Please pray for the 46 teens who will be Confirmed this Saturday, 16 July 2022 by Bishop Paul McAleenan (pictured) at St Joseph and the English Martyrs Church. The Confirmandi will be split over two Masses: 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.
The 46 young adults have been preparing for their Confirmation by attending a YouCat-based programme of monthly sessions which began in November 2021. Led by a team of dedicated catechists, the sessions included topics on The Church and My Place In It, Human Dignity, The Freedom of Forgiveness, and Love of God and Neighbour. The candidates also attended a half-day retreat comprising prayers and meditation.
A special feature of this year’s Confirmation was ministries. The candidates were required to undertake a ministry throughout the programme, designed to encourage parish involvement and interaction with the church community. The ministries offered included altar serving, reading at Mass, gardening, and web design to name but a few.
The two Confirmation Masses will be joyous occasions not just for the candidates, their parents and loved ones, but also for the entire Bishop’s Stortford community. Fr Peter will be concelebrating at the Masses, with Deacon Patrick assisting and Fr Antonio acting as Master of Ceremony.