The descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus at his baptism by John was the sign that this was he who was to come, the Messiah, the Son of God. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit; his whole life and his whole mission are carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit whom the Father gives him “without measure”.
This fullness of the Spirit was not to remain uniquely the Messiah’s, but was to be communicated to the whole messianic people. On several occasions Christ promised this outpouring of the Spirit, a promise which he fulfilled first on Easter Sunday and then more strikingly at Pentecost.
Filled with the Holy Spirit the apostles began to proclaim “the mighty works of God,” and Peter declared this outpouring of the Spirit to be the sign of the messianic age. Those who believed in the apostolic preaching and were baptized received the gift of the Holy Spirit in their turn.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 1286 and 1287)
Parish Preparation Programme
Across the three parishes, a Confirmation programme is organized entitled: ‘Come Follow me: Responding to the call of Jesus.
This is a parish-based initiative for the children who have enrolled as candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Currently, the children attend special Masses, and afterwards six Sessions, one a month from October to March.
This programme requires over forty parents to be involved in leading the sessions, three parents for each group. Parents receive prior training from the Parish Sacramental Coordinator.
The programme provides a space outside of school for the boys and girls to take ownership of their preparation for Confirmation. It explores our understanding of our gifts and talents, the call to Christian service, Baptism, Eucharist, the healing ministry of Jesus and Pentecost. It also provides an opportunity for the candidates for Confirmation to serve the parish community and the wider community, especially those in greatest need.
For more information, please contact the Parish Office.