CONFIRMATION INSTRUCTION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Assist the rector in recruiting and/or instructing candidates for Confirmation prior to the coming of the Bishop.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In some cases, laymen can be more effective than the clergy in persuading people to attend Confirmation or Inquirer’s classes. In any case, the more publicity given to this aspect, the more likely that serious consideration be given to it. Many Brotherhood chapters in the past have been active in this phase of parish activity with good results. One chapter has conducted an annual campaign to help recruit candidates and attendance at classes has always been good. The rector of this parish attributes a great deal of this success to the work of the chapter.

HOW IT WORKS

There are, of course, a great many specific ways in which the chapter and individual members can assist. What can be done depends on local conditions and the desires of the rector and the chapter members. The chapter referred to above goes through the parish membership list with the rector, identifying those over 12 years of age who are not con­firmed and sends them a letter with a pamphlet on Confirmation. Members of the chapter then follow-up with a telephone call or visit, encouraging attendance, answering questions and asking if the Church can be of assistance with transportation or baby sitters. The rector is furnished a list of the replies so that he can follow-up also in appropriate cases. In some situations, members of the chapter pick up and accompany candidates to the meetings. In some parishes, Brotherhood members arc given an opportunity to talk to the class about participation in parish activities and groups. They extend an invitation to the men to consider the Brotherhood and to the women, The Daughters Of The King or other organizations, as a way to continue their spiritual development.

Chapter members can assist also by leading discussion, and/or providing refreshments. Some chapters sponsor a breakfast after the first Communion of the group and present each Confirmand an appropriate small gift, such as a Brotherhood Bible marker, Bible or one of the small inexpensive Bible commentaries sold by Forward Movement Publications.

HOW TO GET STARTED

The Chapter Director should discuss with the rector the possibility of the Chapter assisting in this work and outline the things the rector would like or permit the group to do. The Director should then present the possibilities to the Chapter, hopefully at a time when the rector can be present to discuss it with them.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

We recommend a contacting your diocesan administration office for instruction materials. For youth confirmation mentoring it is suggested to the course also include study guides for each student while providing for group discussion as well as one-on-one sessions. The aim is to help participants really understand our Christian Faith, in addition to learning the usual factual things about our church.
Last Update 03-31-2007