What confirmation means
At a christening, parents and godparents make promises on a child's behalf. Confirmation is the service where the person, now old enough to speak for themselves, publicly affirms those promises and asks for the strengthening of the Holy Spirit. The traditions differ on the theology: for Catholics it is a sacrament; for Anglicans it is a solemn rite in which the bishop lays hands on each candidate; for many Free Churches the equivalent is a public profession of faith or reception into membership.
Confirmation in the Church of England
Anglican confirmation is always taken by a bishop, which is part of what makes the day feel significant: candidates from several parishes often gather at one church or at the cathedral. Each candidate is presented by name, renews the baptismal promises, and kneels while the bishop lays hands on their head and prays.
- Age. There is no fixed rule. Many candidates are of secondary school age, but adults are confirmed in large numbers every year, often after coming to faith later in life.
- Preparation. Candidates attend confirmation classes with their vicar or a lay leader, typically over a term. Groups explore the creed, the sacraments, prayer and what following Christ looks like in ordinary life.
- Communion. Historically confirmation was the gateway to receiving Holy Communion. Today many parishes admit baptised children to Communion earlier, after preparation, with confirmation following in the teenage years. Practice varies by diocese, so ask your own church.
- Not yet baptised? No problem. Baptism and confirmation can happen in the same service, and for adults this is common.
Confirmation in the Catholic Church
In the Roman Catholic Church, confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation, alongside baptism and the Eucharist. The bishop, or a priest with delegated authority, anoints the candidate's forehead with the holy oil called chrism.
- Age. In most dioceses of England and Wales candidates are confirmed in their early secondary school years, though the age varies from diocese to diocese.
- Sponsor. Each candidate has a sponsor, a practising Catholic who supports them; a godparent often takes the role.
- Confirmation name. Candidates traditionally choose the name of a saint whose life inspires them, a small personal touch that many remember for the rest of their lives.
- Preparation. Parishes run a programme of sessions covering the faith, the sacrament itself and Christian living, often with a retreat day.
The Church of Scotland and the Free Churches
Presbyterian, Methodist, United Reformed and Congregational churches generally speak of a public profession of faith rather than a sacrament of confirmation. A young person or adult attends membership classes, meets the elders or church council, and is then welcomed into communicant membership before the congregation, usually with the minister offering prayer and the right hand of fellowship. The substance is close to Anglican confirmation, though no bishop is involved.
Baptist and Pentecostalchurches have no confirmation at all, because they baptise on profession of faith. There, believer's baptism itself is the public declaration that confirmation provides elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
I was christened as a baby but never confirmed. Is it too late?
Not remotely. Adult confirmation is one of the commonest pastoral requests vicars receive, and every diocese holds services throughout the year. Speak to your local church and they will connect you with the next preparation group.
Do I need to be confirmed to take Communion?
It depends on the church. Catholic parishes expect first Communion and confirmation through their own preparation. Anglican practice varies: some parishes admit baptised children to Communion before confirmation, others keep the traditional order. Most Free Churches welcome all who love the Lord to the table. When in doubt, ask; nobody minds the question.
What should I wear or bring?
Nothing special is required. Some churches suggest white for candidates, others simply say come smartly dressed. Family and friends are warmly welcome, cameras usually allowed after the service, and there is nearly always cake.