A mixture of nine adults and 17 children presented themselves for Confirmation at a ceremony celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton at St Mary’s Cathedral on 19 October.
The candidates were joined by their sponsors and more than 600 family and friends for the yearly event which celebrates their entry into full communion as adult Christians with the Catholic Church.
St Mary’s Cathedral Catechist Alvin Ko, who co-ordinated preparation of the candidates, said this year, the Cathedral [parish] assisted in preparing 10 candidates from across the Perth diocese, most of them adults.
Candidates for Confirmation (under the age of 18) are generally prepared by their school at after-school catechism classes, while adults are often prepared by their local parish priest or catechist team.
Preparation for the candidates who were confirmed on 19 October at St Mary’s Cathedral involved three key sessions, which enabled them to learn about the importance of Confirmation in their lives as adult Christians. Upon completion of the classes, candidates were invited for rehearsal a day before the ceremony and asked to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
“The Sacrament of Confirmation enables us to receive the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel (Right Judgement), Knowledge, Fortitude (Courage), Piety, and Fear of Lord (Wonder and Awe),” Alvin Ko said.
“Receiving the fullness of these gifts assists us in being able to imitate Christ,” he said.
“It also strengthens us to perform some of these roles as children of God.
“This includes sharing our knowledge of Christ, supporting our friends who are in need and introducing our God who is always merciful, forgiving and loving, while also being faithful during times of joy and challenges.”
Mr Ko went on to say that, in his role as catechist, he has found that the more he learns about God and the Church, the more his relationship [with Him] becomes closer during prayer.
“I believe to have a great relationship with someone, in this case, God, we need to learn more about Him and spend time with Him,” Mr Ko said.