I don’t think I’ve confirmed an Angel, before Bishop Mark remarked. Well at St Chrysostom’s Church he did confirm Angel, along with Amelinda, Hao, Jamila, Nathan and Romario, at this year’s fantastic confirmation from St Chrysostom’s School.
First of all Bishop Mark enjoyed a school dinner and a chat with Yr2 children, he had a walk on the school field as he talked with children and staff, he met the confirmation candidates informally and then led the procession of children of Yrs 4 and 5 with children of Yr 6 too who had been confirmed last year. We all walked through the streets to Church (while staff skilfully arranged road crossing). The walk in itself was a great symbol of togetherness. Then we had a moving and special Confirmation service.
Aware of recent events in our country, and the many faiths represented at St Chrysostom’s School Bishop Mark encouraged everyone, of whatever faith, to remember ‘GOD loves you.’ We are all called to go out together – people of all faiths, and make a difference to the world. He invited everyone present to pause in silence to think of who we want to be, what difference we would like to make to our world, and then we prayed for God’s strength to help us do it.
Then followed the baptisms and confirmation. All the children being baptised and confirmed were attentive and clearly enjoyed the ceremony. Their enthusiasm and their joy give us all hope, and encouraged us to reflect on our own faith and commitment to live out our faith in our lives. Bishop Mark was also reminded of this too as Hao, recently baptised, marked the Bishop with the sign of the cross with holy water.
As the service closed Bishop Mark asked all present:
Will you go out, ready to make a difference in the world? There was a resounding We will, from everyone. What a wonderful sign of hope and joy for our community – and indeed our world.
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