Looking Again at Confirmation

If you have not taken Confirmation Class, what are your reasons?

I dislike doing things because "everyone does it." That mentality is adolescent. I wonder if the team would believe what some leaders have said when they called to invite/coax/harass. (Examples: "People like you probably won't stay long.")

Husband - Attended Episcopal boarding school and had chapel every day and twice on Sunday, studied religion in academic classes, and took a rigorous confirmation class. He has always greatly resented St. Mark's thinks it is so unique and special that it refuses to recognize an already confirmed communicant.

Wife - To date has found the time commitment beyond doing. With more than full time jobs, two active parents and children, taking care of aging parents and a house, simply getting to church regularly is all I've had time for. I've also noticed that many who eagerly embrace confirmation and all of St. Mark's activities end up leaving the church, while those of us who participate more rationally hang in happily year after year. (47)

I arrived at St. Mark's as a long-time communicant of the Episcopal Church. Being asked to attend "confirmation class" was confusing. Over the years since my confirmation I had many times attended or taught classes in exploring/deepening our faith, but St. Mark's confirmation class seemed something different. The suggestion that I could somehow not fully belong to this Episcopal parish without taking the class was offensive.

In addition, until very recently my schedule was over-packed. In a high pressure job with a long commute, I struggled constantly to make time to keep up with long-term friends & family. The requirement of a weekend away would have been a huge sacrifice, and I saw no compelling reason to do it. (30)

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