A Confirmation service to remember

 Saturday 7th November was the date set for Richard, Heather and Mercedes to be confirmed  at
Salisbury Cathedral during the Baptism and Confirmation service in All Saintstide. Friends and family arrived for a rehearsal and in time to see the Cathedral 'glowing' from the setting sun. We were given a very warm welcome by the Dean and then candidates and their sponsors started their rehearsal while the rest of us went off for tea, a viewing of the Magna Carta and a little explanation about the service and what would be happening. We then all met up again and there was an expectant buzz about the place.
The service began in darkness and with a reading from Isaiah 43:1-3a,6b-7. We all sang the Taize chant 'Veni sancta Spiritus' as Genesis1:1-3 was read. It was all very atmospheric. After the candidates for baptism and confirmation were presented, they moved to the magnificent font where the baptisms took place. Everyone then moved on towards the spire crossing where those to be confirmed were presented to one of the three bishops.The congregation was encouraged to move through the cathedral with the clergy and candidates.

At the end of the service the west end doors were opened and everyone followed the Bishops outside onto the steps of the cathedral. The night was clear and dry and there were distant fireworks exploding into the sky. Here we were able to group with all the people who had come to support from the Benefice - what a great turn out!

I think everyone would agree it had been a wonderful service.

 

 One added bonus - Alan and I, Richard and Tina - were some of the last to leave through the open West Doors - it was awesome to stand in the empty cathedral!