Confirmation |
Reception |
Reaffirmation |
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The Book of Common Prayer describes Confirmation as a sacramental rite in which individuals "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop". Most often, those who were baptized as infants or as small children are expected to make a mature, personal, and public affirmation of their faith and recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism at the time of their Confirmation.
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The Prayer Book also includes an opportunity for "Reception and the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows". This is an opportunity for those who have already made a mature Christian commitment in another denomination are recognized as members of the one holy catholic and apostolic church, and received into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
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Those who have returned from a long period of religious inactivity to an active practice of faith may publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows. Others who have experienced a renewal of faith or desire to renew their Christian commitment may also reaffirm their baptismal vows. Reaffirmation may be repeated more than once in a person's life as may be necessary to that individual's spiritual well-being.
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Preparing
To prepare to celebrate Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation, individuals should have knowledge about basic elements of our life together as a community of faith. This includes an appreciation of the nature of the Bible and the importance of the Sacred Scriptures in the life of the church. The Episcopal Church, as part of the larger Anglican Communion, understands that "we are what we pray" or, in other words, praying shapes believing. A basic knowledge of the Book of Common Prayer is essential to that understanding. The elements of Christian life extend to regular worship, personal prayer, and maintaining an identity as Christian disciples in the world. These form the basic components of our program of preparation. Getting ready for this spiritual milestone, then, is more than simply attending a class or two. It involves both the mind and the heart.
St. Luke's is beginning to prepare for a new program for Confirmation (Reception/Reaffirmation).
For sample information on this program,
Growing in Faith: Exploring "The Way" in the Episcopal Church
click here.
If you are interested in this important step in the Christian journey, please contact us
at the parish (717 272-8251) or by email.
For sample information on this program,
Growing in Faith: Exploring "The Way" in the Episcopal Church
click here.
If you are interested in this important step in the Christian journey, please contact us
at the parish (717 272-8251) or by email.