Confirmation Completes Baptism

Dear Catholic Exchange:

I recently read in an article... "In John 3:5 the word 'water' in the clause, 'unless a man is born of water and Spirit' refers to the water of baptism, at which time the Spirit enters our life and sins are forgiven." (I hope I have not quoted out of context.)

My questions: If the Spirit enters our life in baptism, then what is the difference between baptism and confirmation? Do we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit at baptism or only at confirmation?

Please enlighten me!

Thanks,
Des Nicholson
New Zealand


Dear Des,

Peace in Christ!

Confirmation completes baptismal grace and strengthens the individual with the power of the Holy Spirit. “Confirmation” is literally a complete firming up of those baptismal graces. [Con (“complete” or “thorough”) + Firm].

For an explanation, please see our Faith Fact The Graces of Confirmation.

United in the Faith,

Eric Stoutz
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)

• Editor's Note: To submit a faith question to Catholic Exchange, email faithquestions@catholicexchange.com. Please note that all email submitted to Catholic Exchange becomes the property of Catholic Exchange and may be published in this space. Published letters may be edited for length and clarity. Names and cities of letter writers may also be published. Email addresses of viewers will not normally be published.

This Post's Link