Concerning Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows

This series of rites and stages of preparation employs a process similar to that of the catechumenate to prepare mature baptized persons to reaffirm their baptismal covenant and receive the laying on of hands by the bishop. It is also appropriate for already confirmed persons who wish to enter a time of disciplined renewal of the baptismal covenant and for those who have transferred into a new congregation. This process may also be used for returning persons who have been separated from the church due to notorious sins. Care, however, should be taken in distinguishing such “penitents” from the other persons in this process, in the preservation of confidentiality, and the penitent’s own participation in the process conducted with pastoral sensitivity.