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THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
(Knighthood in the Kingdom Family of God)
 The following study of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the result of much research into the Church's continued teaching on the Sacrament over the past 2000 years, as well as my experience as a Confirmation Coordinator for 3 years at St. Cyprian Parish in the Diocese of Los Angeles. It is in no way an exhaustive explanation nor is it a complex theological thesis. It is simply a summary of the many hundreds of hours of research and study in my own journey to discover the meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation. It is written in laymen terms for the understanding of lay people.
I think it is true to say, that the Sacrament of Confirmation is probably the least understood and most under-rated sacrament of them all. And for this reason, I will begin our investigation by first looking at the Biblical framework of the family of God, then with this as background, review the Church's teaching on the meaning of Confirmation, the strict obligation that comes with Confirmation, and the indescribable gift that God bestows on the one confirmed.
From there I will attempt to deal with current misconceptions about the Sacrament of Confirmation; what it IS and, what it IS NOT; the current confusion over the age of confirmation; and finally, some practical suggestions for
religious education programs in our country.
 INTRODUCTION
The magnitude of this sacrament can be grasped somewhat when one looks at what the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship stated in its 1971 Rite of Confirmation:
"One of the highest responsibilities of the people of God is to prepare the baptized for
Confirmation." (DOL. 2512)
What is it about the Sacrament of Confirmation that puts such a high degree of responsibility on the people of God to prepare the baptized for this sacrament? This question and others will be answered as we go on.
The Sacrament of Confirmation has been known by many different names over the centuries:
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A. Mystical Chrism. (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, 350 A.D.)
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B. Sanctification by Chrism. (Pope St. Leo the Great, 440-461)
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C. Laying on of the Hand. (Innocent III, 1198-1216)
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D. The Anointing of the Forehead with Chrism.(Innocent IV,
1243-1254)
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E. The Holy Chrism of Confirmation. (Council of Trent, 1545-1563)
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F. Rite of Confirmation. (Vatican Council II, 1962-1965)
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G. Rite of Chrismation. (Eastern Rite Churches)
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H. Sacrament of Christian Maturity. (Modern Times)
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