Youth Confirmation
In 2026-27, the Rite of Confirmation will be open to young people at St. Stephen’s Church in grade 8 and above. This is a change from recent practice, so this will be a “bridge year,” and we will offer two tracks for youth. Those in grades 9 and above will prepare this fall, and those in grade 8 will prepare in the spring.
A summary of the plans, class schedule, and expectations, is available here and are described below.
Confirmation will take place at St. Stephen’s when the Rt. Rev. Mark Stevenson visits on Sunday, May 23, 2027.
Confirmation is the Christian rite of passage in which a baptized person makes a public affirmation of their faith in Christ and commitment to follow Christ’s way of life. For young people, Confirmation also is a step across a primary threshold between childhood and early adulthood. The young person claims responsibility for the vows made to God on their behalf at Baptism by their parents and godparents (The Book of Common Prayer, pages 302-305). From this point forward, the confirmand exercises their agency to grow in faith and observance, otherwise known as discipleship. Confirmands thus affirm both their true identity in Christ and accept the implications of embodying the Christian way of sacrificial love, compassion, forgiveness, service, and trust in God.
Our program provides youth with a path and space for spiritual growth and maturation, an experience of Christian community among both peers and adults, times and spaces for authentic and brave engagement with the content of our faith, as well as learning practices for living joyfully and faithfully.
In 2027, youth in grades 8 and up may be confirmed, a change from recent practice. This year will be a bridge year with two tracks. Track One runs in the fall for youth in grades 9 and above. Track Two runs in the spring for youth in grade 8.
- Each track has five sessions; each student can miss one session.
- Classes meet in person each month from October through December (Track One) and January through May (Track Two).
- Each session focuses on assigned chapters from Faith Confirmed: Preparing for Confirmation by Forward Movement. The book will be provided.
- Each track has a required Confirmation retreat.
- Parents must attend an information session (fall dates are Sunday mornings, September 13 and September 27, 10:10-11 a.m.; spring session dates are TBA)
- Each student must meet with a mentor of their choosing at least once each month.
- Each student is required to participate in at least one church ministry such as acolyte service, adult ushering, Sunday supper prep, youth reader, farmers market volunteer, or another commitment that is approved by the family ministry staff.
- Active attendance and participation in youth group and youth events are expected of Confirmation students.
- The cost of $100 includes the confirmation book, retreat fees, and dinners. Scholarships are available for any family needing assistance; please contact Caroline Harris.
- Both groups will be confirmed May 23, 2027, when the Rt. Rev. Mark Stevenson visits St. Stephen’s Church.
Track One
Grades 9 and up
Required information sessions (youth and parents must attend at least one of the sessions)
- Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 10:10 to 11 a.m.
- Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 10:10 to 11 a.m.
The five student sessions take place in the Small Fellowship Hall from 6:00 to 8 p.m., each beginning with supper:
Session 1: Sunday, October 18
Session 2: Sunday, October 25
Session 3: Sunday, November 8
Session 4: Sunday, November 22
Session 5: Sunday, December 13
Required Confirmation retreat: Saturday, January 9, 2027, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Confirmation day: Sunday, May 23, 2027
Track Two
Grade 8
Required information sessions for parents, dates TBA
The five sessions take place in the Small Fellowship Hall from 6:00 to 8 p.m., each beginning with supper:
Session 1: Sunday, February 7
Session 2: Sunday, February 21
Session 3: Sunday, March 7
Session 4: Sunday, March 21
Session 5: Sunday, April 11
Required Confirmation Retreat: Saturday, April 24, 2027, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The retreat location is TBD.
Confirmation day: Sunday, May 23, 2027
Registration for youth Confirmation is part of the youth registration form.