Religious Education
CONFIRMATION FAMILY FAITH SHARING AFTERNOON
On Tuesday afternoon, our Year Six students and their families gathered for a special Confirmation Family Faith Sharing Afternoon as they continue their preparation for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Our gathering began by listening to the Gospel account of Pentecost, the moment when
the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, filling them with courage, wisdom and faith. This powerful story reminds us that the same Holy Spirit who transformed the disciples continues to guide and strengthen us today through the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Together we explored the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit—Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement (Counsel), Courage (Fortitude), Knowledge, Reverence (Piety) and Wonder and Awe in God's Presence (Fear of the Lord). Students worked alongside their parents and family members to reflect on occasions when they had used these gifts in their everyday lives. It was wonderful to hear stories of kindness, perseverance, compassion and thoughtful decision-making being shared around the room.
Parents were then invited to identify which gift of the Holy Spirit they most clearly recognise in their own child. Several courageous parents generously shared their reflections with the group, speaking with great pride about the qualities they already see developing in their children. Students were then challenged to return the compliment by identifying the gift they most admire in one of their parents. Their heartfelt and often very honest responses provided many touching moments and highlighted the important role families play in nurturing faith.
The afternoon then focused on the meaning of the Creed—our shared profession of the Catholic faith and a statement of the beliefs that unite us as followers of Jesus Christ. During the Confimation Mass candidates will be asked to renew their Baptismal promises which in essence is the Creed but in a question/answer format. At their Baptism, these promises were made on the children's behalf by their parents and godparents. During the Confirmation ceremony, our candidates will publicly renew these promises themselves, declaring their own commitment to follow Jesus and live as faithful members of the Church. This marks an important step in their faith journey as they embrace the beliefs of the Church as their own.
The next interactive part of the afternoon involved families thinking about their own Family Creed. Working together, parents and students reflected on the values, beliefs and commitments that are most important in their family life. Many families expressed their desire to be loving, forgiving, grateful, respectful and faith-filled, while others highlighted the importance of kindness, honesty, helping others and always trying their best. This activity provided a meaningful opportunity for families to recognise that the way they live each day is a powerful witness to their faith.
We thank all of our families for their enthusiastic participation and thoughtful contributions. The afternoon was a beautiful reminder that faith is nurtured most deeply when home, school and parish journey together. We ask our school community to continue to keep our Confirmation candidates and their families in your prayers as they prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the coming weeks.
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader