All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island, SC
May 1, 2004
Confirmation, Reception, and
Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows:
Confirmation is readily seen as a sacrament of the church that expresses the outward and visible sign of the inward and spiritual grace of God. Bishop Skilton will confirm several members of this parish on Wednesday evening, May 19, 2004. He will also, during this service, receive several people who wish to join the Episcopal Church. It is my hope there will be members of All Saints who wish to reaffirm their baptismal vows before Bishop Skilton.
Several youth have completed a nine-month confirmation study program, led by the rector, that has taken a very close look at the foundations of our faith. Our youth are willing and ready to be presented to our Suffragan Bishop. A reoccurring theme of study, discussion and reflection has been the life and ministry of Our Lord and how his life, death and resurrection impacts our daily lives. They understand that they are confirming their baptismal vows that in many cases were offered on their behalf by Godparents. They will “confirm” what took place at their baptism. They have developed a special bond since September of 2003. It is exciting to witness youth committed and excited about matters of faith and convictions…they are ready!
I am well aware this confirmation date is on a Wednesday and not the traditional Sunday visitation by the Bishop. And yet it is just as special, just as important as we might expect for Confirmation Sunday.
I would encourage this body of Christ, known as All Saints, to surround, encourage and uphold our youth, those adults being confirmed and those among us who are committing themselves to Christ in the tradition of the Episcopal Church.
I would also encourage members, who are experiencing a newness of life or whose lives have been particularly enriched spiritually, to set aside this evening as a time to reaffirm, before the bishop, their commitment to Christ.
Our witness to the sacrament of confirmation, as we welcome and affirm those among us who seek membership in the Episcopal Church, and as we pray and stand beside those who renew their baptismal vows, we become a living sacrament…a body of people who trust and believe in the power of faith.
Candidates for confirmation
Candidates for reception into the Episcopal Church:
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