“Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit” Acts 8:17
Acts 8:17
“The gift of the Spirit is communicated through the laying on of hands and anointing with sacred chrism. Saint Paul sheds lights on the meaning of these sacramental signs when he says that “God… has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts” (2 Cor 1:21-22). Sealed with the Holy Spirit, we are configured more closely to Christ and strengthened to bear witness to him in our world.”
Pope Francis, General Audience, May 2018
These past months have provided an opportunity to reflect on the formation of our young people who wish to live as disciples of Christ and be strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We have decided that this formation will take the form of the following six sessions or “encounters” with Christ (dates to be confirmed):
Our young men and women will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Alan Williams Mass on Wednesay September 10th (time tbc) 2025
This formation is for young men and women who are Year 12 + and resident in the parish. The expectation would be that our young people would participate fully in all six formation encounters.
Do you want a personal encounter with Christ? Do you want to strengthen your faith by receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Do you want to live your Catholic faith as a young adult with increased commitment and joy? Do you want to be with other young people who also desire these things? If so, please pick up a registration form at the Church entrances and return it to Clergy House before Sunday 7th July.
The Holy Spirit is God’s great gift to us. It is Christ who fills us with his Spirit and makes us sharers of his own life and mission, in accordance to God’s saving plan. Christian witness is doing what the Spirit asks of us
We receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner with great emphasis given to the person of Jesus Christ, who asked the Father to give the Holy Spirit to the Church for building up the community in loving service. In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is “sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit” and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
Each year we have the great joy of celebrating the commitment of our young people as they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Our Confirmation preparation is for young men and women who are presently in year 11. It allows them to reflect on their own relationship with God and to explore with other young people some of the questions they may have about their faith.
The preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation 2024-25 has now begun.
In December 1917, at the invitation of Fr O’Grady, the Sisters of Mercy, opened their convent in Cambridge Park, the stables being converted into a temporary Church.
Later, the foundation stone of Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead was blessed by Arthur Doubleday, the then Bishop of Brentwood, in July 1927.
The Church has been sustained by the people of God here in Wanstead for 100 years. Long may the faith continue to grow and thrive here.
Photos used are copyright and property of Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead and Greg Gumbrell
© 2024 Our Lady of Lourdes | Privacy Policy
