From the Archdiocese of Baltimore's Theological and Catechetical Principles document “The Seal of the Spirit” on the Sacrament of Confirmation:
Confirmation is a sealing with the gift of the Holy Spirit, an empowering which "conforms believers more perfectly to Christ and strengthens them to bear witness to Christ for the building up of his body in faith and love" (Introduction: Rite of Confirmation, #2). Consequently, a personal commitment to become more involved in the life of the Church flows from the reception of this sacrament. Confirmation..."gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witness to Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross." (CCC #1303; cf. Council of Florence (1439); DS #1319; LG #11, #12)

• Confirmandi should be prepared to participate in the Rite of Confirmation with an understanding of the ritual language, symbols, and gestures and what these signify for the living out of their faith.