You are invited to participate in the Diocesan Confirmation Series for Adults, a weekly Episcopal education series for those who would like to know more about the church and are seeking to better understand the tenets of this faith tradition.
Starting on Sunday, February 23rd, we’ll meet weekly via Zoom and for each session you will get to know and hear from a different “teacher.” We’ve invited a cross-section of clergy, lay leaders and even our Bishop to join us and share about the aspects of faith that mean the most to them. Our hope is that you get a sense of both the long-held traditions and the diverse perspectives which make the Episcopal faith rich and dynamic.
At the end of the series you will have the option to be confirmed or received at Cathedral Day, May 3, 2025 at Saint Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle, an annual tradition in the Diocese of Olympia.
Schedule (Sessions go from 7 - 8:30 PM):
- February 23: Orientation & Getting to Know You [1 hour]
- March 2: Session 1
- March 9: Session 2
- March 16: Session 3
- March 23: Session 4
- March 30: Session 5
- April 6: Session 6
- April 13: Palm Sunday: Session 7
- April 20: Easter (No meeting)
- April 27: Session 8 with Bishop Phil LaBelle
- Saturday, May 3: Cathedral Day, Saint Mark’s Cathedral
Topics will include:
- Reading & Understanding the Bible
- The Trinity: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit
- Prophets & Heretics
- The Lord’s Prayer
- The Nicene Creed
- The Book of Common Prayer
- Spitirual Self-Evaluation
- Christianity in the World
- Discipleship Today
Sponsors:
If you wish to be confirmed or received at the end of this series, we ask that you choose a sponsor. This could be someone from your church, a family friend, or a clergy member, who will help uphold and support you in your journey to confirmation/reception and beyond. Sponsors will be invited to participate in selected sessions and should plan to join you on Cathedral Day, May 3.
FAQ:
What is confirmation in the Episcopal Church?
Confirmation is one of the sacraments in the Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer says that “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.” Confirmation gives us the opportunity to learn about and then avow our faith, more fully comprehending the teachings and beliefs of the Episcopal tradition. It serves as a formal recognition of belonging and connection to this faith community.
What does it mean to be received by the Episcopal Church?
Baptized persons who have been members of another Christian fellowship and who wish to be affiliated with the Episcopal Church may make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism in the presence of a bishop.
My home church is also holding a confirmation series, which should I attend?
We encourage you to participate in your church confirmation program whenever possible. Please check-in with your priest to determine which option might be more appropriate for you.
If I participate, do I have to be confirmed/received at Cathedral Day?
You do not need to be confirmed or received at Cathedral Day. Some choose to wait for when the Bishop visits their home church and others might decide that confirmation/reception is not for them.
What if I'm not baptized?
Baptism is not a prerequisite of this series however, if you would like to be confirmed or received, you will need to be baptized first. We can work together with your priest to ensure this happens before Cathedral Day, if that is your wish.
Please contact Valerie Reinke, Canon Missioner for Faith Formation with any further questions: vreinke@ecww.org.
I attended St Margaret’s in Bellevue. I am interested in the Adult Confirmation class