Dear Parishioners and Friends,
On Thursday, 10th of September this year, Bishop Martin Ashe will be conferring the Sacrament of Confirmation on children from our parish. This Friday, during morning mass, Year 6 students from St. Bernadette Primary School participated in the Rite of Enrolment for this special sacrament.
Even if the rite itself is simple, it accompanies a very meaningful moment in the faith journey of the children.
The Rite of Enrolment is a public declaration of a young person's desire to continue preparing to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation. By presenting themselves before the parish community, the candidates express their willingness to deepen their relationship with Christ and to embrace more fully the life and mission of the Church.
This rite also reminds us that no one walks the journey of faith alone. The parish community has an important role to play. As we welcome young people, we have the privilege and responsibility to support them through our prayers, encouragement and witness. Their preparation is not simply the responsibility of their families, teachers, or catechists; it is the responsibility of all of us as members of the Body of Christ.
Of course, the Rite of Enrolment also highlights the important role of parents and sponsors. Their active presence is a visible reminder that they are called and entrusted to accompany their young children, encouraging them to live the faith with generosity and joy.
Above all, the rite invites our candidates to remember that Confirmation is not the end of their faith formation, but the beginning of a more mature life of Christian discipleship. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, they will be strengthened to witness to Christ in their homes, schools, workplaces and the wider community.
Please keep our Confirmation candidates, their families, sponsors, teachers and catechists in your prayers during these weeks of preparation. May the Holy Spirit open their hearts, deepen their faith, and fill them with the courage to become joyful missionary disciples of Jesus.
God bless you
Fr Silvio