Confirmation Day
Nine anxious young people gathered in the porch of St. Joseph’s at 6.50 pm on Saturday, November 17th all shivering – whether from nerves or sheer cold due to the breakdown of the heating system, is not entirely clear. Clutching their gift-wrapped boxes, symbolising the gifts each one of them wished for the world, they processed to the altar to present them to God. After six weeks of preparation the moment of Confirmation had at last arrived. Bishop John welcomed everyone, explained the meaning of the ceremony and remarked that the first test of faith was already with us – how to withstand the perishing cold.
The Holy Spirit was most certainly with us as each of the confirmands came forward with their sponsor, family and friends to make the choice of personal commitment to respond to the call of Christ. The church glowed with life and colour from the magnificent flowers on the altar to the colourful displays of the work and prayers our young people had produced during the course of preparation. The love and faith which have guided these nine young folk were visible in the faces of all present. We welcome with great joy Matthew, Nathan, Daniel, Adam, Hannah, James, Thomas, Jarrod and Paula as adult members of our parish family and church community.
At the end of Mass Hilary and Kate were presented with glorious bouquets of flowers for the work done as catechists. Another bouquet was sent to Caroline, who sadly was unable to be present at the Confirmation Mass. Bishop John presented the certificates and posed for the photographs which will be a lovely reminder of such a happy occasion. A taste of stardom for the stars in front of the cameras and then a rapid retreat to the house for a hot drink and food.
Thank you to everyone who helped in any way to make this such a meaningful and memorable day.
Birthday wishes
On the 23rd December Mrs May Tolley,
wife of the late William Tolley will be 90 years of age. Is she the oldest member of our parish?
An active member of our parish in her younger days, and one of our first May Queens, May never missed her Mass or Novena. Her one sorrow is not being able to make it very often now, but the SVP look after her Communion needs
May has two daughters, Pauline Holt and Rosaline Varnes (twins), five grandchildren and six great
grandchildren. Her brothers and sisters, Edna Ward, Ann Smith, Doreen and Cyril Marsh, Ken and Sheila Smith, Jean and Roy Taylor, Cis and Horace Webb and John and Irene Smith, together with
the whole parish, wish her a very Happy Birthday!
