“A chance to drive yourself!”
Swan Valley Anglican Community School recently celebrated an historic and important milestone by holding its first ever Confirmation Service. School Chaplain Father Toby Sherring prepared one staff member and two students for this significant Christian initiation, an integral part of the School’s Anglican Identity. The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Perth, led the Eucharist.
During the Sacramental Service, Bishop Kate explained that each of the confirmands was baptised into the Christian faith as infants or small children, and that Confirmation is the moment when they take on the responsibility for their Christian journey themselves.
Bishop Kate added, “Although each one of them will continue to develop and grow as Christian believers, it is like achieving a driver’s licence. Instead of being driven by a parent or guardian, they are now driving their cars themselves.”
Prayers at the Confirmation asked the Holy Spirit to come down upon the three candidates so that the gifts they have already and those they will discover can flow on into the Church and into the community.
Principal Melissa Powell commented, “Confirmation is a sign of belonging to the wider Church. It is a symbol of growing in the Christian faith. It was such a joy to be part of such a significant event, which was shared with family, friends and colleagues. We are very hopeful that from now on, we will be able to hold a School Confirmation Service every year.”
