Confirmation is the affirmation of one’s baptism in which a young Christian confirms their faith and commits to being a follower of Christ.
What is confirmation at St. Andrew? A vibrant ministry for youth that focuses on building a life-long relationship with God and each other. If memories of confirmation include lots of study and memorization, followed by a time of questioning by the congregation, today’s confirmation may surprise you. Yes, we study the Bible and Luther’s catechism. But we also talk about faith. A key part of our program is learning to deal with hard questions that don’t have simple answers – questions like …
- Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do good things happen to bad people?
- Why do we pray? Are prayers really answered?
- Am I bad because I have doubts? What do I do with those doubts?
Confirmation students and teachers meet most Fridays during the school year from 7-8 pm and on Sundays from 9:30-10:40 am. About twice a month following Friday classes, there are social or service activities organized by parents to build friendships among students.
There is a Fall overnight (in church) to kick off the program and a Spring weekend retreat. The culmination of the program is Confirmation Weekend, when confirmands give testament to their faith on Night of Witness and celebrate this important milestone of faith with family and friends during the Rite of Confirmation.
Confirmation is a two-year program for 7th and 8th graders. However, we have had older students complete the program over the years. The program is not mandatory in the life of the church. It is voluntary for those students and families who are willing and ready to make the commitment. Yes, it’s a commitment – but rest assured that the benefits will last a lifetime!
Enrollment for the 2022-23 confirmation year begins in August. Contact Confirmation Director Mitch Glazier at mglazier@riaa.com to learn how your family can connect with our confirmation program so the kids in your life can benefit from this priceless journey of faith.
Learn more about the program by browsing our Confirmation Information Booklet HERE.
Download the required Confirmand Information Form HERE.