The important outward sign at a confirmation service is the laying on of hands by a bishop pointing to the Holy Spirit coming down upon you and the touch of God upon your life.

The bishop may also anoint you with oil. Anointing is a very ancient sign of someone being set apart and, in confirmation, underlines the very serious nature of the choice that has been made in being confirmed.

Read what happens in the pages What is Confirmation?

Confirmation candidates usually go to confirmation classes, in separate groups for adults and young people, to look at the basics of Christianity. You will 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. You may have been baptised as a baby but in the confirmation service you are old enough to renew the promises and the expression of faith made on your behalf when you 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.

Further Information