Preparation for Confirmation and Reception into the Church
In confirmation, young people or adults re-affirm the vows made at their Baptism and they receive the laying-on-of-hands of the Bishop, confirming God's gift of the Holy Spirit and recognizing a mature commitment to the faith of the Church.
Those who come to Saint mark's from other Christian denominations, and who have already been baptized and confirmed, may wish to be received into the Episcopal Church and welcomed by the Bishop.
Each year the clergy organize a series of discussions to prepare candidates for Confirmation or Reception into the Church. The discussion generally cover topics ranging from how we read the Bible to church history to talking about the personal histories of those participating in the group. Normally the series will last from six to eight weeks.
This year we are conducting a course called Emmaus: The Way of Faith.
What is Emmaus?
St Mark's is offering a new Adult Christian Formation program called Emmaus: the Way of Faith. The course looks at what Christians believe, how Christians grow, and what it means to live a Christian life.
Emmaus is based on the following principles:
• Coming to faith and growing in faith are processes of discovery, not hoops to be jumped through or lessons to be learned.
• The walk of faith is best practiced as an accompanied journey.
• This process is one that transforms our whole lives.
Who should participate in Emmaus?
• Newcomers to Christianity
• People who wish to be received into the Episcopal Church
• People seeking Confirmation or reaffirmation of Baptismal vows
• Anyone else interested in deepening her or his experience of the Christian journey.
When will this all take place?
Beginning in early January and leading into Spring of 2008 we will meet weekly for eleven sessions. We will gather over a light lunch in the Rectory after the 11:00 Mass for 90 minutes.
This program will lead us to the parish Confirmations and Receptions on April 6, 2008.
Session One - (1/6)
God is here. God matters. We need God in our lives.
• Is there really a God out there?
• How do we know that we need God?
Session Two - (1/13)
Jesus – his ministry and his death.
• Who is Jesus?
• The Passion Story
Session Three - (1/20)
The resurrection of Jesus
• What is the meaning of the cross?
• The evidence of the resurrection
Session Four – (1/27)
The Holy Spirit
• The promise of the Holy Spirit
• The Holy Spirit in our lives
(2/3) – BREAK – Super Bowl Sunday
Session Five – (2/10)
Learning to pray
• Lord, teach us to pray
• Planning a daily prayer time
Session Six – (2/17)
Reading the Bible
• Why is the Bible so special?
• Telling the Old Testament story, Reading the New Testament
Session Seven – (2/24)
Becoming a Christian. Belonging to the Church
• What is a Christian?
• How important is it that I belong to the church?
Session Eight – (3/2)
Sharing Holy Communion
• Why do we celebrate Holy Communion?
• The Ministry of the Sacrament
Session Nine – (3/9)
Living God’s way. Serving the Lord. Your money and your life.
• The Maker’s instructions
• Discovering your gifts for ministry
• Ways of giving
Session Ten (3/16)
Learning to love
• Relationships – learning to love and be loved
(3/23) – BREAK – Easter Sunday
Session Eleven – (3/30)
Sharing the faith
• Why share the faith?
• How and with whom do we tell?
Those interested in Confirmation or Reception into the Church should contact any of the parish clergy.