On Wednesday 7th June, Bishop John Sherrington was welcomed to Mary Immaculate & St Gregory the Great, High Barnet to confirm almost 30 candidates. He celebrated Mass along with Fr John McKenna, the Parish Priest, taking the opportunity to welcome the candidates and their sponsors.
In his homily, he spoke about the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and how they might manifest in the lives of the candidates. This completes the work begun at their Baptisms when they 'were recognised as children of God' and began their lives as members of the community of the Church.
It is in confirmation that the candidates become full members of the Church, as 'by recieving the Holy Spirit, it's the beginning of a new relationship with Jesus and with the Father.'
Of all the gifts which the Holy Spirit will give to the candidates, Bishop John articulated that it is joy which young people can bring to the Church, 'for those things that are good and true.'
'We rejoice in what God has done for us, we rejoice in the gift of life, and we bring that forth for the good of other people.'
Following this, he asked the candidates to stand and renew the promises of their baptism. They then came forward one by one to be anointed with the Oil of Chrism. As they did so, the candidates presented themselves using the names of saints they had chosen as patrons. Among the many chosen were Sts Cecilia, Francis and Patrick.
Let us pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit for these young people, and all those across the Diocese who are being confirmed at this time.
