Confirmation

Confirmation is the ceremony in the Church of England where the promises made at baptism on behalf of a child are confirmed by them in their own words, and the Bishop admits them to full adult membership by the laying on of hands.  It is most often undertaken by young people as they grow up and take responsibility for their own faith - in this benefice we write to all children in Year 6 (top year) of the primary schools to offer them the opportunity to be confirmed, and those who do are often joined by children of a similar age (10-14) from other schools.

Many people are confirmed as adults, having discovered their faith later in life.  If someone (young or old) comes anew to adult Christian faith but was not baptised as a child, they are usually baptised and confirmed by the Bishop in the same service.

There is usually a service of confirmation once a year in the Benefice, publicised well in advance.  Several weeks of confirmation classes are given for the young people, and for adults a more informal time to explore and reflect on issues in their life of faith.