This section serves to provide parents and catechists some background information so that they may be more fully prepared to teach the sessions. There are additional resources and links to various curriculum here. 

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The Sacrament of Confirmation usually takes place at Mass. The Archbishop or Bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation, but he may also choose to delegate a priest to administer the Sacrament. 
 

How is the Liturgy Different from an ordinary Mass? 

There are a few key differences. Following the Liturgy of the Word (The entrance rite and Readings for the Mass), there is a presentation of the Candidates: 

Presentation of the Candidates
After the Gospel the bishop and the priests who will be ministers of the sacrament with him take their seats. The pastor or another priest, deacon, or catechist presents the candidates for confirmation, according to the custom of the region. Sometimes, depending on the number of people to be Confirmed, they may be presented as a group and asked simply to stand. If possible, however, each candidate is called by name and comes individually to the sanctuary. If the candidates are children, they are accompanied by one of their sponsors or parents and stand before the celebrant.

See this link for the wording  most typically used at the Rite of Confirmation for the Presentation of the Candidates.
 

Homily or Instruction
The bishop then gives a brief homily.

Renewal of Baptismal Promises
See this link for a copy of the Baptismal Promises.

The Laying On of Hands
The laying on of hands on the candidates by the bishop and the concelebrating priests represents the biblical gesture by which the gift of the Holy Spirit is invoked. "The whole rite presents a twofold symbolism. Through the laying of hands on the candidates by the Bishop and the concelebrating priests, the biblical gesture, by which the gift of the Holy Spirit is invoked, is expressed in a manner well suited to the understanding of the Christian people. Signed with the perfumed oil by the hand of the Bishop, the baptized receive the indelible character, the seal of the Lord, together with the gift of the Spirit that conforms them more fully to Christ and gives them the grace of spreading among men and women 'the pleasing fragrance of Christ.'" (Introduction 9)

This  laying on of hands is the same gesture used in the Bible by the Apostles to call down the Holy Spirit. The Archbishop, Bishop, or priest then seal the person's forehead with the chrism oil, this symbolizes the person is sealed with the Holy Spirit. This leaves an indelible mark on their soul. 

The Anointing of Chrism

Oil in ancient times was used by athletes to help loosen their muscles. Oil was also used in the anointing of kings and prophets and in religious ceremonies to dedicate the person to God. There are three different oils used in the Catholic Church: 

• Oil of the sick: used in the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick
• Oil of catechumens: used for those preparing to be Baptized
• Oil of chrism: used in the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Sacrament of Baptism, and the Sacrament of Holy Orders

Chrism oil is mixed with Balsam and has a distinct fragrance. It is an outward sign and symbol that each person who has been anointed with it is dedicated to God, prepared to be a witness, and ready to share the mercy and  love of Christ. 

For the anointing during Confirmation, each candidate goes to the bishop, or the bishop may go to the individual candidates. The sponsor  places his right hand on the Confirmandi's shoulder and gives the candidate’s name to the bishop; or the candidate may give his/her own name.

The Bishop then dips his right thumb in the Chrism and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he says: “(Name), be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Newly confirmed: Amen.
Bishop: Peace be with you.
Newly confirmed: And with your spirit.

Once everyone has been Confirmed, the Mass proceeds with the Universal Prayer (Prayers of the Faithful) and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.