Confirmation
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we are asked to renew and publicly affirm our commitment to “the way, truth, and life” (John 14:6) found in Jesus, a commitment already made, either by us or on our behalf, in Baptism. This commitment is given expression in the Baptismal Covenant, made up of the ancient articulation of faith in the Apostles’ Creed, and five vows to practice a way of life that flows from this faith.
Confirmation is for baptized Christians who wish to make a public and mature affirmation of faith, and to receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. While Confirmation typically occurs in adolescence, this sacrament is equally open to adults and can be a very meaningful experience in any stage of life that it is received.
181: Martin Luther (Rose)
“In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop.”
– Book of Common Prayer, p. 412
For Youth
The St. Mark’s Youth Confirmation Class is open to all youth between 8th and 12th grade. The class meets weekly (with weeks off for holidays, school breaks, etc.) from September through May. The Confirmation ceremony is typically held in May or June.
Confirmation Class is a process of discernment in which confirmands are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, and explore their spiritual depths both in community and in quiet reflection and prayer. it is hoped that this journey be a joyful one for all who participate! The Gospel message is one of joy. Confirmands are invited and encouraged to come as they are, to be honest and authentic, and to have fun.
Registration for the 2024-25 St. Mark’s Youth Confirmation Class is open until the end of September. Classes will begin on Sunday, October 6, 2024, and continue weekly (with breaks for holidays and school breaks) through May. The Confirmation ceremony will take place in May or June. A schedule of classes can be found on the syllabus.
To register for the 2024-2025 class, please complete this registration form.
For Adults
Adults who wish to be Confirmed or Received in the Episcopal Church should be in touch with Fr. John, who will work with adult Confirmands (or candidates for Reception or Reaffirmation or Baptismal Vows) to put together a plan for preparation.
Some frequently asked questions …
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.
No; in the Episcopal Church, Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church.
No; membership of this parish is open to all and independent of Confirmation status.
In the course of their lives, baptized Christians are expected to make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism in the presence of a bishop and to receive the laying on of hands.
If you have been sacramentally confirmed in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox churches and wish to be a part of the Episcopal Church, you do not need to be confirmed again. Instead, you are invited to be received into the Episcopal Church by a bishop during the rite of Confirmation. If you have been confirmed in another tradition, you are invited to receive the sacrament of confirmation in the Episcopal Church.
It depends on the schedule of our bishops and usually takes places in the fall or spring.
