These words, which the Bishop addressed to the whole congregation on the feast of Christ the King, remind us that whatever else we say about confirmation, it is an event which takes place within a community of faith. Candidates approach confirmation with their own personal questions, reasons and expectations. The one thing they have in common is that confirmation is the continuation of the journey faith begun in baptism.

In baptism we become members of the body of Christ, trusting in God for our growth in faith. From that moment on experience, circumstances, relationships and our engagement with the Christian community all contribute to our spiritual journey. Sometimes we have a strong sense of God's presence and purpose in our lives; sometimes we wrestle with challenges and doubts. Throughout, it is the Holy Spirit who guides and sustains us.

In confirmation, we celebrate together - as God's people - the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We celebrate with those being confirmed the reality of life lived within the love of God.

It has been a tremendous privilege to share with candidates (from St. James' and All Saints') this particular stage of their journey in faith. I was delighted and encouraged by the sheer enthusiasm of our young people as they prepared for confirmation. Whether we were talking about the Bible, prayer, the Eucharist, living as a Christian or our understanding of God, they continually came back to the importance of the church community. Similarly, our adult classes were grounded in a sense of fellowship as we reflected together on our experience of God, of our hopes, challenges and commitments. It was a wonderful opportunity to share together something of our spiritual journey and to deepen our understanding.

In the confirmation service, the Bishop addresses each candidate personally: God has called you by name and made you his own. He then prays that they will be confirmed by the Spirit who has called them. And so their journey continues - with us.

We are all transformed day-by-day by the same Spirit. We all share in the same spiritual food in the Eucharist. Together we are the body of Christ in our community. Let us be refreshed and encouraged by those newly confirmed as we continue to profess together the faith of the Church in our lives."

Source: Julie Gittoes, The Spire Magazine - 2007 January