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WHAT IS CONFIRMATION IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH?
In Confirmation, a baptized Christian makes "a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop." (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 857)
One can be confirmed whenever he or she is ready to accept the promises made on their behalf at their baptism. This usually happens during the teen years, but adults of any age may be confirmed in the church. One must be baptized before being confirmed.
Confirmation expresses not only a desire to live as an adult Christian, it also indicates a desire to do so in the Episcopal Church and the world-wide Anglican Communion.
The sacrament of Confirmation is something that only a bishop can perform, so our confirmations are scheduled around the times when the bishop will visit our parish. Typically, confirmation follows a period of preparation, examination, and exploration into all aspects of the Christian life. This period of time may last several months.
(The above is adapted from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Emporia, KS)
WHAT DOES THE CONFIRMATION PROGRAM
LOOK LIKE AT ST. GREGORY’S?
Confirmation for youth is a three-year program, typically for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Older teens who have not been confirmed frequently join the class as well. Young people and families who are coming from other churches can meet with Fr. Andrew to discuss how to enter into this process. Baptism is a pre-requisite for Confirmation.
Fr. Andrew and Gena Vallee teach the class, using our “Life in Christ” curriculum which explores following Jesus as Lord through Scripture, church history, our ways of worship, and serving. This is all guided by our St. Gregory’s mission statement: Transforming hearts and community through Jesus’ love.
Our class meets every Sunday morning at 9:10am in the Conference Room (2nd floor, Harris Hall). All participants are welcome to join the Upper Room Time for youth immediately following Confirmation class (9:45am in the Youth Room; across from the Conference Room). Alternatively, students can join their families for the 10am worship service.
At the end of the program period, those who have made the decision to be confirmed can participate in a special Confirmation service during the annual visit of our diocesan bishop.
Note for baptized adults interested in pursuing Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church (for those confirmed in another Christian tradition) — We encourage all baptized adults to be confirmed and welcome the opportunity to explore this together. Please contact Fr. Andrew or Fr. Ben to set up a time to discuss this in further detail.
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