Under the ministry of the Rt. Rev. Bishop L. Errol Brooks, on Sunday morning, August 23rd, eighteen young people — nine males and nine females — were confirmed in the Christian faith at the St. Augustine’s Anglican Church in East End. They had been attending confirmation classes for the past two years, or so, with the intention to be spiritually prepared for Sunday’s significant event.
The service began as Bishop Brooks summoned the congregation into the singing of a confirmation song. The song portrayed words pertinent to the Act of Confirmation — invoking the Holy Spirit to envelop in the truth of Christ those who would be confirmed: “Holy Spirit come confirm us in the truth that Christ makes known. We have faith and understanding through your helping gifts alone.”
From the prayer book the Right Reverend read: “In baptism we became members of Christ, children of the heavenly Father, and inheritors together of the Kingdom. This was the work of God who adopted us as His Children and made us members of the family of God. We are to continue to grow in grace and in faith, to worship in the family, and to respond to the living Word.
“With the laying on of hands in confirmation, the indwelling Spirit enlightens, frees, transforms and sanctifies those who in baptism were made God’s children. Let us, therefore, pray that those who now come for confirmation may be strengthened by the power of the Holy Spirit and that they may live in righteousness and true holiness all their days.”
In his sermon for the occasion, Bishop Brooks sought to encourage the candidates to be faithful to the promises made on they behalf during their infant baptisms, and to be true to the trust of leading lives that are devoted to Christ. He reminded them: “It is your duty to be in the Lord’s house on the Lord’s day, around the Lord’s table, partaking of the Lord’s body and blood.” “That is your duty,” he stressed. “Whether you are in Anguilla or elsewhere, you should seek the House of the Lord.”
The Right Rev. Brooks made special recognition of one devout member of the church, Mrs. Ingrid Lake, who had worked diligently in preparing the candidates. Throughout the years, she had voluntarily served in teaching and lecturing them in preparation for confirmation. Bishop Brooks paid special commendation to her selfless service and esteemed stewardship. He thanked her passionately, while the congregation joined in with hearty applause.
Then, in mentioning the interest and responsibility of the parents, guardians and sponsors, the Right Reverend tasked them with a charge to keep: “I remind you,” he said, “that today is not the end of the journey, but it is just one juncture in the spiritual road. You are to continue to encourage these young people in their walk with Christ.”
All of the candidates who were confirmed were first baptised as infants. The Act of Confirmation, therefore – through the laying on of the Bishop’s hands – is the sealing of Christianity through baptism.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
