Confirmation
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
At once they left their nets and followed him. (Matthew 4:19-20)
Confirmation is where we affirm and take on the promises for oursevles made at our Baptism.
Confirmation is usally for those who are in 2nd year in Secondary school (14+) or older. The confirmation candidates undergo classes, are exprtected to be regular in their church attendance and to help serve the parish (e.g. Holiday Bible Club).
Confirmation is usally for those who are in 2nd year in Secondary school (14+) or older. The confirmation candidates undergo classes, are exprtected to be regular in their church attendance and to help serve the parish (e.g. Holiday Bible Club).
For anyone to be considered for confirmation classes and confirmation they must be regular in church for at least 6 months before classes start and to be a regular member of our Grazers Youth Club. Anyone not meeting these criteria will not be considered for confirmation. No exceptions.
Adults can also be confirmed - please talk to the Rector.
The challenge of confirmation is not just to 'do it' because that is what is expected of me - but to see it as a meaningful time where we choose to follow Jesus and live a life of service to Him and to others.
During the serivce the Bishop underlines this:
At the heart of this Confirmation service are two distinct, yet related, acts of confirming.
First the candidates will profess their faith in Christ, confirming their desire
to serve God throughout their lives, to turn to Christ and to renounce all evil.
Then, as bishop, I will lay my hand on them, praying that God’s Spirit will confirm,
strengthen and guide them as they strive, each day of their lives,
to live up to the solemn commitment they will make today.
The confirmation candidates are asked during the service by the Bishop: In baptism, God calls us from darkness to his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with Him. Therefore I ask:
Bishop: Do you reject the devil and all proud rebellion against God?
Candidates: I reject them.
Bishop: Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
Candidates: I renounce them.
Bishop: Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
Candidates: I repent of them.
Bishop: Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
Candidates: I turn to Christ.
Bishop: Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
Candidates: I submit to Christ.
Bishop: Do you come to Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life?
Candidates: I come to Christ.
Finally the Bishop prays this with each candidate:
At the heart of this Confirmation service are two distinct, yet related, acts of confirming.
First the candidates will profess their faith in Christ, confirming their desire
to serve God throughout their lives, to turn to Christ and to renounce all evil.
Then, as bishop, I will lay my hand on them, praying that God’s Spirit will confirm,
strengthen and guide them as they strive, each day of their lives,
to live up to the solemn commitment they will make today.
The confirmation candidates are asked during the service by the Bishop: In baptism, God calls us from darkness to his marvellous light. To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with Him. Therefore I ask:
Bishop: Do you reject the devil and all proud rebellion against God?
Candidates: I reject them.
Bishop: Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
Candidates: I renounce them.
Bishop: Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
Candidates: I repent of them.
Bishop: Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
Candidates: I turn to Christ.
Bishop: Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
Candidates: I submit to Christ.
Bishop: Do you come to Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life?
Candidates: I come to Christ.
Finally the Bishop prays this with each candidate:
God has called you by name and made you his own. Confirm O Lord your servant …
with your heavenly grace, that (s)he may continue to be yours for ever,
and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more until (s)he comes to your eternal kingdom.
with your heavenly grace, that (s)he may continue to be yours for ever,
and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more until (s)he comes to your eternal kingdom.