Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which a candidate “expresses a mature commitment to Christ, and receives strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” Those who were baptized at an early age, or baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop, 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.
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. Accordingly, Confirmation has been increasingly understood in terms of a mature, public reaffirmation of the Christian faith and the baptismal promises. A candidate for Confirmation should be old enough to make a mature and independent affirmation of faith.
If you are interested in confirmation for yourself or a loved one, please contact the church office by calling 703-549-1980 or sending an email to parish.administrator@gracealex.org.