Mtr. Emily’s August Note to the Parish: Confirmation and Baptism

Confirmation class for our youth meets this year! Every year the structure is different depending on how many people there are and what their schedules are like.

Did you know, you can’t require a young person to be confirmed? First, people over the age of 16 are adults in the Episcopal Church; and second, even at the age of 7 we start giving children in the church choice over what sacraments they will receive. A sacrament is a serious thing.

Our confirmation class is not about convincing people to be confirmed, or making sure that people have memorized some information. Confirmation class is first simply to make sure that people have considered the signs and vows of baptism which they will renew in confirmation, and to explain the new signs of confirmation. And then it is for opening up and getting into some of the questions that people have about Christianity and about our particular tradition, usually as they relate to what we proclaim in baptism. Often we spend most of our time talking about ethics and society–two very big topics that young people are already experts in. 

Our confirmation “class” for adults is similar. We typically only have one adult who wishes to be confirmed at a time; often, these adults have been worshipping in Episcopal churches for many years. So each preparation for adults is somewhat more individual, but also involves making sure that the adult can renew the signs and vows with integrity and confidence.

Are you interested in being confirmed? Let me know!

Confirmation, like other sacramental rites, depends on the two Great Sacraments which are for everyone: Baptism and Eucharist. Not every Christian is called to Marriage, Ordination, or even Confirmation, but all are called by Jesus to Baptism and Eucharist.

We are delighted to offer the gift of baptism on any Sunday. Preparation for this is offered individually, and for every age. This year, I’m excited to be planning ahead so that people can receive this sacrament on the four major days: All Saints’ Day, Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, and of course the most ancient and coolest day for baptism–The Great Vigil of Easter. Please see below for the dates!

With the Adult Education Advisory Committee, I will also be offering some more general introductions to these sacraments. Keep your eyes open for the Adult Ed schedule of the year.