The Bishops recently released their visitation schedule for the upcoming year. I was delighted to discover that Bp. Mary Glasspool, Assisting Bishop, will visit our church on Sunday, December 12th which happens to be the Third Sunday of Advent. My most immediate question for Bp. Mary was whether she would be open to incorporating the Confirmation rite into the principal service at 10AM to which she responded, “Yes, absolutely!”
So, that is excellent news for all Confirmation candidates for whom the process was brought to an abrupt halt by the Diocesan-wide shutdown of March 2020. It is also very good news for rising 8th and 9th graders who will be eligible to attend Confirmation classes in the Fall. As good fortune would have it, there are eleven weeks available for classes between September 12th and December 8th. Therefore, I would like to invite parents of 8th and 9th graders to be in touch with me by email, if you would like your children to prepare for Confirmation this Fall. As for parents of children for whom the process was stalled last year, I will reach out to you separately for one-on-one conversations given that it’s been almost a year and a half since classes were held.
Onward in the Spirit,
Gareth Evans serves as the rector of St. Barnabas. He is an inspirational leader who brings significant pastoral experience, a depth of reverence in worship, and a relatable preaching style.