On Sunday 7 April, Bishop Philip will join us at the 11.00 am Solemn Mass at St Mary Magdalen's when he will administer the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. Over the past weeks, six candidates have been preparing for this momentous day, when they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to equip them for their ongoing Christian lives. 

Their preparation has involved them learning about the Christian faith, and about their place within that faith, exploring aspects such as the nature of God, what the Church is, and how the Sacraments sustain us on our journey. They have looked at the meaning of prayer and how we grow closer to God in our regular conversations with him.

Over the Easter weekend, they all took part in the liturgies of the Triduum, participating in the foot-washing on Maundy Thursday, taking part in the Watch at the Altar of Repose, standing at the foot of the cross on Good Friday, and gathering at the New Fire on Holy Saturday, before celebrating the joy of the Resurrection at the Easter Vigil.

Please keep all of our candidates in your prayers as they approach the day of their Confirmation, and continue to pray for them as they embark upon the rest of their Christian lives. It would be wonderful if as many members of our congregations could join us at St Mary Magdalen's for the Confirmation, as we offer our love and support for these candidates.