Upcoming Dates:
Sunday, June 16, 2019: The sacrament of confirmation, together with reception and reaffirmation of baptismal vows will be offered by the Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr. This will be Bishop Gibbs' final visitation to St. Philip's. There will be a festive reception after the service and confirmands can have their picture taken with the Bishop.
About Confirmation:
Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860).
Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop.
Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed. Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation are rooted in the baptismal covenant.
The Episcopal Church's theology of Confirmation has continued to evolve along with its understanding of baptism. Confirmation is no longer seen as the completion of Christian initiation, nor is Confirmation a prerequisite for receiving communion. Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's body, the Church.
Confirmation has been increasingly understood in terms of a mature, public reaffirmation of the Christian faith and the baptismal promises. At St. Philip's we recommend that candidates for Confirmation be at least sixteen years old to insure that the candidates are making a mature and independent affirmation of their faith.
If you are interested in being confirmed please email the Priest-in-Charge or call the office at (248) 651-6188.
