Confirmation and Reception

Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which a person makes a mature affirmation of their faith and renews the commitment to live by the promises of the baptismal covenant. In confirmation, we receive the empowering of the Holy Spirit for the work of ministry. While not a sacrament, confirmation provides an opportunity to say “Yes!” to the Christian faith as we understand it in the Anglican tradition.

Students in the 8th grade and older are invited explore their faith, with the opportunity to decide for themselves if they wish to be Confirmed in the Episcopal Church. Over the course of several sessions, led by a member of the clergy, discussions are held about the Bible, church history, worship, prayer, world religions, ethics, faith stories, and more. Retreats are also included, at St. Paul’s and offsite. In addition to meetings with the group and group leaders, participants meet with an adult mentor assigned to them, visit and experience worship in another faith community, and engage in a service project.

The process of confirmation begins in the fall, culminating in a worship service administered by the Bishop. If you are interested in being confirmed or learning about upcoming classes, please contact the main office.

Reception is the rite in which a person who has already been baptized and made a mature affirmation of their faith in another Christian denomination is formally received into the Episcopal Church by the Bishop. This is an annual opportunity and there are informational sessions offered each year to help those interested become more familiar with the Episcopal Church.

Adults who are preparing for Confirmation or Reception participate in an “Exploration of Christianity” series.  Participants are provided with an adult mentor to act as a companion along the way. Meeting together, each of you has the opportunity to share some of your faith journey as you offer support to the other in theirs. We find that these spiritual companions often turn into friendships that last well beyond the period of preparation.

If you are interested in being Received, please contact the main office.


You can read more about reception and other adult education opportunities on this page.  You can find more information on our programming for teens, and the Rite of Confirmation, by exploring our Children’s Education page. Classes and programs are open to all, regardless of church membership status.