Confirmation

Welcome to this page... especially if you are a parent investigating confirmation for your child. We want you to know and understand how we prepare Christian children for confirmation.

So let me explain what Confirmation means, what it requires and what it looks like at St Peter’s. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you wish to ask further questions or want clarification about confirmation.

What does confirmation mean?

Many people are confused about what confirmation means especially when there is no evidence of the practise of confirmation in the Bible. It is been commonly held in the Church of England that while infant baptism signifies real membership within God’s people an infant baptism candidate is only indirectly responsible to God and the church through his/her parents. Parents are directly responsible to God for bringing up the child in the church community. However, when a child is of age to understand the meaning and significance of the baptism promises confirmation is the moment when a child becomes a spiritual ‘adult’. At this point we recognise them to be able to stand on their own feet within the life of the church.

What does confirmation require?

Confirmation candidates make certain promises and commitments. In terms of lifestyle and priorities, they promise to live the kind of distinctive life Jesus calls us to live – to attend church weekly (the normal Christian practise) and live out the Christian life in godliness, truth and love… but they do so as adults.

Because confirmation brings these commitments, confirmation preparation is mandatory if your child wants to be confirmed so that they have the opportunity to understand what they are promising and opt out if necessary.

What difference will confirmation make at St Peter’s?

At St Peter’s we don’t want to keep the teenagers in ‘spiritual nappies’ and will seek to treat them as ‘adults’ in their own right (without ignoring their legal status as children in your care). So we will expect them to take a full and active part in the life of the church. We will encourage them to use their natural gifts and talents to serve in various ways (eg handing out books, reading the lesson, leading the prayers, singing, music, etc). We will expect them to attend all kinds of Sunday services (not just Family Services) especially Holy Communion services for which confirmation classes especially prepare them.  

In God’s grace and with your support we hope and trust we will help to establish your child in a secure Christian faith throughout the (sometimes painful!) teenage years and stop the exodus that so often happens.

Jules - Rector