the Bishop addresses the congregation, saying
 

"Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to

support these persons in their life in Christ?"
 

Confirmation & Reaffirmation
 
The teaching of the Episcopal Church regarding Confirmation is clearly stated in An Outline of the Faith, commonly called The Catechism, contained in our Book of Common Prayer.   
 
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.
 
What is required of those to be confirmed?
It is required of those to be confirmed that they have been baptized, are sufficiently instructed in the Christian Faith, are penitent for their sins, and are ready to affirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Like many things in the Church, this teaching is very specific but also open to interpretation by the individual. But, one thing is certain. Only you can decide whether or not you want to receive this sacrament. This public affirmation of your faith and receiving the laying on hands by our bishop is intended to be a powerful moment when you boldly declare before your fellow believers your acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Lord and decision to follow Christ as your Savior. This decision is the most important decision you will ever make. If made seriously, this decision will forever change your life in ways that you cannot now even anticipate.  The Holy Spirit will empower you!
 
At the service of Confirmation you will make solemn promises to God. The bishop will ask you certain questions to which you will respond "I will, with God’s help.” No Christian has ever fulfilled these promises without that help. Here are the questions the bishop will ask:
 
  • Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? (ie., Will you regularly read the Bible, attend church, receive Communion, support the Church financially and regularly pray for your own needs and those of other?)
  • Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? (ie., When you fall short, will you admit it to yourself, to others and most importantly to God and then ask God and those you have hurt to forgive you?)
  • Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? (ie., Will you tell and show other people what Jesus and his message mean to you?)
  • Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? (ie., You will stop thinking of yourself first and putting your own needs first?)
  • Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? (ie., You will stop thinking and acting like war, poverty and social injustice are not your concern?)
 
If you are not currently striving to do these things, you are not yet ready to make this public affirmation. But, if you are and you come before the bishop, the bishop will lay his or her hands upon your head and say: "Strengthen, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit; empower him/her for your service; and sustain him/her all the days of his/her life. Amen.” When you feel the bishop’s hands and hear these words, it will be an awesome day!
 
What is Reaffirmation?

Perhaps you were confirmed when you were younger.  Perhaps, in spite of the sincere promises you made then, you drifted from your relationship with God and God’s son, you drifted from the Church. You too are invited to come again before the bishop, and publicly reaffirm your faith and your commitment. This is called "Reaffirmation”. Similarly the bishop will lay his or her hands upon your head, saying : "May the Holy Spirit, who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the service of Christ and his kingdom. Amen.” For you this too will be an awesome day!
 
How do I prepare?

If you seek Confirmation or Reaffirmation, please call the Parish Secretary at 908-459-4340 and she will provide you with the necessary initial information. 
 
Additional Information

If you seek Confirmation for yourself or your child, we recommend that you download and review the following information provided by the Episcopal Diocese of Newark:
 
 
 

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