Christian Formation
Confirmation
“Confirmation is a rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. It is required of those to be confirmed that they have been baptized, are sufficiently instructed in the Christian Faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.”
(The Book of Common Prayer, p. 860)
We will begin a Confirmation Class this spring for all youth who are of sufficient maturity to make a decision about being confirmed. Classes will be held twice a month on the first and third Sunday afternoons from 4 to 6 p.m. Our first class will be held on March 4. The program will last for eight months (not including time off for vacations). This will be the primary Christian formation for our youth who are no longer in Sunday School. Please let the rector know if you are interested.
We are going to use a new curriculum from the national church entitled Confirm not Conform. This is a multi-activity exploration of faith with youth, parents, mentors and the entire congregation that includes 16 class sessions, field trips, weekend retreat, adult mentors, service projects, a celebration service and most importantly, a chance for youth to explore their beliefs and questions that come from within themselves.
“CnC,” as it is nicknamed, exposes youth to a wide range of topics, including Scripture, sacraments, creeds, heresy, the Episcopal Church, and other religions, and asks them to think through what they believe and why.
It is also a philosophy. It is about finding one’s own voice rather than simply conforming to an external standard. It is a program that respects the work youth do and trusts that if youth put in the effort to articulate what they believe and why, they will make good choices about their next step in faith.
CnC is also a congregational development program. The entire parish grows in faith by participating in Confirm not Conform, as mentors, parents, chaperones, or supportive onlookers who all make the commitment to support the youth in their life in Christ.
CnC allows youth to be honest in their expression of faith. It helps them gain skills in leadership and in articulating their beliefs. And it will help them make a genuine decision and true affirmation of faith, if and when they chose to be confirmed.
The curriculum calls for mentors who will be supportive of the confirmands. A non-relative, these persons will attend some class sessions, meet with their confirmand, and attend worship and parish events together. If you are interested in being a mentor, please speak to Dave.
(For more information, see Confirm not Conform)