I am greatly looking forward to being with you for the Confirmation service. I know what a joy it is for a congregation to bring people to this important stage in their Christian journey and I am grateful to you for all that you have done in the Lord’s name to lead your candidates to faith in Jesus Christ.
Order of Service
I would be grateful if you could email to me a copy of the Order of Service at least ten days before the Confirmation. There is a template of the rite of confirmation on the See of Richborough website. If the practice of the Parish is to use the BCP, please let me know in good time.
In terms of readings, we will use those in the lectionary on Sundays and Feast days. On other days feel free to select some (or ask the candidates to help with this) making sure they are included in the Order of Service so that I know in advance what they are. There is no need to include a Penitential Rite or Intercessions in a Confirmation Liturgy.
I will preside and preach. Please ensure that you have the Oil of Chrism from the most recent Richborough Chrism Mass. I would also be grateful if you would provide a bowl of water, with lemon, and a small towel for hand washing, and a generous sprig of rosemary or an aspergillum for sprinkling the congregation will be required if there is Baptism in the service.
For adult candidates, the full programme of Christian initiation must always lead to a celebration of the liturgy of initiation (i.e., Baptism followed by Confirmation and First Holy Communion, in a single service) led by the Bishop.
If there are to be baptisms, could you please arrange for the font to be filled at least half full with water, and supply a pitcher of water that the Bishop can top up with, as well as a small jug or bowl for pouring water over the candidate.
The Bishop may be accompanied by his chaplain (apart from on a Sunday morning), but could you please arrange for either yourself as Parish priest or someone else to assist where necessary, particularly holding the stock of Chrism.
If the parish has a Deacon, the Bishop would expect them to play their full liturgical role in the service i.e. reading the Gospel, inviting the congregation to share the peace, lead
the acclamation in the Eucharistic Prayer and dismiss the people after the Blessing. If there is no deacon, the parish priest should read the Gospel.
Meeting the Candidates
I will try to arrive about 45 minutes in advance of the Service and I would like to spend 25 minutes with the candidates prior to the Confirmation ideally in a room other than the Church – a hall or a side chapel will suffice. This will be a chance for me to get to know them and hear something of what Confirmation means to them. If this creates overwhelming logistical difficulties please do tell me. There is no need for you to be present at this time but if the group comprises solely children I hope you might arrange for at least one other adult to be with me.
There is no ‘minimum’ number of candidates, and especially if I am coming on a Sunday it will be a pleasure to worship with you even if there are very small numbers. However please get in touch as well in advance as possible if you fear that there are too few candidates for a midweek Service to feel viable.
Questionnaire
I attach a simple questionnaire which should be returned along with the Order of Service about ten days in advance. It is especially important that I know the age range of candidates so that I can address them appropriately.
Confirmation Return
Please ensure you make the necessary return to the diocese after the confirmation mass. And don’t forget to complete the Confirmation Register and have that ready for me to sign.
ACTION
At least ten days before the Service please send me:
- A draft Order of Service including hymns and readings
- The completed questionnaire
Please do get in touch if you have other questions or queries.With every blessing,
