The Catholic sacrament of confirmation

Every year, military installations throughout the world will be visited by one of the bishops from the Archdiocese for the Military Services. This visit has an important purpose: to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to young-adult Catholics. For Catholics, this sacrament is also called the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, for it is here where we believe the Holy Spirit descends upon the recipient in the same way the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles at Pentecost (Acts, Chapter 2).

Those who are to be confirmed are called “confirmandi.” In a powerful way, after an extended period of preparation, they will step forward to become adult Christians. In infancy, parents and godparents made their Baptismal promises for them, now they will make these for themselves. They will receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit that empowered the early church to proclaim the gospel amidst persecution. It is here that we believe a special grace is given: to lay down one’s life in martyrdom rather than renounce the faith. This is why confirmation has been called the sacrament that makes one a soldier for Christ.

The bishop accentuates this conviction as he celebrates this sacrament. He anoints their foreheads with special oil called Sacred Chrism and says to them: “Be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” Sacred Chrism is made up of olive oil and aromatic oil. The olive oil symbolizes the added strength the confirmandi receive to help them live the gospel as an adult Christian. The aromatic oil symbolizes the beauty of a soul that lives out this conviction.

The administration of the sacrament of confirmation is reserved to the bishop. This helps the confirmandi recognize their association with the larger church; that their commitment to the church extends beyond their own parish, and now includes their diocese, and the entire church throughout the world.

The Archdiocese for the Military Services is the largest archdiocese, serving the needs of Catholics in all branches of the military. An older priest recruiting advertisement read: “Join the Military Archdiocese. Our Archdiocese is the world.” Even though Catholics of the Military Archdiocese are spread out all over the world, the four bishops that serve these congregations, place a high priority on bringing this sacrament to our confirmandi.

Such devotion to the Military Catholic congregations is impressive. Yet what is more impressive, is to witness high school students step forward and receive this sacrament. I am always taken by their willingness to make such a public commitment to their faith. In an era marked by materialism, selfishness, and godlessness, it is wonderfully encouraging to see that young adults are still committing themselves to their church and to God.

Sadly, one of our bishops recently died, leaving only three bishops to meet the demanding confirmation schedule. Bishop Jack Kaising was originally scheduled before he died. He served the Fort Belvoir community for many years as an Army chaplain, and later as a bishop. Bishop Richard Higgins has generously offered to take his place. He will visit Fort Belvoir on Saturday when 65 confirmandi will make a profound commitment to their faith.