Taking the next step in faith

Wells Cathedral was filled with joy and celebration this weekend as 84 people were confirmed and four were baptised. Family, friends, sponsors and church communities travelled to Wells to celebrate this special moment in their journeys of faith.

Bishop Michael, Bishop Fiona and Honorary Assistant Bishop Trevor, who conducted the confirmations, welcomed everyone, saying, “We feel very honoured that so many people from so many parishes and schools have decided they want to be here today to make this very public confession of Christian faith.”

Baptism marks the beginning of a person’s journey in the Christian faith and their welcome into the Church. During baptism, water is used as a sign of new life in Christ.

At confirmation, people affirm the promises made at their baptism and publicly declare their commitment to following Jesus. During the service, the bishop prays for each candidate and lays hands on their head, asking God to strengthen them through the Holy Spirit.

One candidate reflected on their decision to be confirmed, saying, “I was initially drawn to Christ, following a spiritual experience that drastically altered my path and blessed me with a second chance at life.

“The more I turned to God, to faith for stability and strength, the more I began to become the man God intended, the more I was able to face life successfully. To be a present husband and father. I became willing to turn all of me over to God. To serve Him and live a life with Christ at the centre.”

Addressing those gathered, Bishop Michael said, “Today is your opportunity to make your own choice. To say for yourself:

“‘I want to follow Jesus Christ. I want to walk with him. This is my commitment. This is how I am going to choose to live and be in the years to come.’

“And we are so proud of you for taking this step. It is an absolute joy to be with you, to see your faith in action, to witness your desire to follow Jesus and to live out that faith in practical, everyday ways.”

The service at Wells Cathedral follows the confirmation of four people by Bishop Fiona at St John’s Church, Frome, at the end of October.

We pray for all those who were confirmed and baptised as they continue their journeys of faith, and for the churches and communities supporting them.