(You may download this information here)
Confirmation is the unique sacrament of the episcopacy in the Episcopal Church. It is when a Bishop lays hands on a person who has intentionally prepared themselves to make an adult commitment to a life of worship and ministry in the tradition of the Anglican Communion. In the case of Reception, it is when the Bishop formally admits a person already confirmed in one of the three branches of the Catholic faith (Anglican, Roman, Orthodox) into the Episcopal Church.
At St. Paul's, we take this sacramental rite seriously and invite every person seeking to be either confirmed or received to do so with a prayerful intention and with focused preparation. To help you do this, we offer the following syllabus of required readings and classes. In order to be recommended to the Bishop for confirmation or reception, you will need to fulfill these expectations.
Prayer for Those to be Confirmed or Received
Guide me, O God, in my studies and discernment, as I prepare to renew my commitment to the mission of Christ Jesus, my Lord, in whose holy name I pray. Amen.
Required Reading
(all books available in the book store)
1. What Is Anglicanism? by Urban T, Holmes III (Kindle Edition)
2. Opening The Prayer Book by Jeffrey Lee (Kindle Edition)
Recommend Reading
1. A Theology of Worship by Louis Weil
2. Living With History by Fredrica Harris Thompsett
3. Simply Jesus by N.T. Wright (Kindle Edition)
4. The Anglican Vision by James E. Griffiss (Kindle Edition)
Class Schedule
| January 15 |
"What Is Anglicanism?" Part One
Instructor: Bishop Charleston (first required reading complete) |
| January 22 |
"What Is Anglicanism?" Part Two
Instructor: Bishop Charleston |
| January 29 |
St. Paul's Annual Meeting
No class |
| February 5 |
"How the Episcopal Church Works"
Instructor: Gary Derrick |
| February 12 |
"How the Episcopal Church Worships"
Instructor: Mary Lu Jarvis |
| February 19 |
"Anglican Spirituality" Part One
Instructor: Canon Joplin |
| February 26 |
"Anglican Spirituality" Part Two
Instructor: Canon Joplin |
| March 4 |
"The Book of Common Prayer: Origins and Development"
Instructor: Canon Hampton (second required reading complete) |
| March 11 |
"The Book of Common Prayer: Theology"
Instructor: Bishop Charleston |
| March 18 |
"The Book of Common Prayer: Content and Practice"
Instructor: Steve Parker |
| March 25 |
"Why I Am Episcopalian"
Instructors: Your Brothers and Sisters of St. Paul's |
Required Community Events
During the Lenten season the cathedral will host a series of Wednesday night dinners with a special focus on the Book of Common Prayer. It is recommended that you attend all of these learning opportunities. It will be expected that you attend at least three.
Your class will be scheduled to take a tour of St. Paul's with our Docents Guild. This will be an opportunity to learn the history of the cathedral and how its ministry has evolved.
Mark your calendars! Important dates during Holy Week:
- Palm Sunday, April 1 – meet with Bishop Ed at 10:10am
- Maundy Thursday, April 5 – rehearsal following 7:30pm service
- Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 7 – confirmation at 7:30pm service
(You may download this information here)