Confirmation as a Way of Life
Confirmation, from the Latin for "strengthen" or "to make firm", originated in the year 1539 and is supposed to affirm the sacrament of the baptism. For young Protestants it often a case of a practice of Christianity, so to say. This act is normally administered between Palm Sunday and Pentecost and along with weddings and Baptisms is among the most popular things offered by churches.
According to the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany, Evangelische Kirch in Deutschland.) nearly all baptised young people are confirmed between the age of 13 and 14.
Earlier it was the case that Confirmation was an exciting celebration where young people where in the spotlight and their saying "yes" to the Christian faith was seen to strengthen them but rather a new stage of life began. The majority left school and began apprenticeships. Thereby, the rite of passage of confirmation was also a transition from child- to adulthood and released them from their parents.
Today, the young Christians are most certainly still adolescents and have plently of time to develop but Confirmations definitely remains a celebration of change.
Materials for Confirmation Lessons
The act of blessing at Confirmation is prepared with the help of a congregational worker or pastor. It's not a case of tests and performance, like at school. To a much greater extent questions questions about the meaning of life, becoming an adult and the Christian faith are the focus. The young people should be able to come together in a relaxed atmosphere and have the freedom to ask everything they what and discover their faith in their own way.
At LOGO we offer numerous books, materials and gifts which are ideal for the rite of passage of Confirmation. Literature can be used to support the organisation of the Confirmation lessons to make them exciting and entertaining for the young people.
There's no lack of gifts such as crucifixes on necklesses, bags and badges. There are lots of different possibilities to share some joy with a young Christian for their Confirmation and to welcome them among the ranks of the congregation as a full member.