Confirmation is secondary to baptism, but is a way for the baptised person to affirm for themselves what was done for them at their baptism if it happened 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 is a rite of passage to confirm, strengthen, establish and secure the person as they walk their journey.

The key outward sign at a confirmation service is the laying on of hands by a bishop pointing to 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 a young Christian 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.

Whatever your age, if you are interested in being confirmed, look out for details of confirmation classes or ask the Vicar.