The Bishop is the ordinary minister of this sacrament. Since Bishops continue the apostolic succession from the apostles, administration by them "clearly demonstrates the effect to unite people closer to the Church, to her apostolic origins, and to her mission of bearing witness to Christ." The Local Ordinary may give permission for priests to administer the sacrament.
The forehead is anointed with sacred chrism followed by the laying on of the minister's hands with the words, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit". The sacrament's connection with Baptism is expressed through the renewal of baptismal promises. The celebration of Confirmation during the Eucharist helps underline the unity of the sacraments of Christian initiation.