Affirming our baptismal covenant
Bishop Stevenson lays hands on a confirmand in 2024.
On Sunday, Nov. 22, Bishop Gayle E. Harris will make a pastoral visit to Saint James’ and perform the sacramental rites of confirmation, reception and reaffirmation.
On Sunday, Sept. 13, we’ll begin a series of adult formation discussions called “Episcopal 101” to prepare for her visit and what it represents — and for anyone who wants to know more about the Episcopal tradition. We’ll also start a confirmation class for teenagers next month.
When we are baptized, whether as a child or adult, “God adopts us as his children and makes us members of Christ's Body, the Church, and inheritors of the kingdom of God,” as catechism in the Book of Common Prayer puts it. As members of Christ’s Body, any baptized person is welcome to become a formal member of Saint James’ so long as they were baptized in the name of the Trinity. (Not sure if you are? Send an email to admin@saintjameswarrenton.org and Coy will let you know.)
But God doesn’t intend for our story to end there. God calls us to claim the responsibilities of our baptismal covenant and respond actively to God’s grace. The Episcopal Church — like many Christian traditions — recognizes these three sacramental rites as outward signs of an individual’s commitment to that covenant.
Confirmation is for baptized Christians who have not yet made a public affirmation of their faith. Reception is for those who have been confirmed in another Christian tradition but want to be formally received into The Episcopal Church. Reaffirmation is for anyone who feels called to renew their baptismal covenant after returning to the church after a period of unbelief or entering a new level of spiritual life.
If you’re an adult interested in being confirmed or received — or affirming your baptismal vows — on Nov. 22, email admin@saintjameswarrenton.org.
Young people in eighth grade and up are also eligible to be confirmed. Email jennifer.taylor@saintjameswarrenton.org if your child is interested.
