In Confirmation, what is the rite that completes the sacramental action?

In Confirmation, what is the rite that completes the sacramental action?

• A. Water is poured on the person
• B. The bishop reads a prayer
• C. Anointing with sacred chrism on the forehead while the celebrant says Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit
• D. The celebrant places hands and recites the Our Father

Answer: (C)

Confirmation completes Baptism by strengthening the grace of the Holy Spirit. The moment that finishes the sacramental action is the anointing of the forehead with sacred chrism, accompanied by the words, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The chrism, a consecrated oil, symbolizes being sealed by the Spirit for the apostolic mission in the Church, marking the person as a fully initiated, mature member who can witness to Christ. Water is associated with Baptism, not Confirmation; the other actions can be part of the rite or its prayers, but they do not complete the sacrament the way the chrism anointing does.

Confirmation completes Baptism by strengthening the grace of the Holy Spirit. The moment that finishes the sacramental action is the anointing of the forehead with sacred chrism, accompanied by the words, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The chrism, a consecrated oil, symbolizes being sealed by the Spirit for the apostolic mission in the Church, marking the person as a fully initiated, mature member who can witness to Christ.

Water is associated with Baptism, not Confirmation; the other actions can be part of the rite or its prayers, but they do not complete the sacrament the way the chrism anointing does.