How is the sacrament of confirmation celebrated?
Confirmation is always celebrated at a mass. The priest or bishop first lays hands on the head of each confirmand, and then anoints each confirmand with Sacred Chrism while addressing each confirmand by name and saying, “Be sealed with the Holy Spirit.” While this is happening, the confirmand’s sponsor places his or her hand on the confirmand’s right shoulder. The name by which the confirmand is addressed may be any saint’s name that the confirmand has selected. As Confirmation marks a major event in the confirmand’s life, the confirmation name need not be a name previously given to, or used by, the confirmand. Canon 892 states: “As far as possible a sponsor for the one to be confirmed should be present; it is for the sponsor to see that the confirmed person acts as a true witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills the obligations connected with this sacrament.” A sponsor must be a confirmed, practicing Catholic at least 16 years of age. It is desirable that the sponsor for confirmation
