Confirmation
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A word from our Bishops
Guidelines for Confirmation
A word from our Bishops
Confirmation services are an integral and important part of our diocesan life together. The persons you present bring an exciting energy, faith and love to our church. The service gathers family and friends from all generations to witness an individual’s mature, adult commitment to their faith and to the promises made for them at baptism. The ceremony and presence of the bishop accentuate the gifts and importance of our Episcopal tradition and faith.
We emphasize confirmations and receptions during the Easter season. The great fifty days of Easter are a wonderful time to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Not only is this true from an historical perspective, but it is also true from a theological and practical one. The themes of resurrection and of preparing ourselves for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost are especially fitting as preludes to Confirmation and Reception.
We wish to reinforce here that Confirmation is an adult rite of discipleship. To that end, to receive the sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Maryland, we do expect that each candidate will have received quality instruction in the parish as described in the Customary, and that each person presented:
- Will have attended one of the four Bishops’ Teaching Days.
- Should be 15 or older.
- Is a regular participant in the life, worship, education and outreach of the congregation presenting them.
- Will gather to meet with the Bishop one hour before the service.
We, your bishop and the diocesan staff, firmly believe these to be important ingredients for confirmation and have dedicated the time and energy to support these expectations.
Please review ALL the information on this page. You may also call Wes Wubbenhorst, our Youth Missioner, for assistance.
Our church is in the midst of an evolving understanding of Confirmation. We acknowledge the resulting tension this brings, while remaining committed to making the most of the sacrament as we celebrate it together in our diocese. May it be a memorable and transformational time for all involved. We look forward to working with you in planning and celebrating these special services!
Guidelines for Confirmation
Download the Guidelines for Confirmation in Adobe PDF format.
