People who have been baptised
may be confirmed provided they are old enough to
renew for themselves the promises made for them
at their
baptism by their parents and godparents.
Though the practice in some local churches
differs, it is usual for people only to be
admitted to Holy Communion once they have made
that affirmation of faith and received
Confirmation.
Confirmation usually takes place at a service of Holy Communion at which the bishop presides. He will use the opportunity of the sermon to talk to the candidates about the responsibilities of adult Christian life and they will then make their public profession of faith. Any unbaptised candidates are baptised and the bishop prays that the Holy Spirit will come upon those who are to be confirmed. They kneel before the bishop, who lays his hands on the head of each, saying:
Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit.
Or, he might use this longer prayer:
Defend, O Lord, this thy servant with thy heavenly grace, that (s)he may continue thine for ever, and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, until (s)he comes unto thine everlasting kingdom.
The service continues with a celebration of the Holy Communion, where the newly-confirmed join in receiving the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ.
The local team of churches will be running confirmation classes this Autumn. Please speak to Duncan if you'd like to know more.
