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.” (The Book of Common Prayer) Because we are baptized as infants in The Episcopal Church, it is important to make a public, mature expression of our faith in Christ.

Reception

Those who have been confirmed in other denominations by a bishop in the historic succession (Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or Eastern Orthodox) may be received into the Episcopal Church by the bishop. Many people choose to be received as a way of affirming their baptism, of acceding a stronger affinity with the spirituality, ethos, practice, and sensibility of The Episcopal Church, and of ritually acknowledging a deeper, more mature faith commitment. Click here to watch the former Diocese of Southern Ohio bishop, Bishop Briedenthal, offer some helpful words to those trying to decide between Confirmation and Reception.

Reaffirmation

Those who have been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church (or any member church in the Anglican Communion) and wish to recommit themselves to the Christian life of faith may choose to reaffirm their baptismal covenant with the bishop. This may happen if someone moves to a new area and would like to ritually acknowledge their connection with a new parish and community.

Confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation are conducted during our regularly scheduled episcopal visitations—days when our bishop visits St. Timothy’s. This typically only occurs once every other year (generally in the spring). If you have a desire to be confirmed before the bishop’s visit, the bishop conducts annual regional confirmations throughout the diocese.

Intentional preparation is required for confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation.

FOR TEENS: Prior to each episcopal visitation, Prep Classes are scheduled and open to any high school student (rising 9th graders and up). If your youth is interested in being confirmed at St. Timothy’s, please contact our priest, The Rev. Roger Greene.

FOR ADULTS: An overview of the faith called Belonging is offered once per year. If you are interested in being confirmed, received from another tradition, or reaffirming your faith at St. Timothy’s, please contact our priest, The Rev. Roger Greene.