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Gifts of the Holy Spirit

- Faith Formation

Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Spirit of God is given to us through the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist). We believe the Holy Spirit: « Lives in us « Acts through us « Assists us « Strengthens us « Guides us The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit Wisdom – The gift of wisdom perfects a person’s speculative reason in matters of judgment about the truth Prayer: Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, enlighten my heart and mind. Help me to understand more deeply the truths of faith and to discover their intimate meaning, their hidden treasures and sublime harmonies. Amen Understanding – The gift of understanding perfects a person’s speculative reason in the apprehension of truth It is the gift “whereby self-evident principles are known” Prayer: Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Your Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of You, Holy Spirit and the Father and the Son. Amen. Knowledge – The gift of knowledge perfects a person’s practical reason in matters of judgment about the truth Prayer: Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Your glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to You, and Your eternal rewards. Amen. Counsel – Also called “Right Judgment.” The gift of counsel perfects a person’ practical reason in the apprehension of truth and allows the person to respond prudently, “moved through the research of reason” Prayer: Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Your holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Your commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen. Fortitude – Also called “Courage.” The gift of fortitude 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” Prayer: Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from You, my God and greatest Good. Amen. Piety – Also called “Reverence.” Piety is the gift “whereby, at the Holy Spirit’s instigation, we pay worship and duty to God as our Father Prayer: Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God that I may serve You for the future with increased fervor, follow with more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your divine precepts with greater fidelity. Amen. Fear of the Lord – Also called “Wonder and Awe in God.” This gift is described by Aquinas as a fear of separating oneself from God. He describes the fit as a “filial fear,” like a child’s fear of offending his father, rather than a “servile fear.” that is a fear of punishment Prayer: Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever. Help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen. Holy Spirit and Confirmation While you receive the Holy Spirit during Confirmation, it isn't the first time. You first received the Holy Spirit during Baptism. Confirmation seals the fullness of the Spirit within you. It completes the sanctifying grace of the gifts.
		"What the soul is to man's body, the Holy Spirit is to the Body of Christ, which is the Church. The Holy Spirit does in the whole Church what the soul does in the members of the one body." St. Augustine
	Additional Resources to Learn about these Gifts American Catholic - Article entitled, "What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Confirmation?" Catholic Education Resource Center - Article entitled, "The Holy Spirit in the Sacraments." Crossroads Initiative - Article entitled, "Feast of Pentecost: Gifts and Charisms of the Holy Spirit."