Candidates' Experiences 2011

At our Confirmation Celebration Party candidates shared their experience with the gathering at St Francis Xavier Hall. 

Melissa Skibola

Good afternoon, for those of you who do not already know me, my name is Melissa Skibola.  I am in year 6 at Cammeray Public School.  This year being my last year of primary school has gone really quickly.  I cannot believe it is nearly over.  It has been an incredibly busy year for me with

• Loads of homework
• Big projects at school like our Night of Notables
• School Representative Council Duties
• Taking care of our first puppy
• Club netball grand finals to be won!!
• Finding a high school to attend

And last but by no means least my Confirmation.

My mum was our group leader, so that was good for me as it gave me extra time to talk over anything we had discussed in our group.  Ours was an all girls group, and surprisingly we were really quiet.  We must have been a bit shy but that probably worked in our favour too, as we didn’t stress mum out, she was really relaxed!  The four lessons went quickly and then it was time to attend the confirmation gathering at St Francis Xavier and receive our stoles.    I enjoyed decorating my stole and will keep it forever as a memory of my confirmation.

It did not seem long until the day of my sacrament arrived.  We attended the 6pm service here at Lavender Bay.  I was a little nervous at first but as soon as the mass started I calmed down.  I really did enjoy the Confirmation Mass.  I was very proud to stand there in front of my friends and family and proclaim my dedication to my church and my faith.  It was the first time in my 12 years that I really felt in control of my decision to belong to the Catholic Faith.  It was not just my parents guiding me, but the decision was coming from within me.

I felt very close to Jesus that day, taking part in a beautiful ceremony, in a beautiful church in a mass being led by the Bishop.  I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit filling the entire congregation, not just me.  My job now is to use those gifts given to me to help me become the best person I can possibly be.  I hope in the years to come my parents, teachers, friends and family are rewarded with the fruits of those gifts.

My experience of my confirmation ceremony was truly a positive one.  It has helped me finish off a huge year on high note and given me the energy and spirit to help at home when my parents needed it the most.  Thank you, may the lord be with you always, and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Siobhan Bennett

Before I start, I would just like to thank Edwin for inviting me to speak today.

My name is Siobhan and I finish year 6 at North Sydney Dem this year. Edwin and Ms Vega have taught me so much over the years to prepare me for my confirmation. I am very lucky to have had them help me all the way.

My confirmation group with Fiona was also a lovely experience. I learnt a lot about this Sacrament - it was heaps of fun and very special. It was nice to share this experience with such lovely people.

On 27 November, I was confirmed into the Holy Catholic Church at St Mary’s with approximately 100 other children. It was a beautiful day for many different reasons. The church was glowing and you could feel the atmosphere buzzing. It was an amazing experience to be blessed by the Bishop and the Parish Priest.

What made my confirmation really special was that I was given confirmation Rosary Beads by my family, and was lucky enough to have the Bishop bless them for me. My family, Godparents and Godsisters were very excited and proud. It was great to see Richard, my godfather, as we hadn't seen him in a while. We finished the day with pizza, pasta and gelato - a perfect day all round!

My confirmation was a time to reflect on my relationship with God and the strength of my family. I feel very blessed and privileged being a part of this Sacrament. It was a great day! Thank you