Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation

[Confirmation is t]he sacramental rite in which the candidates “express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop” (BCP, p. 860). Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 412).

– An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church: A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians, “Confirmation”

For many people, especially those baptized as children, Confirmation is a rite wherein they are able, within the congregation and community of people who love them and walk alongside them in their faith, to claim their faith as their own, expressing their own commitment to living a life rooted in the baptismal covenant and Christian practice.

Similar to Confirmation, Reception is a rite wherein baptized people who have been members of another Christian denomination who wish to move their place of belonging to The Episcopal Church affirm their faith and baptismal commitment in the presence of a bishop and their faith community.

Finally, Reaffirmation offers an opportunity for people who are returning to church community after a time of absence or separation or who have entered into a new phase of their spiritual life to renew their commitment to the baptismal covenant in the presence of a bishop and their faith community.

Because a bishop is a necessary part of all three of these rites and we are still in a season without a bishop diocesan, our diocese frequently holds services of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation around the diocese throughout the year. When a bishop diocesan is in place, typically there are fewer of such diocesan services; bishops may elect to hold these services as part of regular visit to congregations around the diocese.

2026 Services of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation

The Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes plans to host three services of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation in 2026, with our Assisting Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Anne Hodges-Copple, presiding.

All are invited to join in celebrating and praying for the Church’s newest Episcopal leaders as part of these services and throughout this year, whether in person or via live stream.

Candidates (those being confirmed, received, or reaffirmed in The Episcopal Church) must be registered ahead of time by their church. Please see details below.

For Candidates & Sponsors

All candidates must be pre-registered by their parish to participate in the service and receive their signed certificate. Individuals should not register themselves. The registration form is available at the bottom of this page.

Please register all participants by the dates listed below.