Two Sundays ago (6th October) Bishop Peter Wheatley - retired Bishop of Edmonton and one of the bishops of the Society of S. Wilfrid and S. Hilda - was with us for the Confirmation and First Holy Communion of seven of our parish family. It was a wonderful Mass with great singing and fervent prayer. Bishop Peter preached on the "rivers of living water" to which Jesus had likened the Holy Spirit, flowing from the hearts of his people into the lives of those around us (John 7:37-39).
Those confirmed prayed this prayer each day during the week beforehand in preparation for this great moment. It expresses well the openness of heart the Lord seeks in all his people:
Father God, help me to be ready for your Holy Spirit to be poured into my heart when I am confirmed. Make me strong in your love; so that I will be able to reach out to those who feel that life has no meaning. Help me to be gentle in sharing with those who are lonely or sad. Whether I live to old age or die young, whatever plan you have for my life, help me to have a firm trust in your wonderful promises. Help me to love you with all my heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love those you send into my life. May your Holy Spirit help me to be brave enough and strong enough to continue the journey I am beginning. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Please continue to pray for those who received their "personal Pentecost" that day: Louise (standing next to Bishop Peter), then in the front row: Phill, Jessica, Jaime-Louise, Tamilore, Blossom, and Oskar. (Click on the photo to enlarge it.)
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