6.5.3.1 Liturgical position

The act of confirmation exists in direct association with the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Sealing and therefore takes place after the absolution and the Eucharistic prayer.

As a rule, no further acts take place in confirmation services, other than confirmation and the celebration of Holy Communion.

The act of confirmation can be introduced by a piece of music. The officiant, or a member of the congregation appointed by him or her, reads out the letter from the Chief Apostle, which is later handed out to the confirmands.

6.5.3.2 Execution

Confirmations can be performed by a priestly minister or an Apostle. The act takes place in front of the altar.

6.5.3.3 Address

The following content is recommended.

The confirmands

• assume responsibility for their life of faith.
• publicly profess the New Apostolic faith as it comes to expression in the Creed.
• promise to remain faithful to the triune God.
• receive the blessing of God to help them keep their vow of faithfulness.
• are invited to actively engage themselves in congregational life with their gifts and talents.

Confirmation vow

The congregation is asked to rise. Thereafter, the officiant asks the confirmands to profess their belief in the New Apostolic faith:

“I now ask you in the presence of God and the congregation: Do you profess the New Apostolic faith as it comes to expression in the Creed? Is it your wish to align your lives with Jesus Christ and to be prepared for His return? If this is the case, then vow it with a clear yes.”

The officiant then thanks the confirmands for their yes, and asks them to give their confirmation vow before God and the congregation. This is spoken by the confirmands together and states the following:

“I renounce Satan and all his work and ways, and surrender myself to You, O triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in belief, obedience, and the earnest resolution to remain faithful to You until my end. Amen.”

Prayer for God’s blessing

After their yes and the confirmation vow, the officiant asks God for His blessing in a brief prayer.

6.5.3.4 Dispensation of blessing

The confirmation blessing is dispensed by laying on of hands with the following words:

“In the name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, receive the blessing on your confirmation.”

The following is recommended as further content:

• God the Father
  • has chosen you from eternity to be His children and has granted you the rebirth out of water and the Spirit.
  • give you the strength to keep your confirmation vow.
• God the Son
  • has sacrificed His life for you.
  • has elected you to be part of the bridal congregation.
  • be with you always
  • grant you His peace.
• God the Holy Spirit
  • strengthen your faith and give you the strength to keep your vow.
  • preserve you on your path of life and faith.
  • prepare you for the return of Christ.

Mandatory conclusion:
“May the blessing of God accompany you! The peace of the Risen One be with you! Amen.”

The officiant congratulates the confirmands and welcomes them into the congregation and into the circle of the youth as responsible Christians. The congregation remains standing.

After the officiant has conveyed his or her best wishes, the confirmands return to their seats in the congregation. If the act of confirmation is concluded with a piece of music, the congregation takes a seat.

6.5.3.5 Introduction of Holy Communion

This is followed by the celebration of Holy Communion.