The Rite of Confirmation

Preparation for confirmation is two years. Many of our young people choose to prepare for confirmation during their 7th and 8th grade years; however, a person can choose to be confirmed at any age. There is no deadline! What is more important than age is willingness. Our bishop says that when you are confirmed, you are choosing to follow Jesus Christ forever. It is this choice that is important and not a person’s age. For this reason, some people choose to wait until they are older to make that decision. A young person who chooses to delay confirmation is invited to participate in all aspects of church life – youth group, teaching Sunday School, acolyting, singing in the choir, and more.

Two teams of dedicated leaders are currently leading C&HT’s bustling Confirmation Program,  which this year includes 62 students.  The teachers of the first year program have organized a wonderful series of classes and activities that occur on Sunday mornings.  The leaders of the second year program have split their class into four groups that go out to provide outreach ministries to Iglesia Betania, a Spanish speaking mission church in Norwell, to Gillespie House, the homeless shelter here in Westport, to Bachrach House, a home for single mothers and their children and the Wisdom Project, which is compiling the oral histories shared with them by some of the elders of our church.  In addition, a number of adults at C&HT have agreed to sponsor confirmation students.  Their role will be to provide a safe adult relationship in which students can explore issues of faith. 

Teaching confirmation or being a confirmation sponsor is a challenging but rewarding ministry, and one that could potentially provide a positive impact on a young person for life.  Teachers often find that the experience deepens and expands their own faith while they enjoy the camaraderie they develop with the students and each other.  There is no need to have one of your own children enrolled in confirmation in order to become involved in this important ministry – in fact teens sometimes enjoy, if not prefer, working with adults outside of their own family. 

If you’re feeling called to consider the possibility of being a confirmation leader next year, please call Elsa Worth at 227-0827 or at eworth@chtwestport.org.

Read more about the meaning of confirmation by clicking here.

Download Parent's Orientation for 1st year Confirmands by clicking here
Download Parent's Orientation for 2nd year Confirmands by clicking here