Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - Matthew 5:16

In confirmation, a youth who was baptized as an infant now affirms the promises made in his or her stead for themselves. The call to live as a disciple of Christ and be joined to him was accepted by parents and sponsors (godparents), but now after becoming familiar with the Christian community and its mission, a young person engages in their own commitment to be a "co-worker in the Kingdom of God."

The driving force behind our discipleship and energy to continue working in the world so that it resembles the type of world God intended is the Holy Spirit. This life force is the center of the act of confirmation and after a young person affirms their baptism, hands are laid on (laying-on-of-hands) and we pray for the Holy Spirit to continue enriching and energizing the gifts given to the particular youth. We are "sealed" with the Holy Spirit and the mark of the cross is traced once again on our foreheads. The same as when in baptism the sign of the cross was made on us for the first time. You might consider the sign of the cross as the Christian brand marking. In conclusion at confirmation, baptismal candles are lit once again; a tangible connection to the baptism.

The goal for the confirmation ministry at St. John's is to provide a positive experience of engaging the call of baptism, deepening and expanding the faith experience of young teenagers. Learning takes place in a number of different ways and different components bring out different aspects of our life together in Christ.

The confirmation program involves three components:

  • Class time learning

  • Sunday morning participation & life in the Sunday assembly

  • Parish life, social service, and retreats

Confirmation is celebrated on Pentecost Sunday (50 days after Easter, around May / June). 

Confirmands who are not yet baptized, will be baptized at the Easter Vigil.

Catechumenate

St. John's also offers adult catechumenate sessions. We welcome adults who are seeking connection with God and a community of faith and accompany them as they prepare for baptism, confirmation or reception into the Lutheran Church. 

For more information on both ministries, please contact Pastor Katherine Gohm.