As one grows in Christ, our Church also expects that those who have been baptized will make an affirmation of their baptismal vows and receive the laying of hands by a bishop to strengthen them in their journey as baptized Christians. Those who have been confirmed in another tradition are received. Those who have been confirmed or received previously, may wish to reaffirm their baptismal vows.
Anyone who wishes to be Confirmed, to be Received, or to Reaffirm their faith may contact Fr. Joel Turmo. There will be a service at St. Timothy’s on November 11, 2023 at 4pm.
Confirmation
“Confirmation is the 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.” (Book of Common Prayer 1979, 860). Whereas full membership is conferred in Holy Baptism, Confirmation is a commissioning and empowerment for ministry. Those baptized at an early age are expected, after a period of instruction, to make a “mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the Bishop.” (Book of Common Prayer 1979, 412).
Reception
Those who have been confirmed in other denominations by a bishop in the historic succession (Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Moravian, Philippine Independent Church, Church of Sweden or Eastern Orthodox, plus a few others) and who wish to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop. The bishop lays hands on each candidate for reception and says, “We recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion” (BCP, p. 418).
Reaffirmation
Those who have been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church and wish to recommit themselves to the Christian life of faith may choose to reaffirm their baptismal covenant with the bishop.