Dear Friends

THINKING ABOUT CONFIRMATION

THE EASTER VIGIL

This year, we are privileged to have our Confirmation on Easter Day;

with Bishop Christopher presiding. There are good theological reasons for Confirmation at Easter. In the ancient Church, Baptism took place at the Easter Vigil. Lent was originally a time of spiritual preparation for those to be baptised at Easter. And Baptism, usually of adult candidates, was by immersion; a powerful symbol that we die and rise with Christ, as we are buried in the baptismal waters. What better time to express this spiritual truth than at Easter? This is why, at the Easter Vigil, we are sprinkled with water, and renew our baptismal promises.

BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION

In ancient Christian practice, the candidates were brought immediately to the Bishop, after they had been immersed in water. The Bishop then anointed them, laid hands on them, and prayed for the gift of the Holy Spirit. So, immersion in water, and laying on of hands, were initially an integral part of one initiation rite. When in the course of time, the Church changed its practice, and came to baptise infants, the laying on of hands was delayed for some years, till adulthood. This gave Confirmation a different rationale, as a ceremony now separated from Baptism. Confirmation became the rite through which those baptised as infants could make form themselves a profession of faith, when they had ‘come of age’. But it is important to understand that originally, Baptism and Confirmation were all part of the one initiation rite. Indeed, in the Eastern Church today, infants are baptised, confirmed and given first Communion all in the same service. It was a Western innovation to separate the two parts of Christian Initiation.

WHAT AGE FOR CONFIRMATION?

In an age when fewer children are being baptised, it is becoming more usual for people to ask for Baptism and Confirmation as adults. However, there is still a debate in the Church of England as to the best way to make sense of Confirmation. In the Roman Catholic Church, children receive first Communion at about seven, some years before they are confirmed, Some Anglican parishes, under the Bishop’s authority, now follow this practice, Some people feel happier about this, as it delays Confirmation until young people can ‘understand’ (?) the commitment they are making. It has always been my practice to offer Confirmation around the time young people begin their secondary education. I know that many in the Church believe this is too young. It does, however, raise some interesting questions about the nature of faith. Do we feel that as adults, we fully understand the mysteries of our faith? It is interesting that in the Gospels, Jesus said that in spiritual things, adults should ‘become as little children’; not that the children should become as adults!

CLOUDS OF GLORY

I think Wordsworth had a point when he wrote that

“…trailing clouds of glory do we come

from God, who is our home.

Heaven lies about us in our infancy…”

I never cease to be amazed at the depths of spiritual perception in our young people. I have been impressed at the contribution made by our present junior confirmation group. Sadly, as children grow older, the world makes its mark. Doubt and cynicism creep in. Many young people are then lost to the Church for years, perhaps for ever. To confirm at a young age, does require the Church to offer proper spiritual nurture in the years following. So that Confirmation is not seen as the end of the faith journey, but rather just the beginning. This is why I believe Cola Church to be so important. And why I believe we need to provide yet more opportunities for our teenagers to explore the Christian faith. It is probably time for the P.C.C. to explore again our policy towards Baptism and Confirmation. What do you think? This might prove an interesting subject for letters to the Editor. In the meantime, please pray for those to be confirmed on Easter Day: Luke Heptonstall, Nicholas Carter, Beth Heard, Daniel Coulter, Isobel Emmerson, Richard Emmerson, Nicki Logan, Andrew Harvey, Levi Jones, Tom Burley and Shannon Forster. And please, if you can, make the effort to come to the Easter Vigil and support them by your presence.

Stephen Carter