Confirmation


Confirmation is the opportunity for teenagers and adults to sacramentally and publicly say “yes” to Jesus and His church as expressed through the Episcopal Church and St. Bartholomew’s. To be confirmed is to be strengthened for ministry by the Holy Spirit and laying on of apostolic (i.e. a Bishop's) hands. An individual must have been baptized, sufficiently instructed in the Christian faith, repentant of their sins and ready to affirm Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. 


Our Bishop offers confirmations, receptions (from other liturgical traditions), and reaffirmations annually at his visitation in late spring/early summer. 


Read our former rector, Fr. Sammy's essay on confirmation here.

Read the Episcopal glossary definition here. 




Adult Confirmation

Those baptized as adults [or in another tradition], unless baptized with laying on of hands by a bishop, are also expected to make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism in the presence of a bishop and to receive the laying on of hands. (BCP pg. 412)


For adults, confirmation is usually about deciding that the Episcopal Church is where I belong and St. Bartholomew’s is where I hang my hat. Those confirmed in other liturgical denominations, would be received into the Episcopal Church.


Our clergy's, Anglicanism & the Episcopal Church, is both a class for those wanting to know more and the pathway to becoming a confirmed member. This covers a wide range of topics from church history, the Book of Common Prayer, reading the Bible, the Sacraments, and more. 


If you are interested in learning more about being confirmed or Anglicanism & the Episcopal Church, please email Rev. Serena at ssides@stbs.net. 

Youth Confirmation

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 other words, for teens, confirmation is usually about taking ownership of their baptismal covenant and professing what they believe. 


The Youth Confirmation class is led by the Rector and Director of Youth Formation, Alysha Moroni. It will begin in January 2024. Click here to see our information packet.  


If you are interested in learning more about being confirmed, please email Alysha at amoroni@stbs.net.