Confirmation and Reception
Confirmation and reception are mature commitments to the Body of Christ as a member of the Episcopal Church. On page 412 of the Book of Common Prayer, confirmation is described: “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.”
In other words, in maturity we are called to affirm the faith that was a gift to us as children and to ask the help of the Christian community in living out our baptismal vows. Please contact Minister for Children & Youth, Anne Alexis Harra, for additional information.
Youth Confirmation
With the guidance of the Book of Common Prayer and our long experience, the clergy and leadership of St. Martin’s recommend that Confirmation preparation occur when a young person over the age of 14 feels ready to fully commit his/her/themselves to the Body of Christ. Young people over the age of 12 are eligible for Confirmation if the individual commits to an interview with the Minister for Children & Youth, Anne Alexis Harra, prior to the start of Confirmation classes. (Note: it is at the discretion of the Minister for Children & Youth to admit a young candidate to the class.)
We feel that the conditions for a mature, personal choice for faith in Christ are most likely in high school, though that is not a requirement. This is the most mature these young people will be while still in our orbit.
At St. Martin’s, we believe that God gave us sentience and the ability to reason. The integrity of the the choice to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation must be free, and un-coerced by parents, other adults, or other outside influences. Confirmation preparation can end with a choice to be confirmed or not.
To be confirmed, a young person must be regular in attendance at worship (regular participation in word, sacrament, and fellowship is a baptismal vow), and active in Youth Group or other Parish events. We will hold an information session about confirmation in the fall of each program year. Anne Alexis will lead a small-group class in the months prior to the Bishop's visitation.
As much as possible, we will ask to have confirmation at St. Martin’s when a bishop visits. If this is not possible, confirmation for all candidates will take place at the cathedral.
Adult Confirmation & Reception
Once a year, we offer classes for adults who have not yet been confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church to become so. If you were baptized as an adult in another denomination you do not need to be confirmed here but you can be received into the Episcopal Church.
Which is right for you, confirmation or reception?
- Reception is if you are baptized and confirmed in the Catholic, Orthodox or mainline Protestant traditions but not in the Episcopal Church.
- Confirmation is if you have been baptized as an infant, or child and never been confirmed in the Episcopal Church or the Catholic, Orthodox, or mainline Protestant.
- Baptism is also offered for adults who have not yet been baptized in any tradition.
As much as possible, we will ask to have confirmation at St. Martin’s when a bishop visits. If this is not possible, confirmation for all candidates will take place at the cathedral.
Anne Alexis Harra (she/her) was born and raised in Wilmington, DE. She and her beloved partner, Cole (he/him) currently live in Manayunk. Anne Alexis graduated from Washington College in May 2019 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Philosophy. Anne Alexis has served on the Diocesan Council in the Episcopal Church in Delaware, as well as the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission, and the Diocesan Assessment Committee. Since moving to Philadelphia in January 2021, she has served on the DioPA Youth Leaders Team and the DioPA Dismantling Racism for Youth Leaders Team. She is passionate about children's spirituality and using education as a force for good in their spiritual lives. Beginning with the waters of baptism, Anne Alexis has devoted her life to serving God in the Episcopal Church. Raised on Godly Play in Sunday school and moving into a tight-knit youth group, she is aware of the positive impact that the Church’s presence can have in the life of a young person. She is passionate about encouraging children and youth to explore their faith on a personal level while also committing to a community-centered effort to enact change for the greater good. Anne Alexis is passionate about racial justice and healing, as well as advocating for the rights of children in the context of the Christian faith. She hopes for a church where all of God's beloved are welcomed, heard, and included. She seeks and envisions a church where every member feels the true love of God in Christ. Anne Alexis is deeply aware of the profound impact of Jesus' unyielding love for all, including the most tender and vulnerable in our society: children. Hopeful for a day when all marginalized peoples are treated with equity, she continues "to seek and serve Christ in all persons." The Baptismal Covenant and Sacrament of Eucharist guide her ministry. Anne Alexis’ father owns and is president of a local funeral home in Wilmington. Some of her earliest childhood memories include observing him engage with bereaved families in a way that can only be described as ministerial. Her mother is a hospice nurse who guides her patients and families through a dignified palliative care stage. Anne Alexis’ parents have left a huge impression on her heart. A ministerial goal she has at St. Martin’s is exploring the often taboo topics of dying and death in the hopeful context of the gospels. In her free time, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, spending time with her family (notably her godson, Will), and watching new shows with her beloved cats by her side. She and Cole enjoy trying eclectic restaurants in their neighborhood -- observing COVID restrictions, of course!Anne Alexis Harra
Minister for Children, Youth, & Families
215 247 8716 [email protected]
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October 22, 2020. Please pray for our Confirmation Candidates leading up to and on Oct. 31/Nov. 1. These candidates who will be Confirmed by Bishop Daniel Guttiérez in a two-part ceremony on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1.
News and Updates
Pray for our Confirmation Candidates