Confirmation is a public statement of belonging to the Christian Community. It is a rite of passage to confirm, strengthen, establish and secure the person in their Christian journey. As it is secondary to baptism, it is a way for those who have been baptised to affirm for themselves what was done for them at their baptism, if that took place when they were an infant. If they were baptised as an adult it is perhaps more of an underlining with prayer of the choice that person has made to undertake a journey of faith. It means the strengthening or deepening of one's Christian belief and the admittance as a full member of the Church.

Locally, it takes place annually in rotation between St. James’s and the two neighbouring Hampton parishes of St Mary’s and All Saints. Candidates prepare for confirmation at their own church and attend for confirmation at the church that is hosting for that year. Whatever your age, if you are interested in being confirmed, look out for details of confirmation classes and contact the vicar to discuss preparation and confirmation at St. James's.

The key outward sign at a confirmation service is the laying on of hands by a bishop signifying the Holy Spirit coming down upon that person, and the touch of God upon that person’s life. The bishop may also anoint the person with oil. Anointing is a very ancient sign of someone being set apart, and in the context of confirmation underlines the very serious nature of the choice that has been made in being confirmed.

Confirmation candidates usually attend confirmation classes before they are confirmed, in separate groups for adults and young people, to look at the basics of Christianity. They also learn about the Holy Communion Service and what it means. This is an important time for young Christians to learn about the commitment that being a Christian involves. They may have been baptised as a baby but in the confirmation service they are old enough to renew the promises and the expression of faith made on their behalf when they were baptised: to believe in God, to be a member of the Church, to avoid sin and lead a moral life.