Anointed in the Spirit Candidate Handbook - Saint Mary's Press

Baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit, we become members ofChrist’s Body, the Church. God continues to call us throughout ourlives to deepen our relationship with him and strengthen our bondwith the Church.In the Sacrament of Confirmation, there is a special outpouringof the Holy Spirit upon those being confirmed. Through the actionof the Holy Spirit, the Father, united with Christ, accomplishes greatthings for us:• Our relationship with the Father grows deeper.• We are united more firmly with Jesus Christ.• The Gifts of the Holy Spirit increase in us.• Our connection with the Church increases, and we are betterable to continue the Church’s mission.• The Holy Spirit gives us a special strength to be witnesses to theChristian way of life through what we say and what we do.Called by GodThe Scriptures are filled with accounts of peoplewho heard God’s call and responded with faith.Here are a few of those people and the verseswhere you can read about them.Biblical People Scripture VersesAbraham Genesis 12:1–9Moses Exodus 3:1–12Samuel 1 Samuel 3:1–10Isaiah Isaiah 6:1–8Jeremiah Jeremiah 1:4–10Mary Luke 1:26–38The First Disciples Matthew 4:18–22Matthew Matthew 9:9–13And, rest assured, God always keeps his promises. So even ifyou don’t fulfill all your responsibilities and commitments or do all thethings you say you’ll do, God will always do what he says becauseGod’s promises are trustworthy and eternal.We do not have to earn God’s gifts. All of God’s gifts are freelygiven, including the grace of Confirmation. “Earning” Confirmationis not at all the point of spending some time in preparation as acandidate for Confirmation. The time of preparation is meant to helpcandidates be receptive to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Godcalls each of us at all times and pours out his love upon us. The challengefor us is to recognize his love and his call and to respond withfaithful living.The SamaritanWomanSaulJohn 4:4–42Acts of theApostles 9:1–19Jesus approachedMatthew at histax collectionbooth, saying,“Follow me.”© Brooklyn Museum/Corbis