Which Sacrament involves the bishop laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil, strengthening the Holy Spirit after Baptism?

• A. Confirmation
• B. Baptism
• C. Reconciliation
• D. Eucharist

Answer: (A)

This sacrament strengthens the Holy Spirit already received at Baptism through two distinct signs: the laying on of hands by a bishop and the anointing with sacred chrism (holy oil). The gesture of placing hands emphasizes calling on the Spirit and affirming the person’s faith, while the anointing with chrism seals the recipient with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This combination signals a deeper empowerment to live as a disciple and to witness Christ more boldly. The bishop overseeing the rite also highlights the unity of the Church in confirming faith.

Baptism is about cleansing and new life with water, not the laying on of hands and chrism. Reconciliation centers on confessing sins and receiving forgiveness, and the Eucharist centers on receiving Christ in the Eucharist. The distinctive elements here—laying on of hands by a bishop and anointing with chrism after Baptism—identify this as the sacrament of Confirmation.