Q. 689. {172} Why does the bishop give the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek?  A. The bishop gives the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek, to put him in mind that he must be ready to suffer everything, even death, for the sake of Christ.

Q. 690.  Is it right to test ourselves through our imagination of what we would be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ?  A. It is not right to test ourselves through our imagination of what we would be willing to suffer for the sake of Christ, for such tests may lead us into sin.  When a real test comes we are assured God will give to us, as He did to the Holy Martyrs, sufficient grace to endure it.

Q. 691. {173} To receive Confirmation worthily is it necessary to be in the state of grace?  A. To receive Confirmation worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace.

Q. 692. {174} What special preparation should be made to receive Confirmation?  A. Persons of an age to learn should know the chief mysteries of faith and the duties of a Christian, and be instructed in the nature and effects of this Sacrament.

Q. 693.  Why should we know the chief mysteries of faith and the duties of a Christian before receiving Confirmation?  A. We should know the Chief Mysteries of Faith and the duties of a Christian before receiving Confirmation because as one cannot be a good soldier without knowing the rules of the army to which he belongs and understanding the commands of his leader, so one cannot be a good Christian without knowing the laws of the Church and understanding the commands of Christ.

Q. 694. {175} Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation?  A. It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially in these evil days when faith and morals are exposed to so many and such violent temptations.

Q. 695.  What do we mean by “these evil days”?  A. By “these evil days” we mean the present age or century in which we are living, surrounded on all sides by unbelief, false doctrines, bad books, bad example and temptation in every form.

Q. 696.  Is Confirmation necessary for salvation?  A. Confirmation is not so necessary for salvation that we could not be saved without it, for it is not given to infants even in danger of death; nevertheless, there is a divine command obliging all to receive it, if possible.  Persons who have not been confirmed in youth should make every effort to be confirmed later in life.

Q. 697.  Are sponsors necessary in Confirmation?  A. Sponsors are necessary in Confirmation, and they must be of the same good character as those required at Baptism, for they take upon themselves the same duties and responsibilities.  They also contract a spiritual relationship, which, however, unlike that in Baptism, is not an impediment to marriage.

LESSON SIXTEENTH.  ON THE GIFTS AND FRUITS OF THE HOLY GHOST.

Q. 698. {176} Which are the effects of Confirmation?  A. The effects of Confirmation are an increase of sanctifying grace, the strengthening of our faith, and the gifts of the Holy Ghost.