Pastoral Area 3

We recently spent an evening with young people from Pastoral Area 3 in St Mark’s Primary School. We had two groups on the evening made up of those from years 7-9 and those in years 10-12, so it was an interesting time with the primary school size chairs. We spent the evening exploring a number of aspects that make up the Sacrament of confirmation including Sponsors, Confirmation names, Gifts of the Spirit and what will actually happen on the night, including what to wear which was obviously very important to the girls especially. It was a fun evening inside although a cold night outside so thanks to all those who were there and we wish them all the best on their Spirit filled evening.

St George’s, Maghull

We spent two evening’s with the young people of St George’s, the first with those in years 7 to 9 and the second with year 10 and 11’s. On both nights we explored the theme from the Acts of the Apostles - ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses’. Both groups had a chance to think about the gifts of the Spirit received at confirmation, and how we can use them in our everyday lives. With games, drama, film clips and prayer, both nights were fun for all involved.

St Patrick’s, Toxteth

It was great to be welcomed back to St Patrick’s this year to work with the confirmation candidates of 2011. Although we only had a short time together, we had a chance to explore what affect the Fruits and Gifts of the spirit can have on our lives if we use them in the correct way. We wish them all the best in their confirmation celebration this month.

St Teresa’s, Upholland

Our day with a large group from St Teresa’s had the theme ‘You will receive power when the Spirit comes upon you and you will be my witnesses’. The day looked at the gifts and fruits of the spirit and explored the thoughts and feelings the group had about starting their confirmation journey. This was done through a number of engaging activities with full group participation with fun and games to work out what the gifts and fruits are and what they mean to us in confirmation.

Widnes Pastoral Area

We spent two Saturdays in May with around 70 guys and girls from Widnes at St Peter and Paul’s school. One day focussed on the gifts of the spirit allowing in small groups to explore one of the gifts each and sharing that knowledge with the rest of the group through a presentation with art or drama. The second day explored the sacrament of reconciliation and how important reconciliation is in our lives. The day finished with an opportunity to receive the sacrament as we held a service involving many of the local clergy.

Leigh Pastoral Area

It was great to welcome a small group from Leigh to explore how we can be witnesses of our faith to the world. We also looked at the different gifts of the Spirit, exploring what they are and how we can use them in our everyday lives. The day finished by taking part in a series of prayer stations to reflect on the day and the weeks leading up to their confirmation.

Isle of Man

We had the chance to work with confirmation candidates on the Isle of Man again this year. The team (minus Woody) travelled over and arrived late Friday evening, but still managed to take a stroll along Douglas sea front to see the Tower of Refuge on St Mary’s Isle lit up.
Saturday afternoon gave us the chance to explore the Isle as we travelled to Castletown to have a little walk around the old capital as well as visiting Cregneash, a small village that preserves the old Manx life with its thatched roof cottages and farming methods – and we also got to see a Manx cat or two!
It was a short trip though, as we were soon returning to Liverpool very early on the Sunday morning, but it was a nice break with some lovely people from the Isle of Man.

West Warrington

It was a great day spent with the guys and gals from West Warrington. We welcomed them to Lowe House to explore ‘The Gifts of the Spirit’ using many different activities involving film clips, discussion, and presentations and more. There was also a chance to learn some sign language to music that was to be used at the confirmation celebration a few days later. The day ended with a reconciliation service which was a great opportunity to receive the sacrament before confirmation. Congratulations to you all on your recent Confirmation.

St Teresa’s, St Helens

After working with the group at Lowe House before the summer, we had the opportunity to head to the parish and spend another evening with them. We explored the quote of Acts 1:8 taking a closer look at the Gifts of the Spirit and how we can use them to go out and be witnesses. Looking at the idea from Spiderman of ‘with great power comes great responsibility’ we explored how each of the gifts could help us be a Holy Spirit Superhero (even getting to design own costumes and handy gadgets!). It was a great evening and we wish the group all the best in their forthcoming confirmation.

Holy Family High School, Thornton

We welcomed the guys and girls from Holy Family for a confirmation retreat day exploring the theme of Acts 1:8 ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses’. The day involved group activities with games, posters and Holy Spirit cocktails, as well as personal reflections and prayer. Everyone had a great day and it was sad to say goodbye to our last school group of the year. We all wish you well on your Confirmation and as with everyone, will keep you in our prayers.

St Anne’s and St Elizabeth’s, Ormskirk

The day with the guys and girls from Ormskirk explored the theme ‘The World and Me. What Are My Values?’ The day helped everyone to think more deeply about our lives and who as well as what is important to each of us. The day had many activities going on with film clips, an election game, discussions, posters and dramas. The day culminated with a reconciliation service for the group which was a special time for everyone.

East Warrington

The day with the candidates of the parishes from East Warrington explored the theme ‘But You Will Receive Power When The Holy Spirit Comes On You; And You Will Be My Witnesses’. The day explored the affect Confirmation will have on the lives of the candidates and how that can help us to be witnesses. There was also a chance to explore further what it is to be a witness. The day was fun-packed full of activities but ended in a more chilled atmosphere as the group were given an opportunity to spend time praying some prayer stations laid out along the long corridors of Lowe House!

St Philomena’s

The day was spent with the Altar Servers from St
Philomena’s looking at their role in the church and the power in them as disciples of Christ. The theme of the day was taken from Timothy’s words ‘Do not let anyone make you feel like you are unimportant because you are young, instead be an example to others in your actions, your words, your faith, your love and your pure life’. The day involved lots of different activities starting with building churches out of newspaper, leading to discussions and activities based around the scripture of the theme and vocations, then moving onto film clips and dramas, the day finishing with prayer stations to bring the whole day together. It was a fun filled day enjoyed by all!