Religious Education & Faith Life
The Sacrament of Confirmation
At St Helena’s Catholic Primary School, we are blessed to journey with our Year 6 students as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a sacred milestone in a Catholic’s faith life. Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church, alongside Baptism and Eucharist. While Baptism welcomes Catholic’s into the Christian community, Confirmation deepens that relationship. It is a “yes” to the promises made at Baptism and marks a new chapter of spiritual maturity and commitment.
During Confirmation, candidates receive the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are not just symbolic, they are real gifts that help young people navigate life with faith, courage, and compassion. They guide our students to see the world through God’s eyes, make good choices, and grow in love and service. As these gifts mature, they bear fruit in the lives of the confirmed. These fruits; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, and self-control, help Catholics reflect Jesus in their thoughts, words, and actions.
The Rite of Confirmation is rich in symbolism. The bishop or celebrant lays hands on each candidate, invoking the Holy Spirit. Then, with sacred Chrism oil, he anoints their forehead, saying, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” This seal is a sign of belonging to Christ and being sent forth to live and share the Gospel.
Just as the Apostles were empowered at Pentecost, this weekend our students are called to be witnesses of Jesus in their families, school, and wider community. Every Sunday, as Catholics we gather for Mass, we experience a “new Pentecost,” where the Holy Spirit continues to renew and inspire us.
We pray for our Year 6 students as they prepare for this special sacrament. May they be open to the Spirit’s guidance and grow into young people who live with faith, hope, and love.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Did you know our school motto - “Something Beautiful For God” came from St Teresa of Calcutta. Also known as Mother Teresa, she was very special lady who helped people and showed them love and kindness. Mother Teresa was born on August 26, 1910, in Albania.
She grew up to be a kind and caring person who wanted to make the world a better place for everyone. When she was a young lady, she decided to become a nun and travelled to India where started a group called the Missionaries of Charity. The Missionaries of Charity took care of sick and poor people who had no one else to help them.
One of the special things Mother Teresa did was to make sure that everyone she met felt loved. She believed that even the smallest acts of kindness could make a big difference. She would visit people in the slums and hug the sick children. She also opened homes for people who were dying and made sure they were not alone.
Mother Teresa worked very hard her whole life, helping people in need. Her kindness and love inspired people all around the world. She won awards and medals, but she said that the real reward was knowing she had made people's lives better.
In 2016 Mother Teresa became a saint because of all the wonderful things she did for others. People still remember her today as a symbol of love and caring for everyone, no matter where they come from or who they are.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta showed us that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world. She reminds us to be kind and help others whenever we can and to always do, “Something Beautiful For God.”
Saint Teresa of Calcutta's Feast Day - 5 September.
