After the Gospel, the candidates to be confirmed are presented to the Bishop. During the homily, the Bishop reminds the candidates of the importance of the sacraments that they are about to receive and the responsibilities that take into effect. Where possible, candidates are called by name and approach the sanctuary individually where they are presented to the parish community. When candidates are children they are accompanied by their chosen sponsor or parent and stand being the celebrant.
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The Bishop and the Priests who administer the sacrament with him, lay their hands upon those to be confirmed by extending their hands over them and pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Since the time of the apostles this gesture has signified the calling down of the power of God's Holy Spirit. This ritualises the connection to Baptism and the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in our vocation to follow the way of Jesus. In confirmation, a Catholic is blessed with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence and awe.
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The Bishop traces the sign of the cross on the Candidate's forehead—having first dipped his thumb in the holy oil called chrism—and says, “(name), be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.” The newly confirmed person responds by saying, “Amen". The Bishop touches the side of the Candidate's face and says "Peace be with you" in which the newly confirmed responds "And with your spirit".
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