Confirmation
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 an active life of participating regularly in worship, witness and service. Confirmation is your own affirmation of the promises made on your behalf at baptism. At the same time, confirmation is the sacrament of empowerment. Very clearly and specifically the Holy Spirit is asked to fill you with power for your Christian life.
Confirmation has been described as the ‘ordination of the laity' into full-time ministry in the Church of God. It is accordingly both a wonderful privilege and a serious commitment. It is clearly not an automatic right. You must be willing and able to take full responsibility for your faith by living out what you believe.
The early teenage years, with their emotional and psychological adjustments, are not a good time during which to take such an important step. Now that young people may be admitted to Communion at an early age, they receive the support of the sacrament and become an acknowledged part of the worshipping community. This allows confirmation to become what it should be - an adult commitment, made by an adult, at a time when you are prepared to accept and live out your rights and responsibilities within the community of faith. It is after all, a life-long and life-changing commitment.
Under normal circumstances, as an applicant for confirmation, you should be not less than 16 years of age. You should be a regular and committed member of the church. Where this is not the case, you should first establish yourself as part of the worshipping community, and apply to be admitted to Communion. Confirmation could follow at a later stage.
For confirmation you will be required to attend a course of preparation. This will involve weekly meetings for six months or more, as well as certain other activities (e.g. attending a camp or an Alpha Course). Participation in this course is, however, no guarantee of confirmation. An individual decision will be taken with you towards the end of the course.
What is confirmation?
Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a Bishop.
Who may be confirmed?
Committed members of the church, who are sixteen years and older, who desire to be confirmed and who are adequately prepared. Exceptional circumstances may always be discussed with the Rector.
What does preparation involve?
Weekly meetings of approximately one hour each over a period of some six months or more; one or two weekend seminars; private reading and study; regular involvement in worship; some community ministry. Fuller details will be given at the beginning of each course.
What will the preparation cost?
Only the actual cost of books and other material that you need and any cost related to the weekend seminars.
Where will the confirmation service be held?
In one of the local Anglican churches.
When will the confirmation service be held?
Specific dates are arranged with the Bishop at the beginning of each year. You will be told the date when classes begin.
What if I am not an Anglican?
Put all your details on the application form. We will contact you to discuss your personal situation. Remember that we are all Christians first, and Anglicans second, but please note that confirmation is into a specific denomination.
What if I am never confirmed?
You cannot hold any office in the church. More important, however, is the fact that you may never have made your own personal commitment to God and to His church.
How do I apply?
Contact the Parish Office during working hours on weekdays for an application form. (Telephone 011 728-7015)