|
Confirmation is literally the 'confirming' on the baptismal vows made on our behalf as infants/young children as we give our own personal assent to them, and the Bishop 'confirms' our 'yes' with the laying on of hands.
It marks a step from 'membership' of the family of God to 'discipleship' with the intention of the person being Confirmed to lead a committed Christian life as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Holy Communion 
After Confirmation a Christian will be able to eat the Bead and Wine (elements) of Holy Communion/The Lord's Supper/The Eucharist rather than receiving a blessing. Holy Communion means that we share in communion with the whole of Christendom in other words, all who have ever believed in Jesus, those around the world who are His disciples here and now, and those who will become His disciples in the ages to come. The Lord's Supper means that we are remembering Jesus' words at the last Super with His disciples. The words a priest prays over the elements are Jesus own words as recorded in the gospels taken directly from the accounts of the Last Supper. Eucharist, is taken from the Greek New Testament texts and means thanksgiving - saying thank you to the Lord for all He has done for us.
Taking Holy Communion is a symbolic action that we are receiving all that the Lord has achieved for us through His death and resurrection; forgiveness of sins; eternal life; the healing and maturing of our whole selves as we journey on as disciples of Christ; His Body and Blood as He nourishes us through Word and Sacrament; the infilling and gifting of the Holy Spirit to empower us and redeem us little by little through our ordinary day-to-day-lives as well as during special moments of intimacy and blessing. Above all, it signifies the unconditional and passionate love of a God who will not let His people perish, but will do all that He can to draw them home to a loving embrace from a forgiving God. There is much to be thankful for.
There are differing views on the Bread and Wine or Host and Chalice and what they are/represent, ranging from those who believe the Host and Cup to be Jesus Christ in physical form, once consecrated by the Priest, and who then treat the elements with the greatest of reverence and care. At the opposite end of the spectrum are those who believe that the Bread and Wine are only symbolic of Jesus' death and outpouring of Himself on the cross and not in anyway sacred themselves. There is a broad spectrum of views between these polarities and the Anglican Church contains ordained ministers and parishioners holding all of these points of view, respecting difference, rejoicing in diversity and responding in love as we hold fast to our Head, Jesus Christ.
Children and adults are usually prepared for this step of initiation by attendance at Confirmation Classes. These can take many forms and are usually between 6-12 weeks long. The classes help Confirmands to understand the step that they are taking and teach them about the practical aspects of the Confirmation itself and receiving Holy Communion. The classes also provide an opportunity to discuss and mature in our faith and broaden our understanding of Christian service while deepening our relationship with the Lord. People often make lifelong friends at these classes and find 'soul-friends' who are companions in their journey of faith for many years to come.
Additional Information
For the full Rite of Confirmation within a service of Holy Communion please click here.
For a fuller theological discussion of Confirmation, please click here.
Admission to Holy Communion before Confirmation
Bishop's Questionnaire for Clergy
Confirmations Form
Confirmation Dates 2009 by Date
Confirmation Dates 2009 by Deanery
Confirmation Dates 2010 by Date
Confirmation Dates 2010 by Deanery
|