Confirmation is the point in a Christian life when those who were baptized as children or infants make a commitment as adults to a life of Christian discipleship. Through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop, the Church asks God, through the Holy Spirit, to give those being confirmed the power and gifts they need to live the life of discipleship.
Confirmation follows baptism. For people baptized as infants or children, confirmation will come when they wish to affirm as adults the promises made on their behalf by others at their baptism. Often in adolescence, but sometimes later in life. For those being baptized as adults, baptism and confirmation ideally take place in the same liturgy. Confirmation is both the confirmand’s affirmation of their baptismal vows, but also the Church’s prayer to God that they will be given all that they need to live the life of Christian discipleship and service set before them. The bishop’s prayer before the laying on of hands articulates it this way:
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 happen throughout the year, often in a joint liturgy with confirmands from other parishes.
If you would like to discuss confirmation, please contact us. We'd love to answer questions and help you on the path toward this beautiful sacrament.
