On the evening of Friday 19th of May, many of our Grade Six students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. This was a special night where our students’ respect for the Sacrament, the reverence they displayed and the maturity they exhibited was exemplary.
Below are some reflections from their experience:
Making my confirmation was such a special part of my life that I don’t think I will ever forget! On the night of the ceremony, I felt this glow in me and I just wanted to strive to be the best version of myself, in the moment and in the future - so that is what I still strive to do.
I chose the saint Mary Mackillop. I chose her because I love that she was a teacher, pioneer, she was Australian, and she was so kind hearted. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous, I was actually very nervous, but when it was over, I got this sense of relief like all the stress leading up to it was over.
My sponsor was my godmother, and it was so nice to have her and my family standing by my side during this important part of my life.
~ Iris ~
At confirmation, I felt very nervous until I entered the church and realised how friendly and respectful everyone was. During the ceremony, we went up to the altar and had the oil of chrism put on our heads in the shape of a cross.
During our preparations, we made a poster about a specific saint. I chose saint Vincent de Paul because of all the kind things he did for his community. There is also a charity named after him.
At the end of the mass, we said a prayer for the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and then we left the church. Before we left, we were also encouraged to choose a gift or gifts of the Holy Spirit to empower us. I chose wisdom and courage because I know that they will be helpful in the near future. I also chose them because I think that I need wisdom to make wiser decisions in my life and I think I need more courage to give things a go. So overall I loved making my confirmation.
~ Jacob ~
For me, confirmation was a really fun and special experience. It was so nice having all my family there to support me, and the priest, Father Tony, was very nice and supportive of every candidates.
When I was being confirmed, I asked for the gift of fortitude (courage), because I sometimes make the wrong choices and I need some help to change that. After the ceremony, I didn’t really feel that different, but I’m sure that I will start standing up for others and myself, without me even noticing.
The lead up to confirmation was really fun and the teachers made it really engaging, especially the reflection day, where we learnt all about the 7 gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. My favorite part was probably opening the letters from our parents and then responding.
~ Hannah ~
Before confirmation, I felt a little bit nervous, but very excited. In the lead up, I learnt so much about the fruits and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.. I learnt that the gifts aren’t just presents but they’re gifts that help you stay on God's path of life. For my Saint, I chose St Nicholas and learnt so much about him and why he was a Saint.
For my personal gift, I chose the gift of counsel, because sometimes I feel like I need help to make the right choices.
~ Xavier ~
Making my Confirmation has taught me many things, including, the Gifts and Fruits of the Spirit and how to look up to and be like my Saint and Sponsor. These fruits and gifts were planted in us at Baptism, and Confirmation is the time when they grow and develop.
We had a Confirmation reflection day before the Sacrament, to help ensure we knew all we could about everything that was about to happen. We also had to choose a Saint we admire, and research what they did to become a Saint and why we look up to them. Choosing a Saint was very special because, not only do we look up to them, but it also became our ‘Saint name’.
~ Jessie ~
I learned so much during the journey towards and during Confirmation. Our main focus was undoubtedly the Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each one planted within us at Baptism, and acknowledged at the time of Confirmation.
Before the big day, we had a Confirmation Reflection day in which we truly focused on what we shall experience on the night and to reflect more deeply on the spiritual side of the experience. The night itself was an unforgettable experience, especially since we knew what it would be like and why we were doing it. When I was confirmed, with my sponsor at my side, I indeed felt like a better and more aware person, looking up to the life and compassion of my Saint, Catherine of Bologna.
~ Charlotte ~