The Rite of Confirmation
According to the Book of Common Prayer, ‘Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop….
It is required of those to be confirmed that they have been baptized, are sufficiently instructed in the Christian Faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.’
Since the Episcopal Church baptizes infants, who aren’t able to answer for themselves at the time they are admitted to the Christian family, we also provide a rite in which growing or grown-up persons can affirm for themselves the promises once made by others on their behalf.
Confirmation is often preceded by a series of classes or discussions with the vicar in which questions can be answered and the nature of this commitment made clearer.
Anyone who wishes to be confirmed may contact the vicar so that they may be prepared and presented to the bishop at his annual visit to the parish. Confirmations are also celebrated at the annual Easter Vigil at the diocesan Cathedral in Erie.