Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation are sacramental rites where a mature commitment to Christ is welcomed by the Church through the laying on of hands by a bishop. While these three sacramental rites are similar in nature, the reason for a person to pursue one differs greatly based on their individual journey with Christ. Specifically:
- Confirmation is for those (freshman year of high school or older) wishing to affirm the commitments made for them at their baptism (given most Christians are baptized as infants and the vows are taken by their parents/sponsors/godparents).
- Reception is for those previously confirmed in another Christian church who now want to be formally recognized as members of The Episcopal Church.
- Reaffirmation is for confirmed Episcopalians who desire to publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows to the bishop and their community (similar to a married couple reaffirming their vows).
At the appointed time within the service, after the sermon and before the Peace, the candidates will be presented to the bishop by the clergy of St. Matthew’s. After the renewal of the Baptismal Covenant and the Prayers for the Candidates, the bishop will lay their hands on each candidate and then say the appropriate supplication:
- Confirmation: Strengthen, O Lord, your servant [Name] with your Holy Spirit; empower them for your service; and sustain them all the days of their life. Amen.
- Reception: [Name], we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you. Amen.
- Reaffirmation: [Name], may the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom. Amen.
St. Matthew’s schedules Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation any time a bishop is present, which is at least once a year but sometimes twice (often once in the Spring and once in the Fall). If you or your child are interested in being confirmed, received, or reaffirmed, the next steps are:
- Fill out this Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation Form.
- St. Matthew’s clergy will be in touch to arrange a meeting to discuss the process.