As a little girl, I was taught that we all had the "stain" of original sin on our souls, and that baptism washed that away. A baby was baptized to remove that sin. But children are considered pretty much innocent after that. Not responsible. They are not of "the age of reason". Their parents are responsible in their stead. They agree at baptism to teach the child the ways of God and the church. Catholics believe that God helps parents do this through the Holy Spirit.

As the child grows, it is constantly taught, educated in the Church doctrine, the Bible, and grows in their walk with the Lord. When they reached the age of reasoning, and could be held accountable for their own actions. (in my case, it was in the 6th grade, at about age 12), they partake of the Sacrament of Confirmation. This acted not only as a giving of grace, but a public admission of accepting the laws and commandments of God, and your vow to obey them, as an adult. You are then seen as a new adult member of the Church, of the Community of Christ.

In a way, I suppose it might be similar to the "altar call" of some Protestant churches. The element of conscious choice is there, and public avowal of intent, and, of course, a public statement of faith. The difference is that Catholics believe that we are sanctified through Confirmation. It is a Sacrament, and when we walk forward in front of the congregation and the bishop lays his hands on our heads, we are not just blessed, we are imbued with Sacramental grace. It is this grace that makes all the difference, for it is by God’s grace, freely given, and not earned, that we can attain eternal life in Christ Jesus.

We are taught in the Catholic Catechism:

Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace:

• it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba!
  Father!"

• it unites us more firmly to Christ;

• it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;

• it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;

• it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the
  faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of
  Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:

Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom
and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of
knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God's presence. Guard
what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ
the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your
hearts.

At my Confirmation, the bishop, when he laid his hand on my head said "Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti" (Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.) and told me I was "reborn" in Christ, through the Spirit. My parents taught me that it now meant that I was an adult in the eyes of God, and therefore better behave myself from now on!

I will never forget my Confirmation. It was so beautiful to me, I almost cried, and my father said my eyes glowed, and I could actually FEEL the Holy Spirit come into me! It was breathtaking!

In His Love,

Lisa Alekna
7/29/99