Our confirmation will take place this year on Sunday 21st June 2020, and we are seeking the names of all those who would like to be baptised and/or confirmed so that we can organise confirmation classes.
This is a service in which children who are now old enough to profess the Christian faith for themselves are confirmed and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit afresh in their lives. It is also an opportunity for adults who have never been baptised or confirmed, or who were baptised as infants but never confirmed to receive those sacraments.
What is baptism?
Baptism marks our first step on the lifelong pilgrimage of faith. Water is poured over our heads and we are baptised, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” as a sign of God’s cleansing grace entering our lives.
Baptism begins within us the life of grace, and initiates us into fullness of life in Christ. In Baptism our sins are washed away. We become one with Christ and receive new birth through water and the action of God’s Holy Spirit.
What is confirmation?
In Confirmation the gifts of the Spirit given to us by God are stirred up afresh and redoubled by the laying on of hands by a bishop. Candidates for Confirmation publically profess their faith, and are fully initiated as members of Christ’s church, able to receive Holy Communion.
What is the renewal of baptismal promises?
It also happens that people who were baptised and confirmed many years ago return to their faith, or find they want to profess it publicly for themselves again. In this circumstance, candidates can receive catechesis in preparation for a liturgy involving the renewal of the promises made at their baptism, and thanksgiving for the graces they have received from God. This would take place at the same service of confirmation.
At what age can one be confirmed?
Confirmation is appropriate for any child who is able to understand and profess the Christian faith for themselves. This usually means children who have reached the age of 7 or 8, or above. Any adult can be confirmed and/or baptized at any age whatsoever.
When will confirmation classes take place?
Confirmation classes for younger candidates will take place at 9.30 am every other Sunday morning on the following dates between now and 21st June. It is crucial that all candidates attend ALL the classes in order to be confirmed. Classes for any adult candidates will take place at other times agreed individually with them.
Sunday 2nd February 2020
Sunday 16th February 2020
Sunday 1st March 2020
Sunday 15th March 2020
Sunday 29th March 2020
A brief hiatus in confirmation classes will take place for Easter.
Sunday 26th April 2020
Sunday 10th May 2020
Friday 15th May 2020 – visit to the National gallery 5.00 pm
Sunday 24th May 2020
Sunday 7th June 2020
Saturday 20th June 2020 – rehearsal 6.00 pm
Sunday 21st June 2020 – Sung Mass an confirmation 11.00 am
Prayers for all preparing for the sacraments of initiation
Whatever stage people are at on their pilgrimage of faith, St Benet’s Church wants to be a help and blessing to all who seek Christ and want to be his disciples. We assure all those contemplating confirmation and/or baptism of our prayers and best wishes. Come Holy Spirit!
