Who Can Receive
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
The Baptized (1306)
Every baptized person is obliged to receive Confirmation "at the appropriate time" (Canon 890). Although Baptism is valid and efficacious without Confirmation and Eucharist, Christian initiation remains incomplete.
When Received (1307-1308)
In the Latin Church, the person receives Confirmation at "the age of discretion." However any child in danger of death should be confirmed, even before the age of discretion" (Canon 891; 883).
Although Confirmation is the "sacrament of Christian maturity" we must not confuse adult faith with the natural growth of age. "Age of body does not determine age of soul. Even in childhood man can attain spiritual maturity. Many children, through the strength of the Holy Spirit have even shed their blood for Christ" (St. Thomas Aquinas).
Preparing (1309)
Preparation for Confirmation should aim at a personal union with Christ and a familiarity with the Spirit's actions. Also, the person should receive a sense of belonging to the Church (both universal and local).
State of Grace (1310-1311)
To receive Confirmation, the person must be in the state of grace (hopefully purified by the sacrament of Penance). Preparation should include intense prayer to receive the graces of the Spirit. Candidates must seek the spiritual help of a sponsor. Having the same sponsor as at Baptism stresses the unity of these sacraments.
Who Can Confirm? (1312-1314)
The original minister of Confirmation is the bishop. In the East, ordinarily the priest baptizes and confirms at the same time (using the sacred chrism consecrated by the bishop). This same practice is followed in the West for adult Baptism and for reception into full communion of adults who were never confirmed.
In the Latin Rite, the bishop is the ordinary minister. Even though for grave reasons he can give priests the faculty to confirm (Canon 884), the bishop should confer the sacrament himself because this sacrament is meant to unite the faithful more firmly to the Church.
Danger of Death (1315)
In danger of death, any priest can confirm. The Church wants none of her children, even the youngest, to die without this sacrament.
