The month of April closed and May was welcomed with the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation for the 95 children from our Catholic and state schools across the Parish.
Bishop Terry Curtin, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, was assisted by Fr Martin Ashe, Parish Priest and Fr Jude Johnson, Assistant Priest for the four ceremonies over Friday evening and Saturday.
All ceremonies reflected a deep sense of reverence together with great joy at coming together with parents and sponsor to receive the grace given gifts of the Holy Spirit. The backdrop behind the altar held the artwork of the children which they completed detailing their chosen saint and identifying the gifts of the Spirit they see reflected in their Sponsors.
In line with our COVID 19 Safety Plan, the Laying on of Hands and the Anointing with the Oil of Chrism appeared similar but ‘looked’ a bit different than what we may have experienced in the past. But God reminds us in the smiles and expressions of joy on the faces of the children and family, to look beyond and deeper than what is visible, and recall that the Sacraments “are a visible sign of the invisible grace,” – St Augustine.
Continue to keep these newly Confirmed Catholics and their families in your prayers.
If you require further information about Confirmation 2022 or the other Sacraments of First Eucharist and First Reconciliation, please contact Sandy Starbuck, Pastoral Associate – sandy.starbuck@cam.org.au or call 9401 6324.
Kristian Neri was so happy to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, a truly God-glorifying moment for him and his family. He celebrates with his catechist Sandy Starbuck (left photo) and Bishop Curtin (right photo).
Fr Martin and Bishop Curtin with some of the children, their parents and sponsors.
L-R: Sandy Starbuck, Parish Pastoral Associate; Gen Lees, REL St Joseph’s Primary School; Bishop Curtin; Angelo Iacopino, REL St Mary's Parish Primary School Whittlesea ; Adriana Bownds, REL St Paul the Apostle Catholic School Doreen; and Fr Jude Johnson, Assistant Priest