Confirmation

We’re honored and excited to walk with you through your confirmation preparation process. At. St. James’s we like to think of Confirmation as “base camp” on your spiritual journey. It’s neither your point of origin, nor your destination, but a place to rest, grow, and be equipped for your journey. Officially, confirmation is a sacramental rite in which the candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” (BCP, p. 860). Welcome to base camp!

For the 2022-2023 program year, St. James’s Youth Ministry will be offering a family-based hybrid confirmation process for youth who want to be confirmed. During 20-21 and 21-22, we used a virtual format that was highly engaging, accessible, and had a deep-impact on youth and their parents. We found that everyone really liked it! So, we’re keeping some of the virtual meetings, but also incorporating some in-person sessions to create greater community between the confirmands and their leaders.

Participants will attend 5 Confirmation sessions throughout the year. Three will be virtual with a parent, and two will be in-person (parents not required to attend.) A few additional in-person gatherings will take place including an overnight Confirmation Camp on November 18-19, 2022. Finally, all confirmands will be expected to participate in church life throughout the year, earning “points” for participation. More information on this will be given at the information session.

Students beginning in 9th grade are eligible to participate and must attend each of the five sessions, plus other in-person gatherings. If 9th grade doesn’t feel like the right time, you’re welcome to come back any time later in high school.

It’s intended as a “family” process, not just youth attending by themselves. Confirmands will also have a mentor of their choosing who will be their cheerleader, and prayer partner along the way, and ultimately present them in worship for confirmation by the Bishop on Confirmation Sunday in May 2023 (our tentative date is May 21st).

Want to participate?

• Register online by September 19: Register for Confirmation 2022-2023
• Complete the online Universal Permission Form
• Pay a $100 registration fee online at St. James’s Episcopal Church.
  • Select “Give one Time”
  • Under Giving Type, select “Youth Ministry Payments”
  • Write “Confirmation” in the Memo.
• Read this detailed Confirmation 2022-2023 Family Packet

For more information about Confirmation at St. James’s, please contact our Director of Youth Ministry Katie Ricard.