Shepherd’s promised Spirit arrives

30 May 2012

By The Record

Kelmscott boy Quinton says it feels great to get confirmed in the Year of Grace

Surrounded by friends, family and teachers, the Year 6 class of Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School in Kelmscott was confirmed into the Church on Sunday morning, coinciding with the Year of Grace.

The Confirmation Mass began with students placing gifts at the altar – a basket of fruits to symbolise the fruits of the Holy Spirit, Oil of Chrism symbolising the strength given by the Holy Spirit and candles representing the flame of the Holy Spirit.

Father Andrew Loytton, parish priest of Good Shepherd, spoke to The Record about confirming the children at the start of the Year of Grace:

“It’s always beautiful to confirm children … and their presentation of the liturgical movement reflected their confirmation journey; a journey which is the beginning of the Holy Spirit being with them throughout their lives.”

After Mass, Fr Andrew joined the D’Lima family in the parish hall who were celebrating their son Quinton’s confirmation with lunch followed by cake.

Quinton and his classmates prepared extensively for the special moment when they were received into the Church. In addition to choosing their patron saints and sponsors, they went on a retreat to the Schoenstatt Shrine in Armadale, a place of grace and pilgrimage dedicated to Our Lady.

Quinton was initially unaware that his confirmation and the Year of Grace fell on the same day.

Prior to the day, he did not know much about the Year of Grace so he asked his mother. Mrs D’Lima was overjoyed that her son’s confirmation and the start of the Year of Grace happened on the same day.

“It feels beautiful for him to be confirmed on this day,” she said.

“Quinton asked me what the Year of Grace was and I told him it means he should put Christ at the centre of his life for everything. I think everything that happens in our lives is through God’s grace.”

A missing figure from the celebrations was Quinton’s grandmother. “My mum would’ve loved to have been here,” Mrs D’Lima said, “but she is here in spirit.” Quinton’s grandmother suffered a stroke a few weeks ago and is still recovering in hospital, family and friends praying for a speedy recovery.

“In this day and age, it is very easy for people not to look to Christ for help,” she said. “But my son’s confirmation and the Year of Grace are times (to make) Christ the focus.”