Campbell

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December, 2000 - Vol. XXIX No. 3
All About Confirmation

"Preparation of Baptized Persons for Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant"
by The Rev. Ralph M. Campbell, II

Methods of preparation of the baptized for Confirmation in the Episcopal Church are as varied as are our parishes. However, there is an official model sanctioned by General Convention 1994 and included in The Book of Occasional Services 1994 (BOS) concerning the reaffirmation of baptismal vows. I was privileged to be a member of the Standing Liturgical Commission which developed and presented these rites to the Episcopal Church.

At St. Timothy’s Parish, Salem, we have implemented this formation process. While those in this process share the journey with adults preparing for Baptism (in the Catechumenate), they are always acknowledged as The Baptized with separate stages of growth and separate rites of passage (see BOS 1994, p. 136 ff.)

Confirmation (Reaffirmation of Faith) preparation is an unfolding of the baptismal experience within a parish faith community. The candidates deepen their loyalty to the action of God in Christ Jesus in their lives through belief, ritual, and service as members of the People of God. The methodology of learning is not the classroom model where one passes the course and is confirmed; rather, it is a formative process.

Through the sharing of one’s story of living the Christian life and by reflecting upon that experience in the light of the Jesus Event recorded in the Scriptures and the lived faith of the Catholic Church, one grows in the Likeness of Christ. Reaffirmation of faith is a lifelong learning experience begun in the indissoluble bond with Christ Jesus through baptism into his body, the Church, confirmed/received before an Apostolic bishop through the laying-on of hands, and continued in one’s Christian journey through the Reaffirmation of Faith whenever the believer is called to it.

There is no syllabus, no course outline. The Sunday Eucharistic Lectionary is the textbook. Within the Church Year the major credal affirmations will be presented for reflection. Note: it is imperative that parishes implement the Holy Week rites of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil. For it is in these rites that we die and rise with Christ anew, joining with those reaffirming the faith of the Church - Christ’s victory over death.

As we begin this process with the lives of the varied individuals involved, we will hear their questions and concerns, their distrust and pain, their hopes and faith. This model takes seriously the fact that Christ is already at work in the lives of those seeking him. This preparation for Confirmation, etc., acknowledges that learning and commitment develop in stages of growth - we cannot force faith. Patience is necessary. We need time to build relationships of trust in a safe small-group setting where a believer can, with the help of supportive sponsors, break through any resistance to life in the Church and, in so doing, experience God’s grace continuing to form them into the Likeness of Christ. Thus, the spiritual life is a life of continual conversion.

This formation process engages the participants with the Gospel on every level of their being - mind, body, emotions, spirit. It is the heart of a parish beating with the life of Christians renewed in their experience of the mysteries of faith. As we prepare candidates, the whole parish becomes involved through the ministry of sponsors, catechists, clergy, and through prayer and liturgy. Ultimately, Christianity is caught, not taught. And when you pass on your faith, your own Christian life is strengthened by the living out of your baptismal vows in a community of faith.

According to the Book of Occasional Services formularies, there are three stages of preparation and formation, each concluding with a rite of transition. A final period after the third rite leads to the Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant at the Easter Vigil and the presentation of the candidates to the Bishop for Confirmation (etc.) during the Great Fifty Days of Easter.

Stage One - a period of inquiry for story-sharing by the participants, a time to unpack any negative religious experiences. It is also a time to share the faith and practice of the Anglican expression of the Catholic Church and the spirituality and customs of the local congregation. The candidates receive sponsors if they desire to continue the process. The rite of passage is a ceremony of welcome at a Sunday Eucharist, when the candidates write their names in the Parish Register and are recognized as baptized members of the Church.

Stage Two - This is a longer period of exploration based on the pattern of "experience, followed by reflection." It is a time to discern the type of service to which God calls the candidates in the context of the world and the parish. The rite of passage is their Enrollment on Ash Wednesday as examples of conversion (as exemplified by their receiving of ashes) leading to their Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant at the Easter Vigil.

Stage Three - focuses on the candidates’ Lenten journey of prayer and ministry to others, especially to the Catechumens. The rite at this stage occurs on Maundy Thursday as the candidates repent of their sins and receive reconciliation through absolution and the Washing of the Feet.

While there is risk on the part of catechists, clergy, sponsors, and the faith community in developing relational Christianity (this process is not a quick fix, nor is there certainty that the candidates will be faithful), the people of St. Timothy’s Parish have witnessed the joy of those who have stood before the Bishop celebrating their growth in the Likeness of Christ. Numbers confirmed do not tell the complete story. If one individual radiates the face of Christ with integrity, the parish community is enriched and sustained. In the midst of that faith, one is humbled to see God’s grace which alone transforms our lives. We have done our part. All is well.

Rick is the rector of St. Timothy Episcopal Church in Salem, and well-known for his interest in liturgy. Contact him at mail@sainttimothys.org