What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is a special church service when a person confirms the promises made for them by their parents and godparents at their baptism. In other words, it is about saying, “I believe these promises for myself.”
There is no set age for confirmation. The crucial thing is that you feel at an age where you are old enough to make those promises for yourself.
Am I ready to be confirmed?
You may find some of the questions below will help you think through whether you are ready:
- Would you still come regularly to church if your parents stopped coming?
(In other words, do you come because it is a family activity, or something that is expected of you, or is it something that you are now in a place to choose to do?)
- Are you wanting to take up opportunities for service and giving in the church?
(Will you give some of your pocket money to the church? Will you give some of your time to helping in the church – serving drinks, doing jobs, etc?) It’s about commitment.
- Are you willing to invite school friends (including non-Christian friends) to your confirmation service?
(Confirmation is about publicly owning your faith – telling others this is what I believe. If you would feel too embarrassed, ask yourself why this may be?)
- Can you describe what difference believing in and following Jesus has made in your life?
- In confirmation you are saying that you now believe the baptism promises for yourself. Can you say what each means to you today?
- I reject the devil and and all rebellion against God.
- I renounce the deceit and corruption of evil.
- I repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour.
- I turn to Christ as Saviour.
- I submit to Christ as Lord.
- I come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life.
If having thought about these questions, you feel that you are ready to take the step of confirmation, then please talk to Tulo or one of the Hive leaders.
What kind of preparation for confirmation will I need to do?
It is important to take time to prepare for confirmation. At St Barbara’s we will talk to you about what may be the best preparation for you. This may include:
- Reading a book
- Watching some videos
- Having some conversations with Tulo or a Hive leader
- Attending a confirmation group
- Being part of a home group
It’s important that together we work out what will be most helpful for you in preparing you to take this important step.
Where and when could a confirmation service take place?
The Confirmation Service is led by the Bishop, and normally involves people getting confirmed from a number of churches. The service may be at St Barbara’s, or another local church, or at the cathedral.
Confirmation services happen 2-3 times a year.
