismal grace. For “by the Sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obligated to spread and defend the faith by word and deed (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1285).

It is very highly recommended that all Catholics receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to the Apostles. Jesus fulfilled this promise at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47).

The effects of Confirmation include a permanent character (it can only be done once), a perfection of baptismal grace, increases in the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, a stronger identity as adopted children of God, a closer relationship with the Church and her mission, and it helps one to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the Roman Catholic Church, Confirmation is normally administered by the bishop. In order to be ready for the Sacrament one should be in a state of grace, be well prepared through prayer and catechesis, and be committed to carry out the responsibilities of the Sacrament.

These essential rite of Confirmation is the anointing with Chrism Oil on the recipient’s forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand while saying the words, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.