Preparation for Confirmation and Reception into the Church
“In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature, public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop.
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In confirmation, young people or adults reaffirm the vows made at their Baptism and they receive the laying on of hands by 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 covers topics ranging from how we read the Bible to church history to talking about the personal histories of those participating in the group. To find out more or if you have any questions about preparation for adult confirmation, please contact Mother Nora Johnson. Youth confirmation is available to all children who are at least twelve years of age and have been baptized. Other children who would like to be baptized may elect to participate in confirmation classes in order to prepare for baptism. For more information about youth confirmation classes, please contact Gabriela Montequin.
Adult Confirmation 2026
Would you like to explore your faith in a supportive group to see whether adult baptism, confirmation, or reception into the Episcopal Church might be the next step for you?
The starting date for Adult Confirmation classes is April 19, 2026. Please contact Mother Nora Johnson about joining!
Classes will meet in the parish library from 1 to 2 p.m. every Sunday from April 19 through May 31, and again from September 13 through 26.
This year’s class will join with the rest of the diocese at the Philadelphia Cathedral on September 26 at 10 a.m. for confirmations, receptions, and baptisms. Our schedule for preparation will thus involve a break over the summer. Please do your best to be present for both halves of the series as explained below.
2026 Schedule
Classes meet from 1-2 p.m. in the parish library every Sunday. Participants will also have access to informational videos and readings that you will use to prepare during the week as you are able. Mother Johnson will talk you through the process of signing up to receive those online, or making alternative arrangements if you need to do that. The weekly readings are listed below, and are never mandatory. Please do make an effort to watch any videos I post during this process, though.
Part One: Creeds, Scripture, and Sacraments
Sunday, April 19 through Sunday, May 31
April 19, Introduction and Welcome
We will spend this session getting to know one another and addressing questions you might have about the process. Even if you have not been in touch with Mother Johnson or thought much about getting confirmed, you are very welcome to join us.
April 26, The Creeds
Luke Timothy Johnson, “What the Creed is and What it Does.”
May 3, Scripture, Part I
Michael Coogan, “What is the Old Testament?”
Peter Enns, “The Stories of Israel”
May 10, Scripture, Part II
Luke T. Johnson, “The New Testament and History”
Peter Enns, “The Stories of Jesus”
May 17, Baptism
Please meet at the Saint Mark’s baptismal font at 1 p.m.
Jeffrey Lee, “A Baptismal Church”
William Stringfellow, excerpt from Essential Writings
May 24, Eucharist
John Macquarrie, A Guide to the Sacraments (excerpt)
May 31, Sacramental Life
John Macquarrie, A Guide to the Sacraments (excerpt)
Summer Break
Part Two: The Church in the World
Sunday, September 13 through Sunday 26
September 13, Anglican History and the Anglican Communion
James Griffiss, The Anglican Vision (excerpt)
September 19, Saturday meeting: a day of preparation and reflection.
We’ll gather for a more extended Saturday session, with time for prayer, teaching, reflection, and fellowship in preparation for upcoming confirmations, receptions, and baptisms. Participants should read excerpts provided from James Martin, Learning to Pray, before we gather. Location and time of meeting tba.
September 20, History of the Episcopal Church
Ian T. Douglas, “Anglican Mission in Changing Times”