On Easter Eve this year, a special service was held at Guildford Cathedral where 26 people were confirmed. 4 were also baptised!
The Easter liturgy represents the passing from darkness to light, as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the grave, and worshippers acknowledge the new life they receive through him. The Easter Vigil was from early Christian times, a preferred occasion for baptism, symbolising death to sin and rebirth in Christ. It is also fittingly a time when those who are already Christians may make for themselves with renewed commitment the promises made, often on their behalf, at their baptism.
Many of those who were baptised or confirmed were young people, with the youngest being 12-years-old and the oldest, aged 66.
The candidates were gathered from the following churches in the Diocese-
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Emmanuel Church, Stoughton
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St. Nicholas, Alfold and St. John the Baptist, Loxwood
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St. Mary the Virgin, Send
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St. Mary Magdalen, Ripley with All Saints, Ockham with Hatchford
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St. Michael’s Chapel, Downside
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Christ Church and St. John the Baptist, Cove
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St. Francis, Westborough and St. Clare’s Church, Park Barn
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St. Andrew, Oxshott
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St. Nicholas, Compton
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St. James, Abinger Common Guildford Cathedral
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Holy Trinity, Aldershot
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St. Paul, Tongham
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St. Peter’s Shared Church, Stoke Hill, Guildford
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St. Mary, Long Ditton
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Christ Church, Esher
Bishop Paul presided, and Bishop Andrew preached at the service.
Among those baptised and confirmed, were stories about overcoming adversity and the hope they now have from believing and trusting in Jesus.
Jacqueline Panchard from St. Francis, Westborough and St. Clare’s Church said she made her commitment to God following the birth of her only surviving child, whose life was a miracle.
14-year-old James from St James’s Church in Abinger Hammer wanted to be confirmed to send a message to his peers that it’s ok to be open about your faith.
Edyn-Faye, also 14-years-old from St Nicholas' Church, Compton said her belief in God was triggered by being saved by a stranger from being hit by a car.
The service ended with ‘The Sending Out’, when the candidates were given candles as a symbol of the light of Christ in their lives, which they should share with others, and the triumphant singing of ‘Alleluia, Christ is risen’.
More information on baptisms and confirmations can be found here.