Bishop confirms over 50 candidates from across the Diocese
More than 50 candidates were confirmed by the Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner, at a diocesan confirmation service at Chichester Cathedral on Wednesday evening (26 Nov, 7pm)
Candidates were joined by their sponsors, family members and friends for this momentous moment on their Christian journey.
The Bishop first baptised those candidates still requiring baptism before confirming all the candidates, which includes the act of anointing, a sign of blessing and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Each person was given a lit candle, symbolising the moment they move “from darkness to light” as they continue growing in their Christian faith.
A spokesperson for the diocese said: "We rejoice in having witnessed a real increase in the numbers of candidates coming forward for baptism and confirmation in recent years. All three bishops confirm candidates in deaneries and parishes throughout the year. This service was another opportunity for those candidates from across the diocese to be confirmed together in their Cathedral church."
Several candidates reflected on their personal journeys of faith in the lead-up to the service.
Thomas Corrie, St Mary Church, Bosham said: “I’m excited for my confirmation. I am enjoying exploring my faith more, and I feel that being confirmed will make me feel closer to God and our church family.”
Tim Chase, St Andrew and St Cuthman Church, Steyning, said: “I feel profoundly blessed for the way God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and Holy Mary have carried me this far. Now, as I prepare for confirmation, I feel ready to publicly affirm the faith that has become central to my life.”
Anna Copsey, St Mary Church, Bosham, said, "I come forward for confirmation with an open heart, ready to continue exploring my faith, to deepen my relationship with God, and to honour the love and values that have shaped my life so far."
Jasper Mandiwall, St Mary Church, Bosham said: "I have enjoyed going to church all my life and am looking forward to my confirmation service in Chichester Cathedral supported by my family and godparents.”
Candidates were presented from the parishes of:
Barnham, Bosham, St Andrew Burgess Hill, St Wilfrid Chichester, St Mary West Chiltington, Clayton with Keymer, Yapton with Ford, St John's Copthorne, East Grinstead, St Richard's Hayward's Heath, South Lancing & Sompting, St Mary Magdalene Lyminster, The Octagon, St Peter Selsey, St John Southborne, Steyning, Stopham, St Mary Ticehurst, Tillington, Walberton and St George Whyke.
Please pray for them all as they continue this next step in their faith journey.
More pictures of the event can be found on our Facebook page.