What is Confirmation?
The sacramental rite in which candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop (Book of Common Prayer, p. 860 ). Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 412). Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed. The Episcopal Church’s theology of Confirmation has continued to evolve along with its understanding of baptism. Confirmation is no longer seen as the completion of Christian initiation, nor is Confirmation a prerequisite for receiving Holy Communion. Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body the church (BCP, p. 298). Accordingly, Confirmation has been increasingly understood in terms of a mature, public reaffirmation of the Christian faith and baptismal promises. Some dioceses require that candidates for Confirmation be at least sixteen years old to ensure that the candidates are making a mature and independent affirmation of their faith. There is considerable diversity of understanding and practice concerning Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. Confirmation has been characterized as “a rite seeking a theology.”
So why get confirmed?
Confirmation is your way of saying while I’m already a full part of the Christian Church, I’m choosing to live out my faith in the Episcopal branch of it. If baptism is the city you live in, confirmation is saying I choose to live in the Episcopal zip code. The experience of learning more about one’s faith is a worthwhile experience in and of itself. Additionally, the laying on of hands by a bishop is a powerful experience where gifts of the Spirit given in baptism, but may be in hibernation, are unleashed in your life. They may burst forth in new ways or they may slowly unfold. Either way, we believe that the Holy Spirit is present in a special way through the prayers said at Confirmation. Furthermore, Confirmation is saying that one chooses to believe in the unity of the wider church. Bishops are symbols of that. We are a parish that is part of a diocese that is a part of a national church that is part of the Anglican Communion that is a part of the world Christian community. By undergoing a rite that has happened for thousands of years by Christians around the world, you are connecting in a special way with that wider Christian community. For those who have been historically marginalized by the Church, this is a powerful way to reassert one’s dignity and right to be a member of the Christian Church.
What is Reception and Reaffirmation and how is it different from Confirmation?
The Prayer Book rite for Confirmation includes forms for Reception and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows. Those who have been sacramentally confirmed in the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, or Lutheran churches (already made a mature Christian commitment in another denomination) are recognized as members of the one holy catholic and apostolic church and received into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion (i.e. Reception). Those who have not done confirmation in another church, even if they have made a mature Christian commitment, are confirmed because they have not received the laying on of hands by a bishop. Those who have returned from a time of religious inactivity to an active practice of faith may publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows (i.e. Reaffirmation). Others who have experienced a renewal of faith or desire to renew their Christian commitment may also reaffirm their baptismal vows. Reaffirmation may be repeated, depending on the pastoral needs of the person. Confirmation and Reception are not repeated.
What happens during the rite of Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation?
This rite is rooted in the baptismal covenant. The candidates reaffirm their renunciation of evil, and renew their commitment to Jesus Christ. They reaffirm the promises made by them or for them at the time of baptism. Those present in the congregation promise to do all in their power to support the candidates in their life in Christ. The bishop leads the congregation in renewing the baptismal covenant. The bishop lays hands on each candidate for Confirmation. The BCP provides specific prayers to be said by the bishop for Confirmation, for Reception, and for Reaffirmation. The bishop may shake hands with those who are being received to welcome them into this communion, and the bishop may lay hands on them in blessing. The bishop may also bless those who reaffirm their baptismal vows.
What is the process to be confirmed, received, or reaffirmed when the bishop visits on Sunday June 2nd?
Attend the Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation Class over the next two months that takes place at 9AM (between services). The class will be taught by various clergy. The curriculum includes a broad overview of the major areas of the Christian faith. There is a small retreat planned for participants. Come to the first class on Sunday April 14th to get an overview of what the class will entail. If you are traveling during one of the weeks, we will work with you to help you complete the curriculum. If you are away for multiple weeks, we encourage you to consider doing the class when it is offered in the future and you are around for the majority of the classes.
Do I need to be confirmed, received, or reaffirmed when I complete the class?
No. If you go through the class and do not feel that this is the best step for you at this time, you will not be pressured into completing the rite. This is part of spiritual discernment. As it is a mature expression of faith, you should want to do it! You are not a second class citizen at St. Paul’s if you do not get confirmed. Confirmation is necessary for pursuing ordination in the Episcopal Church. Other than that, you can serve in just about every ministry without being confirmed.