14 people from across the Diocese were confirmed at the Easter Eve service in the Cathedral on Saturday night.
The service started in darkness as the congregation listened to readings in the Chapter House, before the Easter Candle was lit in the Cloister and everyone processed into the Cathedral by candle light to celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter.
Candidates from Astley, Bretforton, Offenham, Dudley, Malvern, Kempsey and Worcester were confirmed, renewing their baptismal vows before being anointed by Bishop Martin.
Angie Richardson from Holy Trinity in Malvern shared her testimony during the service. She said: “A year ago, as I attended my friend’s confirmation, I felt God calling me. In my life I have had a lot of anger and stress, losing my mum when I was 13 to alcohol and facing my own battles with addiction to alcohol and painkillers. For many years I turned my back on God. Then last year I attended the confirmation service and suddenly felt completely in awe with the Holy Spirit surrounding me. I spoke to my vicar and asked lots of questions, completed Alpha, was baptised and am being confirmed myself just a year later.”
Ahead of the service, some of the other candidates shared their stories:
Junior Crowther from St Barnabas Church in Worcester said: “I am feeling excited and nervous and ready for the next stage of my journey. I felt a calling around 14 months ago to go to church and went on a Sunday morning. I had been in a difficult place and when I came out, I felt the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders. I renewed my baptism vows and am now getting confirmed. I was definitely at a crossroads and Jesus saved me!”
Paul Wood was confirmed alongside his wife Ruth. They both attend St Leonard’s Church in Bretforton. Paul said: “My father died a couple of years ago. I t was a difficult time, but I saw God through the strength of his faith to the end and the love and kindness showed to us by the church. It reaffirmed by own faith and I am really excited to be getting confirmed this evening. “
Harry, age 10 and his sister Alexa Rose, age 12 from St Peter's Church in Astley were among the youngest getting confirmed. Alexa Rose said: “We wanted a good relationship with God for our future years to have his protection and support. Through our confirmation classes we learnt about the sacraments and prayer and are both feeling happy and excited this evening.”
Mark Dodge from St James, West Malvern said: “I was Christened 60 years ago alongside my brother. He is now dying and as my faith has grown and strengthened it felt the right time to get confirmed. This evening is quite exciting.”
Congratulations to all those who were confirmed.
