validity of confirmation?

[zunshynn]

[quote name='Era Might' date='Oct 23 2005, 12:19 PM']
The Holy Eucharist is just the opposite. Even if the Priest didn't believe in it, it would be valid so long as the matter, form, and intent were correct.

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How could the priest have right intent if he didn't believe in it? I've never understood the intent part. Why does there have to be intent? What exactly does that mean?

[son_of_angels]

I believe intent only means that the priest intends to perform the rite as the form requires the rite to be performed.

[MilesChristi]

[quote name='toledo_jesus' date='Oct 24 2005, 09:30 AM']Perhaps, you can look at your conversion as eventual evidence of the work of the Holy Spirit...which you received at your Confirmation.
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I certainly consider that to be the case in my life.

[Jaime]

To put a finer point and answer your question let's look at dogma

[quote] The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders[1], when they are received validly but unworthily, revive after the removal of the moral indisposition, that is, the sacramental grace is conferred subsequently.[/quote]

Meaning that while you may not have been in the proper place in mind, heart and spirit when the sacrament occurred, if you came to the realization later that you fully wanted to embrace the Church, the sacrament is then valid.

So in other words, it may not have been valid when you received it, but you can accept it later and have it be valid. There is no need (and it would be wrong) to become confirmed again.

Its kind of like getting a credit card and then activating it later after you got it. Know what I mean?

[[jas]]

[quote name='termitescoming4u!' date='Oct 24 2005, 03:02 AM']because you cannot receive the Holy Spirit twice [once you have received it, it stays with you]
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"it"???

[Dust's Sister]

[quote name='photosynthesis' date='Oct 23 2005, 12:22 PM']I got confirmed when I was 14.  At the time I didn't quite believe in God.  I think I may have been an agnostic.  Now I do believe in God and all the teachings of His Church!

but is such a confirmation valid?
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I was confirmed about 2 years ago, and I was closer to God then, but not nearly as close as I am now! I am going through RCIA and it's really making me close, and even though I got confirmed two years ago as a Catholic, I'm going to act as though I am a re-born Catholic, at least that's what it feels like. I never really understood the fullness of being Catholic untill now.

[Maria]

[quote name='zunshynn' date='Oct 24 2005, 08:44 PM']How could the priest have right intent if he didn't believe in it? I've never understood the intent part. Why does there have to be intent? What exactly does that mean?
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Intent to do what the Church does, to do as the Church requires, that kind of thing.