What happens in the church when you are confirmed?

Answer 1

Speaking as someone who was Confirmed and expected what they were told would happen: Nothing. Absolutely nothing at all.

Roman Catholic Answer

from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, English translation 1994

1297 The consecration of the sacred chrism is an important action that precedes the celebration of Confirmation, but is in a certain way a part of it. It is the bishop, who, in the course of the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, consecrates the sacred chrism for his whole diocese. In some Eastern Church this consecration is even reserved to the patriarch...

1298 When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism, as is in the case in the Roman Rite, the Liturgy of Confirmation begins with the renewal of baptismal promises and the profession of faith by the confirmands. This clearly shows that Confirmation follows Baptism. (Cf. Sacrasanctum concilium71) When adults are baptized, they immediately receive 'Confirmation and participate in the Eucharist. (Cf. Codex Iuris Canonici, can. 866)

1299 In the Roman Rite the bishop extends his hands over the whole group of the confirmands. Since the time of the apostles this gesture has signified the gift of the Spirit. The bishop invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in these words:

All-powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

by water and the Holy Spirit

you freed your sons and daughters from sin

and gave them new life.

Send your Holy Spirit upon them

to be their helper and guide.

Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,

the spirit of right judgment and courage,

the spirit of knowledge and reverence.

Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. (Ordo confirmationis25)

1300 The essential rite of the sacrament follows. In the Latin rite, "the sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: 'Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti' [Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.] (Paul VI, apostolic constitution, Divinae consortium naturae, 663. ...

1301 The sign of peace that concludes the rite of the sacrament signifies and demonstrates ecclesial communion with the bishop and with all the faithful. (Cf. St. Hippolytus, Trad.Ap. 21: Sources Chretiennes {Paris: 1942-}11, 80-95.)