Confirmation

Yes – that’s 2011. That sounds like a long way off, but that gives us some good time for youth and adults of St. Anne’s Church to consider whether they would like to be confirmed in the Episcopal Church and to prepare for confirmation. Below you can read more about the program we will be using for confirmation preparation with youth, Confirm not Conform, and a program of adult learning, Christianity – the Basics. Here, I want to give you information about Confirmation itself.

In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is 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 (see the Book of Common Prayer, p. 412). People who were confirmed in another Christian denomination who received laying on of hands by a bishop (e.g., some Roman Catholics), may be received into the Episcopal Church, rather than re-confirmed. Preparation for Confirmation in the Episcopal Church includes learning about the basics of the Christian faith, Episcopal history, tradition, and polity (how the church is governed and organized), and making the decision to “reaffirm your renunciation of evil” and “renew your commitment to Jesus Christ” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 303), made originally at the time of baptism. Preparation for Confirmation includes discovering and articulating the Confirmand’s (what we call people being confirmed) commitment to the Christian life and exploring ways that commitment can be lived.

Also, as part of the Confirmation liturgy, those who have returned from a time of religious inactivity to an active practice of faith may publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows. Others who have experienced a renewal of faith or desire to renew their Christian commitment may also reaffirm their baptismal vows.

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 communion.

The minimum age for Confirmation in the Diocese of Maryland is 13 years old, but it is an individual decision about whether or not one is ready for Confirmation. The choice to be confirmed is up to the potential confirm and and should be made by the person as they participate in the preparation programs. Youth who are considering confirmation can participate in the preparation program starting at the age of 12. The preparation at St. Anne’s for both youth and adults will be engaging, fun, and meaningful. Read more below.

If you are not baptized and want more information about preparing for baptism, call the clergy of St. Anne’s. We will be happy to talk with you.