Brandon Parish Celebrates Confirmation Candidates

St Thomas of Canterbury Church in Brandon was filled with joy and thanksgiving on 22 June as Bishop Peter Collins celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation for 16 candidates from across the area.

Fourteen candidates from St Thomas of Canterbury Parish were joined by two candidates from St Dominic’s, Downham Market, accompanied by Fr Simon. Bishop Peter was joined at the Mass by Parish Priest Fr Anil Zachery.

The celebration marked the culmination of a 24-week programme of preparation, during which the young people explored their faith through prayer, Scripture, discussion and active participation in parish life.

Many of the candidates began the programme with questions about the meaning of Confirmation and their place within the Church. Over the course of six months, parish catechists witnessed a transformation as the candidates grew in confidence, deepened their relationship with Christ and embraced the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Their journey was reflected in their participation throughout the programme, as they engaged thoughtfully with one another, asked searching questions and developed a greater understanding of what it means to live as disciples of Christ.

Fr Anil expressed his gratitude following the celebration, giving thanks to God for “His abundant grace and for blessing this beautiful occasion”.

He also thanked Bishop Peter for presiding at the Mass and for sharing words of encouragement with the candidates and the wider congregation.

“His presence among us was a great blessing and a true sign of God’s love for our parish community,” Fr Anil said.

Tribute was also paid to the catechists, parents, sponsors, choir and parish volunteers who supported the candidates throughout their preparation and helped make the day such a memorable occasion.

While the Mass marked the completion of the formal preparation programme, parishioners were reminded that Confirmation is not an end point but the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith.

The newly confirmed were encouraged to continue living out their faith in their families, schools, workplaces and communities, guided by the wisdom, understanding, courage and love of the Holy Spirit.

The parish community continues to pray for all 16 candidates, giving thanks for their dedication and openness to God’s call, and looking forward to witnessing the many ways in which they will serve Christ and His Church in the years ahead.

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