Confirmation

Classes on Wednesdays at 6PM, September through May

Confirmation for seventh and eighth graders at Christ Church strives to give our young people all of the spiritual tools and perspective they need to develop a strong mature faith. At the end of the two-year curriculum, young people who have attended class and church faithfully and who have completed their work may, if they wish, be confirmed. Confirmation should be a mature reaffirmation of Baptismal promises, made by those who truly wish to commit themselves to the belief and practice of the Christian faith. We therefore make a point of telling the students in our class that Confirmation is not demanded of them and is not automatic at the end of the two years. They will decide what is best for them, in consultation with their parents and with the clergy.

This year, Confirmation is taught by Father Kurt and Mother Kathryn. The seventh graders will explore the Holy Scripture and how to interpret its truth in the 21st century. The 8th graders will study the sacraments of the church—Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Unction, Marriage and Ordination—the outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace where God promises to meet us on our journey of faith and life and love. Confirmation investigates the choices we make in life, and how those choices affect others. How do faith and action inform each other? How do we live into and understand fully what it means to be a Christian? During their time together, the students will be encouraged and taught to share statements of faith as well as questions and expressions of doubt, skepticism and dismay. These classes offer a safe place where our young people can explore the concept and meaning of God in our church and in their own lives.

SERVICE TO OTHERS

As an integral part of our program, all confirmands participate in service to Christ Church and to the larger community. This allows us to put what we teach into action and allows us time with the kids beyond Wednesday nights. Youth serve as torchbearers in Holy Eucharist, assist with Church School on Sunday mornings, and gather together for a variety of opportunities to serve the wider community.

If you’re interested in joining, please contact Fr. Kurt at kgerhard@ccbny.org.

Episcopal Youth Community

The EYC is our high school community, and consists of young people from many different schools, towns, and churches. We worship, sing, play, serve others, discuss our faith, share personal stories, and constantly look for new ways to practice our Christian mission. We also eat—a lot.

This year, EYC meets every Monday evening from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in the Youth Room, with dinner provided.

In addition to these weekly meetings, the EYC participates in regular service projects, trips to New York City, small group dinners, retreats, and more. Furthermore, our year is anchored by a significant pilgrimage to the Monastery at Taizé in February for prayer, reflection, reconciliation and personal growth. In some years, we also offer a service and cultural trip in early August.

The theme for EYC this year is from Isaiah 60:17-18: “I will make peace your governor and righteousness your taskmaster. Violence will no longer resound throughout your land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders” (CEB).

These verses will center our year on “Peace and Nonviolence,” as we continue our work towards justice and explore the Big Questions we have: What does racial justice look like in the world, our communities and our relationships? What is our Christian response to violence and racism and any form of oppression? How do the practice of peace and nonviolence shape our relationship with our neighbors, with ourselves, and with God?