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 baptismal vows.
Confirmation is a sacrament, an outward and visible sign of inward and
spiritual grace, given by Christ as a sure and certain means by which we
receive that grace. Through the rite of confirmation, one receives strength
from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop
of the church.
Requirements for those to be confirmed are 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.
Persons who are baptized as adults by a bishop of the Episcopal Church
will also be confirmed at the same time.
Persons who have previously made a mature public affirmation of their
Christian faith in another Christian denomination through confirmation rites or baptism at a mature age are to be received into the Episcopal Church rather than confirmed. Through reception, they are recognized as a
member of the one holy catholic and apostolic church and are received into
the fellowship of our communion by prayer and the laying on of hands by
the bishop.
It is expected that all adult members of the church, having been previously
baptized, will eventually be confirmed or received by a bishop of the
church. The Priest in Charge will arrange for instruction and schedule
confirmations and receptions with a bishop. This will usually occur at the
time of the diocesan bishop’s periodic visitation to All Saints.