If you are thinking of being confirmed then we hope that the following frequently asked questions and their answers will help you in embarking on this path. Remember, if the following do not address a particular concern, feel free to contact the Parish Office who will be only too pleased to try and help answer your specific questions. Alternatively, send your question via the ‘Contact Us‘ page.
What is confirmation?
Confirmation is about you affirming for yourself the vows made by you or your parents and godparents at your baptism. Making promises of a Christian disciple for the rest of your life confirms the power of the Holy Spirit in us to live in the way of Jesus.
Is confirmation available for everyone?
Yes, but you will need to be at least ten years of age, baptised, prepared to explore your faith and be ready to join us for worship.
But I am not baptised.
If you are not baptised, then don’t worry as you can be baptised and confirmed as part of the same service.
How do I go about being confirmed?
You will need to contact the Parish Office who will take your personal and contact details. You will then be contacted when there are sufficient numbers to make a confirmation course viable. You can contact the Parish Office by telephoning 01902 897700, by email (office@stbenedictbiscop.org.uk) or by calling in during office opening hours. The Parish Office is open each weekday from 9.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon.
Where is the Parish Office?
The Parish Office is situated in the Wombourne Institute, Church Road, Wombourne, WV5 9EZ (it is the cream building to the left of the church as you face the buildings) and is open each weekday from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.
What does a confirmation course entail?
The main point of the confirmation course is to ensure you have a proper understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ within the Church of England. The classes will allow you, through discussion and working as part of a group, to explore what the Christian faith means to you and help prepare yourself for it. Classes are informal and relaxed so there is no need to worry about them. The old days of being lectured to and having to learn things by rote have thankfully gone so you will be able to explore the issues and questions posed in a friendly and non-threatening environment.
How many sessions are there and how long is each one?
There are usually six sessions and each one lasts for about an hour and a half.
Does it cost anything to be confirmed?
No – both the confirmation course and the service will not cost you anything.
When can a confirmation service take place?
Once you have completed the confirmation course you will be ready to take part in the service but when this takes place will depend on several factors. We usually hold one confirmation service a year with the Bishop.
Where will my confirmation service take place?
Confirmation will be led by the Bishop and usually takes place in one of the churches of the Team Ministry. However, you may find it being held in one of the other churches in the diocese or even in the cathedral.
How will I know what a confirmation service entails?
Don’t worry about this as part of the confirmation course will involve with going through the format for this uplifting service.
How will I know what to do in the service?
There will be a rehearsal before the service to help you understand everything that will happen. The Rector will therefore make sure you know where to sit and when you need to move. You will also be told about the parts of the service where you and your fellow candidates will be required to contribute and what you will need to say.
How long is the service?
The service usually lasts for about an hour and a half.
What happens after I have been confirmed?
It would be hoped that you would go on to take a full role in the life of the church, attending regularly and perhaps undertaking some of the courses the church may hold in order for you to explore and develop further your faith
Want to find out more?
Please contact our Parish Office or complete the ‘Contact Us‘ form
Useful information can also be found on the Church of England website.
We hope that you have found the above useful and that you will now be able to sign up for a confirmation course, in which case we look forward to meeting you.