Weekly Reflection - 6/1/2022

St. Mary's Reflection: Mike Stafford, Interim Associate Minister

Confirmation

“Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” -The Catechism, BCP p.860

This Saturday, seven youth from St. Mary’s will formally commit themselves to Christ and receive a laying on of hands by Bishop Marc in the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Confirmation is the formal and public renewing of Baptismal vows, with a special and personal blessing by the bishop. It is an important step in our journey of faith, as we own the promises that were made on our behalf at baptism. As mentioned in the Catechism, confirmation is a big step of maturity, and confirmed youth are considered adults in the eyes of the church. That means that the process of confirmation for our St. Mary’s youth is joyful, but it is also taken quite seriously: the youth attend bi-weekly confirmation classes led by Phil Woodworth, learning about the church and the Bible, with a particular focus on Jesus and how we as Christians know and follow him. Beyond their confirmation, with this commitment as a foundation, our community’s love and support, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they will continue their journey of faith in all aspects of their lives for the rest of their lives. Confirmation is a big deal!

We hope you can come and be a part of the service in support of our youth in this big step they are taking (Saturday, June 4, 10am at Grace Cathedral), but if you can’t, please pray the prayer of confirmation for our group:

Strengthen, O Lord, your servants with your Holy Spirit; empower them for your service; and sustain them all the days of their life. Amen.