Baptism, Confirmation, Reception (The Catechumenate)

The Catechumenate is a nine-month, three-step process to prepare for baptism, confirmation, reception (for members from other Catholic communions) into the Episcopal Church, or re-affirmation of baptismal vows (if baptized in another Protestant denomination).

The catechumen process (instruction in the basic beliefs and doctrines of Christianity before admission to membership in the church) begins in the fall of each year, with an eight-week course affectionately called Episcopal Church 101 that provides a foundation in the Christian faith from the Anglican perspective. It continues with a winter (beginning in February) lay-led class that focuses on the life of faith and concludes with a spring course on the sacraments (baptism, marriage, Eucharist, etc.) taught by the rector.

For those who are seeking to become members of the Episcopal church, the process follows these steps, depending on your baptismal status:

• Baptism, a sacramental rite that spiritually cleanses and welcomes new members into the community of Jesus Christ. Adult baptism usually takes place at the Easter Vigil liturgy (the Saturday night before Easter).
• Confirmation, a ceremony in which a person who has been baptized into the Episcopal church is confirmed as a member by the bishop.
• Reception, a ceremony, usually celebrated by the bishop, in which someone who has been baptized in other Catholic communions is received as a member of the Episcopal church.
• Reaffirmation, a ceremony in which those who have been baptized in other Protestant denominations reaffirm their baptismal vows.

Confirmation, reception, and reaffirmation usually take place in June of each year at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco.