The Symbols of Confirmation

LO – to learn about what

the symbols experienced
in the Sacrament of
Confirmation mean.
The Symbols of Confirmation
In England and Wales, the Sacrament
of Confirmation is usually celebrated
when people are old enough to speak
for themselves. They are already
baptised and now they receive the gift
of the Holy Spirit to help them grow in
their Christian life.
The Symbols of Confirmation are:
The renewal of the baptismal promises

The laying of the hands

The anointing with the oil of chrism

Listening to God’s Word

Saying together the Lord’s prayer
The renewal of baptismal promises
The celebrant questions the parents and
the godparents.
Celebrant: Do you reject Satan?
Parents and godparents: I do.
Celebrant: And all his works?
Parents and godparents: I do.
Celebrant: And all his empty promises?
Parents and godparents: I do.
 The laying of the hands
The Priest lays his hands on each of the
candidates. This is to show them that they
have the special job of living like Jesus
would want and showing other people how
to do the same. The hands are a
symbol of the power and strength
that will come to them through
the Holy Spirit.
The anointing with the oil of chrism
The Priest says the candidate's name. This can
be a special confirmation name (normally a
saint's name) or the name they usually use.
The Priest then draws the sign of the cross on
the forehead of the candidate with the oil of
chrism. This oil is an ancient sign of being
chosen by God. It is also used in baptism.
The sign of the cross shows that
the candidate is a child of God.
 Activities
In groups use the information on p.451 to help you
complete these activities
For the renewal of baptismal promises:
Make a poster using pictures, signs and/or symbols of
God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit.

For the laying on of hands:

Express in your own words what is being prayed for
those to be confirmed.

For the anointing with chrism:

Make a list and draw the symbols used at this time (there
are four).

Produce your work as one big poster for our display.