Confirmation

Application forms for Confirmation are available in the Church Foyer (Entrance) or from the Parish Office.

WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?

• Confirmation is one of the sacraments acknowledged by the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, and is administered by the Bishop of the Diocese.
• Confirmation is a public statement of your personal belief and trust in God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  It includes a specific renunciation of all that is evil, and a personal commitment to seek to live in obedience to God’s laws, as a loyal member of His Church.  It is clearly understood that this is to be a life of active worship, witness and service.
• Confirmation is your own affirmation of the promises made on your behalf by your parents and godparents at Baptism.
• Confirmation is the sacrament of empowerment, as the Holy Spirit is asked to fill you with power and strengthen you for your Christian life
• Confirmation has been described as the ‘ordination of the laity’ into full-time ministry in the Church of God.  Confirmation is both a wonderful privilege and a serious commitment. It is a life-long and a life-changing commitment.  Confirmation is not an automatic right.  You must be willing, and able, to take full responsibility for your faith by living out what you believe.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARENTS AND GODPARENTS?

• It is the duty of the parents who have had their children Baptized to present them to the Church to be Confirmed.
• Parents and godparents are expected to pray for their children, and encourage them to attend Church regularly so that they can grow in their Christian faith.
• Parents and godparents are expected to encourage their children to take responsibility for their own Christian faith, and to come to the point where they are able to confirm the Baptismal vows made on their behalf at Baptism.

WHEN SHOULD A PERSON BE CONFIRMED?

• A person wishing to be Confirmed should be a regular and committed member of the Parish Church and so share fully in the life of the Body of Christ..
• A person may be Confirmed when they are old enough to fully understand the meaning of what they are doing; usually young adults 16 years of age or in Grade 10.
• A person should only be Confirmed when they are willing and able to accept their duties and responsibilities of full membership of the Christian Church.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE CONFIRMED?

• Complete the form on the reverse side and return it, together with your Baptismal Certificate, to the Parish Office.
• Confirmation candidates must attend a weekly series of preparation classes to learn more about the Christian faith, and the significance of Confirmation.
• Confirmation candidates are expected to attend a Happening Weekend before or during their preparation.
• Confirmation candidates are expected to commit themselves to regular prayer, Bible study and service within the Church.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

There is no financial cost involved in Confirmation, except for the cost of the Happening Weekend.

WHEN AND WHERE WILL THE CONFIRMATION SERVICE BE HELD?

The confirmation service is held at St Francis Church, Meyersdal, usually once a year.

WHAT IF I HAVE NEVER BEEN BAPTISED?

Your confirmation preparation will also prepare you for the sacrament of Baptism, and you will be Baptized before your Confirmation.  Please discuss your situation with the Rector.

WHAT IF I AM NOT AN ANGLICAN?

We are Christians first and then Anglicans.  Please discuss your situation with the Rector.

WHAT IF I AM NEVER CONFIRMED?

• You will be unable to hold any office in the Anglican Church, like a Member of Parish Council, Church Warden, Lay Minister, Krump Team Leader, etc.
• More important, however, is the fact that you will not have made your personal public commitment to God and his Church.