On Saturday afternoon, 12th November, at Gloucester Cathedral, 46 people were confirmed by Bishop Michael, including John Smallwood (14) and Richard Collins (42) from this Parish. The service began at 4.30pm and ended at around 6.30pm; there was also a rehearsal beforehand.
A surprisingly large congregation of their friends and family watched 46 people be confirmed (six of whom were also baptised), 1 person affirm his faith and 1 be accepted into communion, in a deeply moving service. The Bishop's theme was "Pilgrimage" because, to quote from the Order of Service, "the whole of Christian life is a pilgrimage… Baptism and Confirmation are both key stopping points on the Christian journey".
Throughout the service the candidates underwent a physical and a spiritual journey. After the Choir had sung the Gloria from Mozart's "Missa Brevis" in F the candidates were presented to the Bishop (in our case by Father Paul) at the west door, and then led to the font (for the baptisms). Then everyone sang "Will you come and follow me" as the candidates were led by the Bishop to the place of confirmation in the middle of the church. After the confirmation ceremony and the Peace the entire congregation moved on to the altar singing "For all the saints, who from their labours rest", and took communion. The newly confirmed then processed through the Cathedral carrying their lighted candles, while the congregation applauded, to carry on the rest of the pilgrimage of their lives.
Rosemary Collins