1. Laying on of 3. The Sign of Peace hands * Also used at Mass The Bishop stretches out his hand * More than a friendly over the children and calls down greeting, a sign of our unity. the power of the Holy Spirit. We are one people of God, one body of Christ. A profound gesture which is also used in other sacraments: When the bishop says ‘Peace be * anointing of the sick with you’, he is saying on behalf * ordination of a priest of the community that your child * over the bread and wine at belongs. He/she is one with us, Mass, so that they become the the Church. body and blood of Christ. Spirituality As with all the sacraments, In Confirmation, the Bishop calls in the home upon the Spirit to overshadow Confirmation uses symbolic A suggestion your child and to fill him/her with gestures which accompany the gifts of the Spirit. He will name Let the ‘big’ symbols of words of prayer. those gifts as part of this prayer. Confirmation resonate in the ‘little’ signs and symbols of These symbols are: 2. Anointing with everyday life. For example: Chrism • Beautiful 1. As you lay hands on your • Ancient Chrism: a special oil blessed by child (to comfort, to guide, to • Dramatic the Bishop. Perfumed. (We are help) be reminded of the laying • Sacred reminded of St Paul’s words that on of hands at Confirmation. knowledge of God is like per- • Profound fume that fills the world. 2. As you rub ointment or sun- • Part of our Christian screen into your child’s skin, be ancestry Anointing - ancient significance. reminded of the anointing they A symbol of being called and will receive at Confirmation. strengthened for an important task. 3. As you show affection to your * Kings and queens anointed - child, let this be a living sign of indicating the dignity of office. the peace of Christ. * Soldiers and athletes anointed before battle/competition. In Confirmation, your child is being anointed to go forth in life as a Catholic, as a disciple of Jesus, as a person of the Spirit, with confidence and strength. ‘Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit’. Why ‘sealed’? Symbol- ism: a legal contract when signed Our Lady of Dolours and sealed is considered authen- Parish Chatswood By Teresa Pirola tic and binding. To be sealed with Children’s Confirmation Program Illustrations: Francine Pirola the Spirit is to be confirmed as a Parents Input Night © The Story Source, 2004 Christian believer..