What is happening in my Confirmation Class?

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What is confirmation?

What we now call Confirmation was originally part of the baptism ceremony. It became a separate rite when bishops were no longer able to preside at all baptisms and there needed to be some way of adult Christians making a public statement of the faith that they received as babies in their baptism. One way of understanding of Confirmation would be to see it as the moment when a Christian confirms in public the vows and promises made for them when they were baptised and their intention to live out those promises as a member in the Anglican Church. For those baptised as adults and who have already made such a public statement of Christian faith it is still the moment when they become full members of the Anglican Church and the local parish in which they will live and grow in faith. Through prayer and the laying on of hands by the Bishop, the Church asks God to give to the newly Confirmed a strengthened sense of the Holy Spirit to enable them to live in this way.

Confirmation is a very important moment in the life of a believer. In preparing for Confirmation support and guidance is given on what it means to live as a disciple of Christ within the life of the Anglican Church. Prayer, the place of the Bible in our lives of faith, the meaning of the Eucharist and the importance of being a part of the Church Community are covered, along with basic instruction on what is distinctive about our Christian faith and way of life. It is an exciting opportunity.

This year Bishop Mark will be with us for a combined parish service at 9.30am on Sunday 27th July 2025 when confirmations will take place.

DATE AND TIME	TOPICS
Wednesday 4th June 4.30–5.45pm In the Lamerton Centre	What is confirmation? Confirmation means that confirm our faith—; that we are Christians. Who is God? Belonging—What communities do we belong to? Do we believe and trust in God? Who is God? Jesus: life and Ministry Who was Jesus? What does show us about God? What are some of the symbols of the Christian faith?
Wednesday 11th June 4.30–5.45pm In the Lamerton Centre	The Bible—a dangerous book! What do Christians believe about the bible? Why is the bible so important to Christians? How do we use the bible in our lives? What does the bible teach us about the nature of God?
Wednesday 18th June 4.30–5.45pm In the Lamerton Centre	Jesus—resurrection and the Holy Spirit Story of Resurrection and Pentecost What did the early disciples believe about these things? What do we believe? How does the Holy Spirit help us? Affirming our faith—The Creed What do we say that we believe? What does it tell us about God? How do we pass on the faith to others?
Wednesday 25th June 4.30–5.45pm In the Lamerton Centre	What do we mean by Salvation? (How humans are separated from God by their behaviour) A beautiful world is often spoiled. What is sin? Where do we see God acting in the world? Confession and Reconciliation Our responsibility to live a Christian life
Wednesday 2nd July 4.30–5.45pm In the Lamerton Centre	The Eucharist What happens in the Eucharist? Why is it an important symbol of faith? What do the symbols mean? Look at the words of the confirmation service. Living as a Christian The role of prayer Where do we go with difficult questions? How will God help and Guide us? Being part of the Church
Saturday 26th July 10.30–1pm Including rehearsal and Pizza!!! In the Church	Visit the Church— Getting to know our church What happens in Baptism and the Eucharist? How do we behave? What gestures do we use? Participation in the Eucharist Any other questions. We will also have a rehearsal for Sunday
Sunday 27th July 9.30am	Confirmation Service followed by Brunch. You will need to be at church by 9am so we are ALL ready for the Bishop to arrive

In preparation for your confirmation.

Being confirmed is about being affirmed as part of our community and it is important that our young people understand why they are welcome. We are asking candidates to:

1. Talk to family and friends. How do they describe God?

2. Ask questions about how members of St Philip’s describe and live out their faith.

3. Watch what happens during Eucharist Service — how does this tell us who God is?

Also, over the next 6 weeks it would be great if we each read the Gospel of Mark. It is the shortest of all the gospels and gives a good summary of all that Jesus did on earth. It will help us understand who Jesus a little bit is more, and also ourselves!

Also please pray together and for one another at this important time!