Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends,
Emily W, Janet W, Cici M, Martha H, George H, Ellena C, Jacob P, Beatrice M, Anna E, Freddie R, Henry C, Lily M, Gen S, Maria G, Elizabeth G, Mary B, Katie B, Emma M, C Charlotte B.
These names above are those who will be confirmed in Exeter Cathedral this coming Sunday – Advent Sunday – 28th November, at the 10.00am Sung Eucharist. With them, there may be some God-parents, family and friends. James Featherstone, the Headmaster, will be present them to the Bishop, who happens to be me! [And this will be an enormous privilege for me!] Two will be presented by Canon Chris Palmer, who prepared them for confirmation some time ago. The process had been interrupted for them by the pandemic. Patient they have been!
Each will gather round the Cathedral’s Nave Altar, following the sermon, having been named by James Featherstone and Chris Palmer. Hands will be laid on each candidate with the words:
“Almighty and ever-living God,
you have given these your servants new birth
in baptism by water and the Spirit,
and have forgiven them all their sins.
Let your Holy Spirit rest upon them:
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding;
the Spirit of counsel and inward strength;
the Spirit of knowledge and true godliness;
and let their delight be in the fear of the Lord.
All Amen.
The bishop addresses each candidate by name
N, God has called you by name and made you his own.
He then lays his hand on the head of each, saying
Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit.
All Amen.”
At that point, the Bishop signs each candidate with the Holy Oil as a sign of being commissioned to live the Christ-like life.
For most of the candidates, they will receive communion for the first time at this Eucharist: the meeting of the sign of Christ’s presence with the inner desire to be that presence.
So please pray for them, their families and all who care for them.
In the Love of God,
Bishop Martin
School Chaplain
