Confirmation marks the final Sacrament of Initiation, following Baptism and Eucharist, and represents a significant milestone in the faith journey of our young parishioners. It is a special moment for them to affirm their commitment to God’s love and to welcome the Holy Spirit into their lives as they continue to grow.
This Sacrament is particularly important as it deepens their relationship with God. Through Confirmation, they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to strengthen their faith and become more devoted followers of Jesus. It also instils the courage and strength needed to share their faith with others, just as the Apostles did after Pentecost.
During the week, 80 students from across our parish, accompanied by their sponsors and parish community, celebrated their Confirmation at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The ceremony was beautifully presided over by our Principal Celebrant, the Very Rev Anthony Kerin, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, alongside our Parish Priest, Fr Sang Ho, and Assistant Priest, Fr Hoang Dinh.
Preparation for Confirmation took place during Religious Education classes at our Parish schools for students in Year 6. Students attending non-Parish schools participated in the Parish Sacramental Program. The program consisted of six after school sessions. All students and their parents attended a Workshop at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, designed to deepen their understanding of the Sacrament and to encourage meaningful conversations about the action of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
This was followed by the Commitment Mass, where students, also referred to as candidates, were formally presented to our parish community for the third stage of initiation into the Church.
The final component of the program was the Reflection Day, held on the same day as the Confirmation Mass. Over 100 students from our three parish primary schools and the Parish Sacramental Program came together as one group. Activities took place across the Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, the Fitzroy Gardens and St Patrick’s Cathedral, offering opportunities to learn about Mary MacKillop’s life and explore the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Photos (L-R): Fitzroy Gardens, Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, St Patrick’s Cathedral
This memorable journey has not only enriched our students’ understanding of their faith but has also strengthened the bonds within our parish community. I am deeply humbled by the remarkable turnout at our Workshop, Commitment Mass and Confirmation Mass. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the parish staff, school staff, parents and students for their unwavering support and participation.
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