Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation evolved as infant baptism became more normalized in the Church, and the need arose for those who had been initiated into the Church in infancy to be able to profess for themselves their faith in Jesus Christ and to affirm the promises that had been made on their behalf by their parents. Today in the Episcopal Church, Confirmation is a mature, public affirmation of one’s faith. It is a celebration of one’s Baptism, and one’s public intention to follow Christ as a member of the Episcopal Church. It is celebrated by the prayers of the community and the laying on of hands by the Bishop. In Confirmation, the Holy Spirit confirms the gifts given at Baptism, just as the Holy Spirit confirmed the faith of the Virgin Mary, the Apostles, and the disciples gathered in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost. 

If you were baptized (in any Christian Church that baptizes in the Name of the Most Blessed Trinity) but were never confirmed, you might consider receiving this Sacrament as a means of strengthening your faith. If you were confirmed in a Church with Apostolic Succession, you do not need to be “re-confirmed” in order to become a member of the Episcopal Church. However, you may wish to be received into the Episcopal Church by the bishop with the laying on of hands.

The Bishop will be visiting St. Martin’s in November to confirm both youth and adults who desire to make a public affirmation of their faith, and to receive those who have been confirmed in other churches. You may also wish to renew your faith with the laying on of hands by the bishop.

* Please note, you are a member of the church by virtue of your baptism. However, according to the canons of the church, only confirmed members may serve on the vestry, serve as a Eucharistic Minister or Lay Preacher, or seek ordination.