Confirmation / Reception
Make a Public Affirmation of Your Faith
Confirmation is an important sacramental rite in the church and is a step one can take to make a “mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by a bishop” (Book of Common Prayer, page 412). Those interested in being confirmed prepare by participating in seasonal Inquirer/Confirmation classes. These classes are facilitated by the Rector.
Those who have been confirmed in other Christian traditions, or who were baptized as adults, may be received into The Episcopal Church by the Bishop at his annual visitation. Being received enables one to serve in sacramental and leadership roles in the parish.
It is important to note that while any baptized person can become a member of Grace Church and bear a majority of rights and privileges, she or he is required to be confirmed or received from another Christian tradition in order to become a confirmed Episcopalian and serve in certain leadership roles. Many often attend Inquirer/Confirmation classes to explore what they may or may not have learned and often to reaffirm their faith. Inquirer/Confirmation classes are designed to provide an overview of the Episcopal practice of the Christian faith and prepare youth and adults to be confirmed, reaffirmed, or received by The Episcopal Church from other Christian traditions or religions.