Confirmation

Confirmation is a significant milestone on our Christian journey because it invites a profoundly personal decision to devote ourselves to the Lord Jesus and his Church. So much more than a rite of passage, Confirmation is a joyful opportunity to “express a mature commitment to Christ” (BCP, p. 860) publicly, and to accept as our own the faith implicit in Baptism. Confirmation is a renewal and a strengthening of our relationship with God, an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and a mutual pledge of commitment. God calls and empowers us to be disciples of Jesus, and we respond by “giving up our lives to his service” (BCP, p. 101).

The Cathedral’s Confirmation program is designed to prepare young people for life in Christ, by ensuring that they “are sufficiently instructed in the Christian Faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord” (BCP, p. 860). We pray that this time of preparation will be one of deep spiritual growth, challenging questions, life-giving fellowship with other Christians and a renewed commitment to Jesus Christ. To that end, we expect youth confirmands to participate fully in the liturgies, special events, and weekly Sunday School classes that comprise the Confirmation program.

Of special note is our sponsor program, in which faithful adults act as mentors and companions on the journey. The sponsors communicate regularly with the youth, pray for them throughout the Confirmation process, and stand with them during the Confirmation liturgies throughout the year. We also schedule three dinners at the Cathedral for confirmands and sponsors to engage in conversation. In addition to these sponsors, youth are invited to choose a family friend, a godparent, or another special person to stand with them at the Easter Vigil as they are confirmed.

Please know that the various elements of the Confirmation program are intended neither as “requirements” nor “suggestions,” but invitations to encounter the Lord and find a place in the family of Christ Church Cathedral. It is our expectation that those desiring to be confirmed will take advantage of all such invitations.

We recognize that the calendar and expectations for Confirmation are rigorous. We believe this journey is worthy of attention, effort, and commitment. Confirmands should add these dates to the family calendar and inform teachers, coaches, directors, etc. of any conflicts, so they can plan accordingly.

For more information, contact Rev. Madeleine Rebouché.

Register for Confirmation here.

EYC Medical Release here.

Important Dates for Confirmands

(Please note that bolded events are outside of our usual Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. time slot. Sponsors are asked to be at starred events, as well as to schedule two 1:1 meetings with their confirmand.)

  • December 8, 2024 - Initiation into Confirmation and Sponsor Brunch *

  • January 5, 2025: Session 1: Why Confirmation?

  • January 12: Session 2: Who is God?

  • January 17-19 Discovery Weekend

  • Feb 2: Session 3: Who is Jesus?

  • Feb 5: Room In the Inn, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

  • Feb 9: Session 4: Who is the Holy Spirit?

  • Feb 16: Session 5: Who is the Church? (Continue in the teaching, breaking of bread, and fellowship)

  • Feb 22: Confirmation Day Retreat

  • Feb 23: Session 6: Giving and Receiving Forgiveness (persevere in resisting evil, repent, return to the Lord)

  • March 2: Session 7: proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ + Church in the Yard Service, 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

  • March 5: Ash Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Liturgy *

  • March 9: Session 8: Seek and Serve Christ in All Persons

  • March 16: Session 9: Seek and Serve Christ in Yourself

  • March 23: Session 10: Strive for Justice and Peace and Respect the Dignity of Every Human Being

  • March 30: Session 11: Affirming the Faith, pt. 1

  • April 6: Session 12: Affirming the Faith, pt. 2

  • April 13 Palm Sunday

  • April 17 Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m. liturgy *

  • April 18 Good Friday 12:00 p.m. liturgy*

  • April 19 Easter Vigil and Confirmation (Rehearsal at 10:00 a.m., lunch to follow, vigil arrival time: 5:30 p.m., Liturgy 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) *