Liturgy On The Occasion Of A Baptism, Confirmation, Or Renewed Commitment Of Faith Of An Adult

The following liturgy may be used in family celebrations at the occasion of confirmation, profession of faith, baptism of adults, or any other occasion of renewed commitment. Adapt to local needs and customs.

Gathering

Leader: Dear family and friends, today is a very special day in the life of [Name]; for on this day he/she has made a public commitment to the intent of baptism. [Name] has affirmed his/her personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Together with the angels we gather to celebrate this glorious occasion.

Let us pray. Lord God, we bless you for your continued presence in the life of [Name]. Grant that the work that you have begun in his/her life will be maintained until that day when we shall all gather at the feet of Jesus your Son, in whose name we pray. Response: Amen. The Scripture Reading

Reader 1: A reading from Paul's letter to the Ephesians:

"?Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he has made us accepted in the beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace which he made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in him, in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of his glory. In him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise?" (1:3–13). This is the word of the Lord. Response: Thanks be to God. The Words of Admonition

Leader: I invite all who are here present to offer a brief word of wisdom to [Name].

(One or more may speak.) At the conclusions of each speech, all shall say: Amen! The Prayer of Commitment

Leader: Let us give thanks for the confirmation of [Name].

Almighty God, by the glorious death and resurrection of your Son, you have put to flight the power of evil. Bless now [Name], who has been sealed in your Spirit. Send him/her and us forth in the power of your Spirit to perform your service, to lighten the paths of others, to glorify your name, through Jesus our Lord. Response: Amen. (Here the festivities may commence.)