Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation of Faith
We are excited about the opportunity to prepare for confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation of faith as Bishop Kym plans to visit on Sunday, August 10th. Since Bishop Kym only visits once every three years, we want everyone who is interested in exploring confirmation or reception to be consider it. Wren is happy to work with individuals an families directly if group sessions don't align with your availability.
“Exploring Confirmation” for Youth age 12 and older:
Rector Wren Blessing and the Rev Dr. Josh Sweeden (professor of church and society at Nazarene Theologican Seminary) will lead four Sunday evening sessions, to be followed by a summertime daylong or overnight retreat. Each session will involve play and fun, reflection on the big story of Scripture, modeling and practicing devotional practices, relationship bilding, and opportunities to explore the gifts and callings in our lives.
Our first two sessions will take place on March 9 & March 16 from 4-6pm each time. Future sessions will be scheduled with participants. Contact Wren Blessing for more information, and to be sure materials are ordered for you/your child.
Adult Preparation for Confirmation & Reception:
March 19 at 5:30- 6:30pm: Appetizers & an Introduction to Anglican Spirituality
Following that, Wren will offer the following sessions, to be scheduled with those who have interest:
• Intro to the Prayerbook / Prayer as a Lifelong Practice
• Instructed Eucharist & The Sacramental Life
• Scripture: Manna and Mercy
• Exploring the History of the Church
All participates will conclude with a summertime session, "Stories of Faith & Exploring Vocation," in the weeks prior to Bishop Kym’s visit.
What is confirmation?
Confirmation is a public reaffirmation of one’s baptismal promises. In it, 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). Those who were baptized at an early age and those who have not made a mature or adult affirmation of faith recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop.
The baptismal covenant is a crucial part of the Episcopal Church’s theology and practice and its recitation lies at the heart of confirmation’s purpose. It begins with a question/response form of the Apostles’ Creed. Then questions are asked that work out the implications of Christian faith in daily life of the church, all with the response, “I will, with God’s help.”
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord?
Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?
Will you seek and serve Christ in all person, loving your neighbor as yourself?
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
What is Reception?
Reception refers to the rite by which a baptized Christian, confirmed by a bishop, is welcomed into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church. It too, is a public affirmation; like those being confirmed, candidates for reception also make a profession of faith and renew the Baptismal Covenant. Since they are already confirmed or have already made a mature profession of faith, the bishop does not lay hands on them. Candidates who have previously been confirmed, but not by a bishop, receive the laying on of hands along with others being confirmed.
What is REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH?
The rite of reaffirmation is celebrated with a confirmed Episcopalian who, for personal reasons, wishes to again to publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows to the bishop and the community. It is comparable to a married couple publicly reaffirming their vows at significant times in their marriage. In both reception and reaffirmation, we pray that the Holy Spirit continue to transform and deepen the candidates’ faith.