Vormsel

Vormsel is the Dutch term for the sacrament of Confirmation within the Roman Catholic Church, one of the Christian rites of initiation alongside Baptism and the Eucharist. In Dutch-speaking regions it is usually received during adolescence, though adults may be confirmed in certain circumstances, such as through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).

The essential elements of the Vormsel are the laying on of hands and the anointing with sacred chrism on the forehead. The faithful typically hear the words Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit as the minister, usually a bishop or a priest with delegated authority, administers the sacrament. The act signifies the recipient’s deepening of baptismal grace, the strengthening of faith, and a more explicit commitment to participate in the life of the Church. It also confers a spiritual seal or character that remains for a lifetime.

Theological significance centers on receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—thus empowering the confirmand to witness to Christ in daily life. The form and practice of Vormsel reflect its historical development as a distinct rite of initiation that complements baptism and the Eucharist.

In the Netherlands and other Dutch-speaking communities, Vormsel ceremonies are typically organized by parishes or dioceses and may be conducted by bishops or by priests with proper authorization. The rite varies with local liturgical customs, but its core purpose remains the same: to strengthen the grace received in baptism and to affirm the individual's place within the Church.