Confirmation

Your next step into a life of faith.

Somewhere along our life journey, the faith you were handed or have discovered starts to feel like your own. You find a community to practice it in; you put words to what it means for you, and you begin living out the promises of your baptism. Confirmation is a way to take that “next step” into a life of faith and community. In the Episcopal Church, the confirmation process is for both youth 14 and older and adults to deepen their faith life and continue their commitment to God.

Confirmation ‍| FAQs ‍| Photo Gallery

For teenagers at St. Thomas’, confirmation isn’t a “graduation” from faith. It’s a transformative three-month process spent figuring out what you actually believe—not what your parents believe, not what you’re supposed to say—with other teenagers doing the exact same thing, along with adult mentors who show up for the questions, not just the answers.

For adults, Confirmation means proclaiming one’s faith in the community of the Episcopal Church, or reaffirming vows made long ago in light of who you are now. Our Life in Christ class walks that road, practicing together the theology and daily habits that form a life of meaningful spiritual growth.

At Confirmation Sunday, which happens once a year, our bishop prays over candidates by name. It’s the moment young people and adults stand up and take a meaningful step into life in Christ and the church.

All rising 8th graders and older, including adults, are invited into our programs that help prepare one for the sacrament of Confirmation, in which we affirm, in our own words, the promises made at our baptism. For teenagers, that preparation takes place through our Confirmation Class, which meets weekly on Sundays from early January through March. For adults, this is our Life in Christ class, which meets annually on Sundays in the spring.

If you were confirmed in another Christian tradition and now worship with us, a different rite welcomes you into the Episcopal Church rather than repeating Confirmation itself. Adults are also welcome to reaffirm their faith if it has grown or changed since a previous Confirmation. Talk with one of our clergy about which path fits your story.

2027 Class Dates

A bishop places a hand on a young person’s head during confirmation at St. Thomas’ Church Whitemarsh.

Youth Confirmation Classes
January 11-February 28, 2027

Adult Confirmation Classes (Life in Christ):
Begins Sunday, March 7, 2027

Confirmation Sunday:
TBA

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“Confirmation means becoming more confident in my faith and starting to take ownership of the person I want to become.”

—Anne A., age 15

“Confirmation symbolizes the shift between a child going to church because of their parents to their complete and full belief and trust in God.”

— Chase S., age 15

“I choose to be confirmed because I believe in God and Jesus and I have the faith to turn to them when I am feeling lost, sad, and even joyous.”

— Juliette T., age 15

“I learned that through these weeks of confirmation class, I have truly found Jesus.”

— Bea T., age 14

It’s the moment you personally affirm the promises made at your baptism: on your own, in your own words, as a mature decision rather than something spoken for you. A bishop prays with you by name during the service.
No. Confirmation class exists precisely because most people don’t. That’s why preparation for Confirmation involves real questions, real doubt, and real conversation, not a test you must pass.
No. Every baptized person, of any age, is welcome at the altar to receive the Eucharist. Confirmation isn’t a requirement for Communion, it’s a personal step some people take later in their faith.
Not exactly. Baptism is already complete and full in itself. Nothing is missing from it. Confirmation is a separate moment where you affirm as a teenager or adult what was promised for you, or by you, at baptism.
No. If you’ve already been Confirmed in the Roman Catholic tradition, you’re received into the Episcopal Church through a different rite rather than confirmed again. If it’s been a while and your faith has changed, reaffirmation is also an option. Either way, a conversation with our clergy will help you figure out which fits.
The Bishop prays over candidates by name, asking God to strengthen them in faith and send the Holy Spirit to guide them.
Youth candidates meet on Sundays at lunch (lunch provided!), alongside adult mentors, working through real questions about faith, doubt, and what it means to follow Jesus. Adults preparing for Confirmation or Reception meet on their own track through Life in Christ, covering similar ground built for grown-up life and questions.
Yes. Adults confirming their faith for the first time, being received from another tradition, or reaffirming an earlier confirmation are all welcome in our Life in Christ class. To sign-up for the next class, please reach out to Fr. Dave.
Please reach out to Mother Amy Crawford via email to get started!