Confirmation

What does it symbolise?

Confirmation marks the point in a person's journey of faith when they affirm the promises they made, or had made on their behalf, at their baptism. Like baptism, this is a time of celebration in a person's life of faith.

Confirmation usually takes place after a person has explored his or her faith with others in the church. Most churches offer confirmation preparation where key aspects of the Christian faith can be explored, and details of the confirmation service and the statements and promises a person makes are discussed. The preparation usually includes exploring prayer and worship, the Bible, the history of the church and its doctrines, so that the individual may understand more of the faith and the church family to which they belong. This will include helping the person to play a fuller part in the church and identifying points that will help him or her to grow as a Christian.

The confirmation service also requires the congregation to make promises to support the confirmation candidate in his or her faith journey.

Through prayer and the laying on of hands by the Bishop, the church asks God to give the individual the power through the Holy Spirit to enable them to live a life of faith.

Further information about confirmation can be found here on the Church of England main website.

Practical Matters

Every Summer, clergy are asked if they would like a confirmation service arranged for their parish or chaplaincy during the following year. This is undertaken through the rural and area deans. The clergy are then advised in the early Autumn of the date of the service and which Bishop will confirm the candidates.

Clergy who do not have a confirmation service arranged for their own parish or chaplaincy, may present candidates at one of the services listed here. In such cases, they are asked to contact the relevant incumbent or chaplain.

Clergy presenting candidates for confirmation can access Bishop Peter's letter here and a further attachment here.

Clergy should print off and complete a copy of the Confirmation Form, so that records of those confirmed can be accurately kept (please give the form to the Bishop at the service or return it directly to Wolvesey, Winchester SO23 9ND)

For details of Confirmations in 2012, please click here

• Introduction
• Baptism
• Marriage
• Funerals
• Parochial Fees
• Confirmation