As we get ready to welcome Bishop Rodman for his yearly visitation on Sunday, November 7, St. Paul’s will offer formation for adults and youth interested in Confirmation, Reception, or the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows.
Adult Confirmation Preparation will take place online. Those interested in Confirmation, Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, or Reception into the Episcopal Church are asked to attend three sessions via Zoom on Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. (October 6, 13, and 20). The clergy will lead these sessions, which will consist of instruction and conversation around the basics of the Christian faith and what it means to belong to the Episcopal Church. In addition to attending these sessions, participants will be asked to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with Father George, Father Javier, or Mother Alice, which can take place via Zoom or in person.
Participants who are interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church but do not desire to be confirmed are also welcome to attend! Register here if you would like to attend these sessions, or contact Father Javier (javier@stpaulscary.org) if you have any questions.
Youth Confirmation Preparation will be held in person on Sundays from 10:10 – 11:00 a.m. (October 3, 17, and 24). All in-person gatherings will take place in accordance with local and diocesan pandemic guidelines. Youth who cannot participate in person may attend the adult confirmation sessions but are asked to check in with Mother Alice before doing so. To sign up, please email Mother Alice (alice@stpaulscary.org).
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” (BCP, p. 860). It has been our practice at St. Paul’s to invite youth 9th grade and above to take part in this rite. Confirmation is an opportunity for those who were baptized as infants or young children 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). Confirmation is not a prerequisite for receiving communion. Instead, Confirmation is a reaffirmation and renewal of the Baptismal Covenant. Similar to Baptism, Confirmation is a rite deeply rooted in the prayers and witness of the whole St. Paul’s community. The laying on of hands by the Bishop is a tangible reminder that our ministry is a part of something bigger – the diocese, the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.