The Official Minister of the ceremony will lay his hands upon the candidate's head and call upon the Holy Spirit. In Old Testament times the laying on of hands was a sign of blessing. It signified the strength and love of God that was being communicated through the person who was giving the blessing to the person being blessed.
|
The Official Minister of the ceremony will anoint the Candidate with the sign of the cross on their forehead. This symbolises that the Candidate has been specially selected and strengthened for a mission by God and seals them with the Holy Spirit. The name Christ means ‘the anointed one', we are anointed to go forth in life as a Catholic, as a disciple of Jesus, as a person of the Spirit, with confidence and strength.
|
Confirmation Candidates choose a Confirmation name generally the name belonging to a Canonised Saint of the Catholic Faith. In Old Testament times God would change the name of people who took on a special work for him symbolising a change in status. Candidates choose a Saint because of their admiration for their deeds and qualities helping them to deepen their bond with the larger faith community. By being confirmed under the Saint's name the Candidate is reminded that they belong to God and are committing to God.
|