The root of our word “Confirmation” is the Latin confirmare, to strengthen. The sacrament of Confirmation arose from ancient church practice when the bishop would come and lay hands on the newly baptized and pray for the Holy Spirit to be released in them. “Strengthen, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit; empower them for your service; and sustain them all the days of their life” (Book of Alternative Services). With these words, the bishop, as chief pastor of our Diocese, places her or his hands upon those who desire to renew the commitment they made, or had made for them, at their Baptism.
Confirmation is intended to be a profession of faith involving discernment and commitment. It is not a rite of passage. Confirmation involves a time of preparation, study, discussion, and reflection. In the case of those who were baptized as infants, the policy of our Diocese encourages age 15 as a minimum age for young people seeking Confirmation. Adults of any age not previously confirmed are invited to consider Confirmation or to make a Reaffirmation of their Christian commitment at any time in their life journey.
Typically, Confirmation is celebrated annually at the Cathedral in conjunction with a visit by one of our Bishops. If you wish to explore the possibility of Confirmation, Reaffirmation, or to be formally Received into the Anglican Church, please contact the Cathedral Office and one of our clergy will be happy to discuss this decision with you.
The confirmation form goes here.