The roots of Confirmation reach back to the earliest days of the Church. We read in the Acts of the Apostles how the Apostles “Laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit” (8:17).
Confirmation completes what the grace of Baptism began, bringing a deepening of grace in a special outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.
Confirmation Preparation helps us to grow in a more intimate union with Christ and a more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit - his actions, & his gifts - in order to be fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ.
As an illustration of just how transformative these gifts of Spirit can be, recall how Peter and the other disciples were before they received the Spirit at Pentecost. Peter could be impetuous and the group remained cautious even after the risen Christ appeared to them. All of that changed on Pentecost. On that day – and for the rest of his days – Peter stood up and vigorously preached Christ in public (Acts 2:1-4, 14-41).
The gift of Confirmation equips us for active participation in the witness, work and worship of the Church. Confirmation gives us the special strength we need to fulfill our calling from God to love and serve as Jesus did. It is the same gift the Apostles in the upper room received at the first Pentecost.
Candidates for Confirmation, as with Baptism, seek the spiritual help of a sponsor.