Which description correctly represents the matter of the sacrament of Confirmation?

Which description correctly represents the matter of the sacrament of Confirmation?

• A. Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles on Pentecost, after the Ascension
• B. Laying on of hands and prayer
• C. Anointing with Sacred Chrism
• D. Public profession of faith

Answer: (A)

The matter of Confirmation is the concrete signs by which grace is communicated: the laying on of hands by the bishop (with prayer) and the anointing with Sacred Chrism on the candidate’s forehead. The laying on of hands expresses the Church’s invocation of the Holy Spirit and the transmission of grace, while the chrism signifies sealing with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthens the person for the mission ahead. The descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at Pentecost is the scriptural model and the effect the sacrament brings about, not the material signs themselves. Public profession of faith is part of the rite and the person’s response, but it is not the matter that conveys the grace of Confirmation. So the correct understanding is that the matter consists of both the laying on of hands with prayer and the anointing with sacred chrism.

The matter of Confirmation is the concrete signs by which grace is communicated: the laying on of hands by the bishop (with prayer) and the anointing with Sacred Chrism on the candidate’s forehead. The laying on of hands expresses the Church’s invocation of the Holy Spirit and the transmission of grace, while the chrism signifies sealing with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthens the person for the mission ahead.

The descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at Pentecost is the scriptural model and the effect the sacrament brings about, not the material signs themselves. Public profession of faith is part of the rite and the person’s response, but it is not the matter that conveys the grace of Confirmation.

So the correct understanding is that the matter consists of both the laying on of hands with prayer and the anointing with sacred chrism.