What are the reasons for confirmation?

Answer 1

At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus Christ, as He had promised, descended upon the disciples of Jesus, giving them strength to preach the Good News. The Bible makes a distinction from Baptism and Confirmation.

Acts 8:14-18Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent them Peter and John, who went down and prayed for them, that they might receive the holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them and they received the holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was conferred by the laying on of the apostles' hands ...Acts 19:1-6While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior of the country and came (down) to Ephesus where he found some disciples. He said to them, "Did you receive the holy Spirit when you became believers?" They answered him, "We have never even heard that there is a holy Spirit." He said, "How were you baptized?" They replied, "With the baptism of John." Paul then said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus." When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid (his) hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Answer 2

Catholics believe that sacraments are a sign and source of sanctifying grace. The grace of the sacrament of Confirmation is the strength to be faithful to God's will, to be a strong and perfect Christian. It is a stage in Christian initiation after Baptism, and is completed in the reception of the Holy Eucharist in communion.

Answer 3

The Sacrament of Confirmation is necessary by precept, not necessary by means.

This is to say the Sacrament of Confirmation is not necessary for salvation. Therefore in the strict sense the Sacrament is not "necessary." The Sacrament IS necessary by precept. In other words all things being equal all practicing Catholics should receive the Sacrament of Confirmation if they are able to do so, or if nothing prevents them from doing so.

The Sacrament of Confirmation completes the work of Baptism and seals the person with the Holy Spirit. Through the Sacrament one is given the fullest possible share and participation in the life of God and the Church. The Sacrament also strengthens one for the mission of evangelizing in a world hostile to God's truth.

Therefore while the Sacrament is not strictly speaking "necessary" for salvation, this is not the same thing as saying "The Sacrament is unimportant."

Answer 4

Catholics believe that when you are Confirmed, you become a soldier for Christ, and you receive spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit.

Answer 5

To make an adult commitment to your Church.