Confirmation is a component of a special Celebration of the Eucharist (Holy Communion/Mass) in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptized. If you were baptized as a child, your parents and godparents made these promises on your behalf. As a young person or adult (confirmands can be 12-90), you may be ready to affirm these promises for yourself and commit your life to following Jesus Christ. At a confirmation service, you make these promises for yourself. Your friends and family as well as the local Christian community will be there to promise to support and pray for you.
A bishop (usually the diocesan bishop but if not available it could be a retired bishop) will lay their hands on your head and ask God’s Holy Spirit to give you the strength and commitment to live God’s way for the rest of your life.
In the Diocese of New Westminster there is usually a diocesan-wide Confirmation Eucharist held at the diocesan cathedral, Christ Church in downtown Vancouver. These liturgies are usually celebrated during the Season of Easter, mid-Spring. Confirmations also take place in parish churches during Episcopal Visits.
People interested in Confirmation should find out about parish or diocesan Christian Formation programs that may inform your decision to be confirmed.
Please contact the Missioner for Christian Formation if you have any questions