The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you Peace. (Numbers 6: 24-26)

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Confirmation Class Set to Begin

In the rubrics which describe the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Book of Common Prayer we find the following instructions:

In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop. BCP pg. 412
In keeping with the rubrics, we will offer a Confirmation Class for any youth who is at least a freshman in High School, has a desire to make their public profession before the bishop and the parish, and is ready to be duly prepared. The classes will begin on Sunday, September 19 following the 10:00 AM Mass and will meet each Sunday, with the exception of certain Sundays and holidays, until the bishop’s visitation on February 13. There will be lunch provided each Sunday for those attending the class.

This class is more than just a training course for young people. I would like for it to be an opportunity for anyone in the parish to experience their faith and to learn about what it means to be a Christian first and an Anglican second. Bishop MacPherson will lay hands on those being Confirmed. He will also be laying hands and praying for anyone who wishes to be Received from another denomination or anyone wishing to be Reaffirmed in the faith.

This is a long course of study, I know, and to some it may seem excessive. In the first two or three centuries of the Church, it was common for those wishing to be Baptized and Confirmed as adults to study and pray under the tutelage of a bishop or priest for up to three years before receiving the Sacraments. I don’t think we need to invest quite that much time, but I believe that it is vital for everyone’s Christian Formation to be ready and duly prepared.

If you are interested in Confirmation, or would like to attend the classes then please contact Fr. Michael.

Fr. Michael+

No comments:

Post a Comment