The Journey in the Holy Spirit<br/><br/>

“But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:3) What Isaiah the Prophet described were the characteristics of the Messiah. When we were baptized, we became one of Jesus disciples. But at the same time, we also accepted the Holy Spirit’s grace. Therefore when adults receive the Sacraments of Initiation, they always receive the Sacrament of Confirmation immediately subsequent to the Sacrament of Baptism.<br/><br/>

Although newborns did not receive the Sacrament of Confirmation when they were baptized, they were anointed so that they could also share the duties of Jesus as king, prophet and priest.<br/><br/>

Newborns then grow up to be children under the influence of Jesus’ loving spirit. At the age when they become independent, they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, hence recognizing God’s work placed upon them. Although the type of grace each of us is blessed with differs, the support and appreciation we get from our family and friends are most eminent. Therefore the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is not merely a graduation ceremony from our first catechism class but signifies the continuing celebration in the Holy Spirit of our rebirth in Christ.<br/><br/>

For this reason parents, not simply replaceable by catechists, must accompany their children on the road of development in faith.