Confirmation is the point in the Christian life when those baptized as infants or children make a mature, personal commitment to a life of Christian discipleship. Through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop, the Church asks God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to strengthen those being confirmed with the gifts they need for that life.
Confirmation follows baptism. For those baptized as children, it is an opportunity to affirm as adults the promises once made on their behalf. This often happens in adolescence, but may take place at any stage of life. For those baptized as adults, baptism and confirmation ideally occur within the same liturgy.
Confirmation is both the confirmand’s affirmation of their baptismal vows and the Church’s prayer that God will equip them for a life of faithful discipleship and service. This is beautifully expressed in the bishop’s prayer before the laying on of hands:
Almighty God, we thank you that by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ you have overcome sin and brought us to yourself, and that by the sealing of your Holy Spirit you have bound us to your service. Renew in this your servant the covenant you made with them at their baptism. Send them forth in the power of the Spirit to perform the service you set before them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Confirmations of occurs as part of a joint liturgy with candidates from other parishes. If you would like to explore confirmation, please contact us. We would be glad to answer your questions and walk with you on this path of faith.