In Confirmation, we are given the Holy Spirit we each need to bring about the work of the Lord, not by our strength, but, by His. Not by our words, but His.  In Confirmation the beneficiary receives ,an increase of sanctifying grace which makes the recipient a "perfect Christian"; and also a special sacramental grace consisting in the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost and notably in the strength and courage to confess boldly the name of Christ.

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are:

Wisdom - With the gift of wisdom, we see God at work in our lives and in the world. For the wise person, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the ups and downs of our lives take on deeper meaning. The matters of judgment about the truth, and being able to see the whole image of God. 

Understanding - With the gift of understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live. Also called "Common Sense," the gift of understanding perfects a person's speculative reason in the apprehension of truth.  

Counsel (Right Judgment) - With the gift of right judgment, we know the difference between right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right. A person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the values taught by Jesus. The gift of truth that allows the person to respond prudently, and happily to believe our Christ the Lord. 

Fortitude (Courage) - With the gift of courage, we overcome our fear and are willing to take risks as a follower of Jesus. A person with courage is willing to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or even physical harm and death. The gift of Courage allows people the firmness of mind that is required both in doing good and in enduring evil, especially with regard to goods or evils that are difficult.

Knowledge - With the gift of knowledge, we understand the meaning of God's Revelation, especially as expressed in the life and words of Jesus Christ. A person with knowledge is always learning more about the scriptures and Tradition. The gift of knowledge is more than an accumulation of facts. 

Piety (Reverence) - With the gift of reverence, sometimes called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God and the Church. A person with reverence recognizes our total reliance on God and comes before God with humility, trust, and love. Piety is the gift whereby, at the Holy Spirit's instigation, we pay worship and duty to God as our Father. 

Fear of the Lord (Awe of God) - With the gift of wonder and awe (fear of the lord), we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love. The gift is as a "filial fear," like a child's fear of offending his father, rather than a "servile fear," that is, a fear of punishment. Also known as knowing that God is all powerful.

Of these seven gifts (wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and counsel) direct the intellect, while the other three gifts (fortitude, reverence, and fear of the Lord or Wonder and Awe) direct the will toward God. 

• The gift of wisdom corresponds to the virtue of charity.
• The gift of understanding corresponds to the virtue of faith.
• The gift of counsel (right judgment) corresponds to the virtue of prudence.
• The gift of fortitude corresponds to the virtue of courage.
• The gift of knowledge corresponds to the virtue of faith.
• The gift of piety corresponds to the virtue of justice.
• The gift of fear/awe of the Lord corresponds to the virtue of hope.

 This same Spirit was with our Lord as He went about doing good to all people, it was said of Jesus in one place: Jesus healed many who came to Him, for the Spirit was upon Him to heal. This is the Holy Spirit, which we receive in Confirmation. Scripture supports the need of us to have the Holy Spirit with us, as we go about our daily lives. It is He who gives us the words to speak of our faith, it is He who comforts and consoles us; it is He, who gives us life in Christ, for where the Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is, there is peace.

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”  Acts 10:44-46