12 Candidates from across the Diocese were confirmed in the Cathedral during a celebration of the Feast of Pentecost with two candidates also being baptised.
Bishop Martin led the service and baptised and confirmed the candidates who came from Worcester, Redditch, Malvern, Bewdley and Stourport. The music during the service was led by the Five Alive parish choir from the deanery of Pershore and Evesham.
During his sermon, Bishop Martin said:
“At Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. There have been generations of Christians, but the same Lord, the same Holy Spirit. The Church will be blessed by each of you giving your lives to God. He has called you in your different situations to live your lives for Him and stand up for what is good and true and right. We can only do that in the power of the Holy Spirit. God comes to us through his Spirit and each one of you will be able to do great things for God. Tonight, God gives you a new start. I pray that you will be filled by all that is good and bless you this evening so that you may be a blessing to all that you meet.”
Claire Taylor is a member of All Saints, Wilden. She said: “I initially took part in some confirmation classes just before Covid, but then everything stopped. I feel a bit awestruck and nervous to be getting confirmed this evening. I have always felt a connection that I wanted to explore. My faith brings me a lot of comfort as well as meaning and depth to my life. My church is really warm and encouraging – a real community.”
Craig Jones was one of two candidates being confirmed from St Matthias Church in Malvern. He said: “I only came to faith relatively recently and was baptised on Easter Sunday. I felt God’s call during a wedding when I heard the reading of 1 Corinthians 13. I am excited to see what God has in store for me, this is just the start of my journey of faith and I’m not sure yet where it will lead!”
Mark Hewitt is from the Church of St Matthias and St George in Astwood Bank. He said: “I’m feeling nervous about this evening but am looking forward to it. I have previously been an alcoholic and found faith when I entered recovery. Being confirmed is a way of moving on from my past. I felt I learnt a lot through the confirmation classes and have now just started a Pilgrim course so I can continue that learning.”
Congratulations to all the candidates.
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