Confirmation

“The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, establish, strengthen and settle you in the faith; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.  Amen.” (Bishop’s Final blessing from the Confirmation Service)

The Chaplaincy Team prepares small groups of 8 – 12 candidates for Confirmation in the Church of England beginning after the Michaelmas half-term break in October.  Sessions take place between 5pm and 6pm on Monday afternoons.

Groups meet in different locations around the school under the guidance of selected members of staff who prepare them to receive the sacrament in the Lent Term.  The meetings are very informal and the focus is on deepening candidates’ understanding of and commitment to the Christian life in all its aspects.  

As well as covering the Creed there is a particular emphasis on the person and role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life.  Candidates are encouraged to begin to develop and sustain a prayer life of sorts as well as a deeper commitment to the liturgical life of the School, in particular the voluntary Friday Night Candle-lit Eucharist.

Attendance does not mean that a pupil will necessarily follow through to Confirmation itself and a number of candidates every year decide not to proceed.  In this sense the groups also provide a perfect opportunity in which to explore personal faith, or the lack of it, in an open, supportive setting.

The Confirmation service is held in January preceded by the customary Confirmation Retreat which takes up all of the Friday before the service itself.

Contact:  Rev'd Stephen Gray                James Clark
              Chaplain                                Assistant Chaplain