See below for details of the next confirmation/enquirer's class


People who have been baptised may be confirmed provided they are old enough to renew for themselves the promises made for them at their baptism by their parents and godparents.

(If you have not already been baptised see the baptisms section - baptism is not only for babies!)

It used to be usual that people were only admitted to Holy Communion once they had made the affirmation of faith and received Confirmation. Now there is provision in Durham Diocese for baptised children aged 7+ who attend church regularly to be prepared to be admitted to Holy Communion. This is a true reflection of the Body of Christ, made up of men, women and children.

Confirmation usually takes place at a service of Holy Communion at which the bishop presides.

He will use the opportunity of the sermon to talk to the candidates about the responsibilities of adult Christian life and they will then make their public profession of faith. Any unbaptised candidates are baptised and the bishop prays that the Holy Spirit will come upon those who are to be confirmed. They kneel before the bishop, who lays his hands on the head of each, saying:

"Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit".

Or he might use this longer prayer:

"Defend, O Lord, this thy servant with thy heavenly grace, that (s)he may continue thine for ever, and daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, until (s)he comes unto thine everlasting kingdom".

A previous confirmation group		If the bishop uses the shorter prayer, a version of the longer one is said by the whole congregation. The service continues with a celebration of the Holy Communion, where the newly-confirmed join in receiving the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. Anyone wishing to be confirmed must be a regular attender. The next confirmation/enquirer's class (10 weeks) is taking place at Stranton Chruch starting at 7:30pm on Wednesday 1st February 2006. Do contact Mary for further details.