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The parish helps the pupils and parents to celebrate Confirmation with three visits to the Church during the school year, Confirmation is the Second Baptism. Now the pupil understands the language of Baptism and is able to make choices in life. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Leader uses a life-size baby doll to dramatise a Baptism Tour (See Baptism at new life time and welcome). Even the boys volunteer to hold the "baby" for christening. The Leader begins at The Door - every pupil touches the baby with a welcome blessing. They - the community - carry the baby in procession to the Baptism Font and Altar. They focus on the Jesus story from the Bible. They see and smell the Perfumed Oils. They listen to the flowing water of the Font that symbolizes a womb and God's Spirit. They rehearse the Christ Candle celebration. They see the different White Caps and Shawls. Godparents hold the baby for the final blessing The second visit of the pupils is to the Stations of the Cross in the Church. The Leader organises two or three pupils to stand at each Station. The Leader goes to each Station asking the pupils to name the Station and then bow a head in respect. Sometimes a Leader will select a station or two, saying that the Fifth Station helps me because it is about a young man Simon who was caught up in trouble and was forced to help a Criminal carry his Cross - thats how the Simon Community began - or the Sixth station encourages me - A brave young girl helps to wipe the wounded face or Jesus in spite of laughing and booying in a bullying fashion. The Third visit to the church is about ways of Praying. Each pupil sits alone at the edge of a seat. The Leader says that in life we are often on our own - but we are never alone - God's spirit is in every heart. The Leader then puts on display items that help us to pray - Rosary rings, Rosary beads, Rosary cards, Crucifixes, Medals, Badges, Folding Stations of the Cross, Angel Pins, Perfume Oil, Sacred Stone, Incense sticks, Candles, a Gospel book, a Koran, Icons, Madonnas and Angel Healing Cards. One pupil picked a card from the pack which read ROMANCE. There was great joy reading the accompanying booklet about the blessing of Romance. |


