Frequently asked questions about confirmation
Ask your local priest. He/she will be able to let you know when preparation groups are taking place.
No, you will be able to decide if you wish to be confirmed or not. You must be sure in your own mind that you are ready to make the commitment and become part of the local church.
Talk with your priest. It may be possible to make special arrangements to fit your work schedule.
It is all right to have doubts and you don’t have to believe everything! You can share your doubts with your priest and discuss if you are ready for confirmation or should delay it. When we recite the Creed, we are describing what the Church believes and we are all growing into that faith. It is not meant to be a personal test but an acknowledgement of the faith that has been passed on from age to age.
No.
In the case of adults, it is normal to be baptised and confirmed at the same time. We do however, recognise that some people need to take it step by step, so please talk to your priest about it.
Your priest may be able to help you to check baptism records. If you cannot prove that you have been baptised, you can be ‘conditionally’ baptised and this normally takes place privately before the Confirmation.
No, you cannot be confirmed again but you can attend the confirmation preparation course and renew your baptism promises at the Confirmation Service and the Bishop will pray for you.
You are always welcome to worship with us without being confirmed, but if you intend to worship with us on a regular basis you may find that confirmation gives you a greater sense of belonging.
Yes. Someone can visit you at home to help prepare you for Confirmation. The Bishop will confirm you in your own home and someone from your local church will bring you Holy Communion on a regular basis.
The Bishop is the chief pastor and teacher of the diocese and by tradition he does not delegate confirmation to the other clergy. It provides you with an opportunity to meet the bishop who through his ordination and office is linked with the apostles.