By Rev. Chris Harris, Associate Rector
While anyone from any denomination (or no denomination) is welcome and encouraged to become a member of Christ Church Cranbrook at any time – using this form here – traditionally one becomes an “Episcopalian” by being confirmed or received into the Episcopal church, by the Bishop laying hands upon you. Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation are sacramental rites offered by the church for anyone wanting to make an adult commitment to their faith and their faith community.
All three of these rites are offered once a year and are led by the Bishop. This year, they will be held Saturday, May 14.
Confirmation – If you were baptized as a child or an infant, Confirmation is an opportunity to make an adult commitment to the Baptismal Vows which would have been said on your behalf by a parent or godparent. When you are confirmed, you make a public commitment to Christ and receive strength from the Holy Spirit to live as a faithful and active follower of Jesus.
Reception – If you have been confirmed in another denomination (such as Roman Catholic, Lutheran, etc.) and desire to renew your commitment to your baptismal vows through the Episcopal Church, you can be received into the Episcopal Church. As with Confirmation, you come before your faith community and the bishop to receive prayers and the laying on of hands as you step forward to make the Episcopal Church your home. (This is a wonderful opportunity, particularly for those who have grown up or been confirmed in another Christian tradition!)
Reaffirmation – For those who have already been confirmed in the Episcopal Church, you can reaffirm your faith, in the presence of your faith community and the bishop. When might you seek Reaffirmation? Perhaps you are experiencing a renewed sense of God’s presence in your life or reconnecting with the church after time away? Like a ‘renewal of vows’ Reaffirmation is an opportunity to publicly recommit yourself to your life of faith.
Each of these sacramental rites are outward and visible signs of the inward grace that God is doing in your life and can be very moving and powerful moments in your journey.
If you are interested in exploring any of these rites, please contact Rev. Chris Harris at charris@christchurchcranbrook.org and mark your calendar for Saturday, May 14th at 11 AM.