While Baptism is the first sacrament of initiation, confirmation imparts what the name implies: it “confirms” baptismal promises and calls believers into living a bolder faith. “Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace” (CCC, 1300) and calls upon the Holy Spirit to impart the gifts that the spirit offers.
“Although Confirmation is sometimes called the “sacrament of Christian maturity,” we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth (CCC, 1308). God imparts grace on us to make us bolder, despite our age or intellect.
The essential rite of the sacrament is conferred through anointing with chrism on the forehead and the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The sign of peace follows the anointing. Often the sacrament is conferred upon teenagers, although some receive it closer to their baptismal age. A bishop usually confers the sacrament.
Those receiving the sacrament often take a “confirmation name,” although there is no requirement to do so. A “sponsor” promises to guide the young person in faith much like the “godparent” they had at Baptism.