On Saturday 25th April 2026, 35 youngsters from OLSD were part of a group of 104 candidates who were confirmed at St John’s Cathedral by Bishop Philip. Parishes from North East Hampshire Pastoral Area (OLSD, Our Lady Help of Christians Farnborough, Aldershot, Fleet & Church Crookham,Yateley & Hartley Wintney), Bordon, Alton and the Isle of Wight came together to provide an amazing, spirit-filled service. Choir members from both OLSD and Fleet led the singing during the Mass ably accompanied on the Cathedral organ by our very own gifted organist Johann Diaz. There were many compliments on the singing by those who attended, and the wonderful animation provided by our very own Kevin Moturi, who led the choir so superbly.
Our Catechists helped to steward the Mass and aid the celebration by reading, singing and altar serving too; such a great group effort to make this Mass as special as possible for all our Confirmands.
Here is what our Co-Ordinating Catechist Michelle Friend had to say about the service:
“The Confirmation Mass was such a vibrant and spiritual Mass full of beautiful singing and praise. I felt like a very proud mum watching all our candidates receive the gift of the Holy Spirit from Bishop Philip and I felt so thankful that I was able to be a part of the journey with our confirmands. It made all the work organising the service so very worth it for such an amazing celebration.”
We then followed up this celebration with our parish Going Forth Mass on Sunday 21st June 2026. During this service, the Confirmands led the reading, offertory, welcoming and collection in yet another joyous and spirit-filled Mass. Even the heatwave could not stop the church being full of parishioners to show their support for our youngsters. At the end of the Mass, all our Confirmands received their Certificate and a small gift of a Rosary to remember their journey during the programme and to help them continue their journey into their faith as they go forth.
After Mass, a vibrant celebration took place in the Church Hall with food, music, cake and games of table tennis and tabletop football. It was so lovely to see the hall filled with so many youngsters and their families enjoying the party, socialising and just having fun.
Sincere thanks to all our Catechists for their time and effort preparing the Confirmands for their Confirmation, to the Confirmands for their willingness to engage wholeheartedly with the programme and their parents for their support during the journey. A special thanks to Sharon and the Social Ministry for all their help providing food not just for the celebration, but during the retreat days and refreshments during the sessions.
Last, but by certainly no means least, a special thank you to Fr Anthony for his continued support during this sacramental programme. This programme would not have been possible without his guidance and support not only to the Catechists, but to the Confirmands and parents as well. Thank you for everything you have done for us all, it is so very gratefully appreciated.
