The Roman Catholic Church views confirmation as a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ. It confers the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon the recipient.

 

There are seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1. Wisdom,

2. Understanding,

3. Knowledge, 

4. Counsel,

5. Fortitude,

6. Piety, and

7. Fear of the Lord.

 

A confirmation candidate must be of discerning age (at least 7 years old). The Rite of Confirmation is typically performed by a bishop, and includes laying on of hands and anointing the forehead with chrism (holy oil).