Religious Education

PILGRIMS OF HOPE

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 13:22–30), Jesus speaks to the people about the “narrow gate.” Someone asks Him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?” and Jesus replies with an image that challenges us: “Strive to enter through the narrow gate.”

The narrow gate reminds us that following Jesus is not always the easiest path. It takes effort, courage, and commitment to live as His disciples. It is not enough simply to say we know Him or that we have heard His teachings. Jesus tells us that what matters most is how we live our lives — with faith, love, and hope. At the end, when the door is closed, it will be those who have truly tried to walk in God’s ways who will be welcomed to the great feast in His Kingdom.

This message is very timely for our community, especially as our Year 6 students receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this evening at St Patrick’s Cathedral. 

Just as pilgrims walk a journey of faith and hope, our students have been preparing for this special moment in their lives. The Jubilee Year theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” reminds us that every step we take with Christ leads us closer to the Kingdom of God.  

At Confirmation, the Holy Spirit strengthens our young people with special gifts — wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are like guiding lights that help us to walk through the “narrow gate.”

• Wisdom and understanding help us to see life through God’s eyes and to make choices that lead us closer to Him.
• Counsel (right judgement) and fortitude (courage) help us to stand firm in faith, even when it is difficult.
• Knowledge reminds us of the truth of God’s love and the teachings of Jesus.
• Piety and fear of the Lord nurture in us a spirit of reverence and wonder for God’s greatness.

With these gifts, our students will be equipped to live as true disciples, not just in words but in action — showing kindness, justice, forgiveness, and love in the world.

Jesus’ promise that people will come from “the east and the west and from the north and the south” shows us that God’s Kingdom is open to all who walk faithfully with Him. The narrow gate may be challenging, but it leads to life and joy.

As we celebrate our Year 6 students’ Confirmation, let us pray that they continue to walk as Pilgrims of Hope, trusting that with the Holy Spirit’s guidance they will always find their way through the narrow gate into God’s Kingdom.

A PRAYER FOR OUR YEAR 6 CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES

Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon our Year 6 students.

Bless them as they take this important step in their journey of faith.

Fill their hearts with wisdom and courage,guide their choices with understanding and knowledge,and deepen their love for You with piety and wonder.

May they always walk as Pilgrims of Hope,choosing the narrow gate 

that leads to life with You.

Bless their families, teachers, and parish community who walk beside them in faith.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Kathryn Ady

Religious Education Leader