11 young people & their parents arrived at Grangehurst, Buckfast Abbey, the weekend of 16th October for a retreat as part of their preparation for Confirmation –and what a weekend we had!

The theme of the weekend was ‘Fire & Water’ and the group explored elements of their own Baptism and looked towards Confirmation. The Holy Spirit was certainly present in the variety of activities for parents and the Confirmandi, which ranged from an interview with Brother Christopher about life at the Abbey, to an awareness walk, to the making of a chasuble for Bishop Christopher to wear at the Confirmation on the 5th May.

Bishop Christopher joined the young people and chatted with them during one of their breaks. It was a lovely opportunity for them to meet him so early on in their formation and his encouragement to them was indeed a blessing.

I would like to thank all the parents for bringing their children, for staying with them, joining us for the Sunday morning Mass and for supporting them on their journey. The facilitators from Holy Ghost & St Peter, Prince of the Apostles, who helped me were wonderful and I am deeply grateful for their support. Mostly I would like to thank the young people themselves whose openness and life is a joy to share.

The weekend culminated in the celebration of Mass which the young people had had a part in preparing.

Parishioners will have the opportunity to see some photographs of the weekend and on Youth Sunday on Sunday 20th November, many of them will be at the 11.00am Mass where you will all have the chance to meet them and encourage them personally.