This was the third annual diocesan preparation day, and the largest so far with participants gathered from St. Matthew’s, Abbotsford, St. David’s in Tsawwassen and a dozen parishes in between. After the discussion with Bishop Michael, adult and younger confirmands split into age groups for workshops. Rev. David Taylor and Phil Colvin introduced the young cohort to their gifts and talents through a spiritual examen and interactive prayer stations. Meanwhile, Rev. Chris Dierkes and Rev. Jessica Schaap worked alongside adults considering their hopes, fears and expectations for their own confirmation, reaffirmation or reception.
The day concluded with a Eucharist presided at by The Ven. Dr. Ellen Clark-King, designed to introduce aspects of the confirmation liturgy, as well as to offer reflections on the components of the liturgy in a typical Anglican Eucharist.
Confirmation services in 2013 take place at Christ Church Cathedral on consecutive Sundays, April 21st and 28th at 4pm
Images: Top, Bishop Michael speaking to the participants from notes on his iPad. Middle right, Youth using interactive prayer stations "Pla-Do Prayers." Lower left and homepage, Making Connections, interactive prayer station