For many teenagers, Confirmation is the first major step of faith that they decide on themselves. Parents, godparents and grandparents then ask: what exactly happens, how does the day go, and what do you give for Confirmation? In this guide you will find the answers, short and clear.
What does Confirmation mean?
Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church. Together with baptism and the Eucharist, it is one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Church. The word comes from the Latin “confirmatio”, meaning strengthening. In Confirmation the young person affirms their yes to the faith, which at baptism was usually spoken for them by their parents and godparents. The Church believes that they receive the Holy Spirit in a special way, as strength for their own life of faith.
The Bible tells how the apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). Confirmation builds on this. That is why its sign is the dove.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
At Confirmation the bishop prays for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. They go back to a passage in the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 11:2):
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Counsel
- Fortitude
- Knowledge
- Piety
- Fear of the Lord
In their preparation, many Confirmation groups reflect on these gifts and ask: which of them do I need most right now?
When and at what age is Confirmation received?
In Germany, young people are usually confirmed between the ages of 12 and 17, depending on the diocese and parish. Confirmation does not take place every year in every parish, because the bishop, or a priest appointed by him, has to travel there. You can find the exact date from the parish office. Before Confirmation there is a period of preparation lasting some weeks or months, with group sessions, services and often a weekend away or a social project.
In the Protestant church, Konfirmation corresponds roughly to Catholic Confirmation, but there it is not a sacrament.
How the Confirmation service goes
- Renewal of baptismal promises: The candidates themselves say yes to the faith.
- Laying on of hands: The minister of Confirmation extends his hands over all the candidates and prays for the Holy Spirit.
- Anointing with chrism: Each candidate steps forward individually, and the sponsor places their right hand on the candidate’s shoulder. The bishop traces a cross on the forehead with the blessed oil, the chrism, and says: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The candidate answers: “Amen.”
- Sign of peace: The bishop wishes the candidate peace.
After that the service continues like a normal Mass. Afterwards many families celebrate at home or in a restaurant.
Confirmation sponsor: who can be one?
The sponsor accompanies the young person through Confirmation and beyond. Under the rules of the Catholic Church, they should be at least 16 years old, Catholic and confirmed themselves. Parents may not be the Confirmation sponsors of their own child. Often the baptismal godparent also takes on the role of Confirmation sponsor, which is expressly welcomed. If in doubt, the parish office can help.
Gift ideas for Confirmation
A good Confirmation gift suits a young person who is just growing up. It can be simple, and it should last. A few ideas from our range:
Signs of the Holy Spirit
The dove is the symbol of Confirmation. The olive wood necklace with dove shows a rounded dove with a cut-out, and the cross necklace with dove joins the cross and the Holy Spirit and is blessed.
Jewellery for every day
Many teenagers prefer to wear something understated. Good choices are the paracord bracelet with wooden cross, the stainless steel Lord’s Prayer cross necklace on a leather cord or the lava stone bracelet with St Benedict crucifix.
Something for their own room
A cross for their first flat or their teenage room stays with them for many years. The glass cross with golden dove is a lovely example. You will find more ideas in our Gifts for Communion and Confirmation collection.
A rosary to try out
For young people who want to deepen their faith, a rosary is a personal gift. We explain how to pray it in How to Pray the Rosary: Guide and Mysteries.
Many godparents combine such a sign with a gift of money and a card with personal words. The card in particular is often kept for a long time.
For Confirmation groups and parishes
Looking for a shared gift for the whole Confirmation group? For parishes, schools and groups there is a quantity discount on the total quantity of the order, freely combinable: 10% from 10 items, 15% from 25, 20% from 50 (not valid for wooden statues from the woodcarving workshop). We prepare the quote on request; you can find out more on our Quantity Discount page.
What do I write in a Confirmation card?
Personal words often mean more to teenagers than you might think. Tell them what you value about your godchild, and wish them strength for their own path. Three examples to use or adapt:
- “For your Confirmation I wish you the courage to go your own way, and the certainty that God walks it with you.”
- “May the Holy Spirit give you wisdom and strength, today and in everything that comes.”
- “I am proud of you and glad to be able to accompany you on this path.”
Frequently asked questions
What is Confirmation, simply explained?
Confirmation is a sacrament in which young people reaffirm their yes to the faith. The bishop anoints them with chrism and prays for the Holy Spirit.
At what age are you confirmed?
In Germany usually between 12 and 17. The diocese or parish sets the exact age.
Who can become a Confirmation sponsor?
A Catholic, confirmed person who is at least 16 years old. The candidate’s parents cannot be sponsors.
What do you give for Confirmation?
Popular choices are signs of faith that teenagers like to wear or display: a necklace with a dove, a bracelet with a cross, a cross for their own room, often together with a personal card.
What does the dove mean at Confirmation?
The dove is the sign of the Holy Spirit. According to the Gospels, at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan the Spirit descended on him like a dove.
Written by Denis & Belinda. We run LUNEXUS and are happy to answer your questions personally on +49 30 2178 2502 (German and English) or at hallo@lunexus.world.
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