In the Anglican tradition, Confirmation is a pastoral and liturgical rite in which individuals make a mature, public affirmation of their faith and the baptismal promises made on their behalf by parents and godparents. Through prayer and the laying on of hands by the Bishop, candidates are strengthened with the Holy Spirit for lifelong discipleship and Christian service.
Rather than a "graduation" from church education, Confirmation is a conscious embrace of the Baptismal Covenant.
Affirming Baptismal Vows: Candidates personally profess the Apostles' Creed and recommit to the call to resist evil, proclaim the Good News, seek and serve Christ in all people, and strive for justice and peace.
The Laying on of Hands: The Bishop places their hands on the head of each candidate, invoking the Holy Spirit with the historic prayer: "Defend, O Lord, this your servant with your heavenly grace, that they may continue yours forever..."
Connection to the Wider Church: Because the Bishop—representing the unity and continuity of the universal Church—officiates, Confirmation firmly roots the individual in the wider Anglican Communion.
Reception and Reaffirmation: Alongside Confirmation, the same rite often includes Reception (for those previously confirmed in another Christian tradition) and Reaffirmation (for adults returning to active faith or marking a renewal of their spiritual journey).
Confirmation holds a central place in the Anglican theological heritage, rooted in Scripture, early church tradition, and the English Reformation.
Apostolic Roots: The rite draws from the New Testament practice where the Apostles laid hands on the newly baptized to impart the Holy Spirit (such as in the Book of Acts).
The Book of Common Prayer (1549 & 1662): During the English Reformation, Archbishop Thomas Cranmer reshaped the rite to emphasize personal, conscious faith. Candidates were required to learn the Church Catechism—the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments—before presenting themselves to the Bishop.
Modern Anglican Use: Across contemporary liturgies (such as the Book of Alternative Services and modern prayer books), Confirmation is celebrated within the Holy Eucharist, seamlessly uniting baptismal renewal, episcopal blessing, and the fellowship of the Lord’s Table.
Preparation is a thoughtful journey of spiritual exploration, fellowship, and vocational discernment rather than academic testing.
| Step | Typical Timeline | What It Involves |
|---|---|---|
| Exploration & Enrollment | 1–2 months prior | An introductory meeting to explore questions of faith, life, and community. |
| Preparation Sessions | 6–10 weeks | Guided discussions on the Bible, prayer, Anglican theology, liturgy, and social justice. |
| Ministry & Service | Throughout formation | Engagement in parish life (liturgical ministry, outreach, community care). |
| Parish Retreat & Rehearsal | 1–2 weeks prior | A quiet time of reflection, personal prayer, and a walk-through with the clergy. |
Youth: Typically offered to youth (ages 12–16) who are ready to claim their faith identity personally.
Adults: Adults seeking to be confirmed, received into the Anglican Church from other denominations, or reaffirming their baptismal promises.
Sponsors / Mentors: Candidates are encouraged to choose a mature Christian mentor or parish companion to walk with them through preparation and stand with them at the altar.
Whether you are exploring Confirmation for your child, considering Confirmation or Reception for yourself as an adult, or simply curious about what it means to be part of the Anglican community, you are welcome here.
Please fill out the contact form below to learn more about our upcoming preparation group.