On Sunday 28 September, our parish community gathered in joyful celebration as 37 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The ceremony was presided over by Rt Rev John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, and brought together families and parishioners from the Parishes of St Michael & St Bernadette’s Whitefield and St Mary & St Philip Neri, Radcliffe.

In his homily, Bishop John offered a heartfelt invitation to the newly confirmed—and to the wider parish—to make faith a central part of life. “Make faith important to you in your life,” he said. “You will be different because you will have the Holy Spirit in your life.”

He spoke of the first Pentecost and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, encouraging the young people to embrace the Holy Spirit’s guidance, step by step, and to discover the fulfilment and happiness that faith brings.

The Bishop also called the parish community to renew its commitment to Christ: “May we be an example for our young people, as we recommit ourselves to what we are as Christians in the love of Christ.”

Drawing on St Paul’s image of the Church as one body, Bishop John reminded us that “we need the gifts and the diversity among us to build up our Christian community and make a real difference in the world we live in.”

The celebration marked a significant milestone for 26 candidates from St Michael & St Bernadette’s and 11 from St Mary & St Philip Neri, Radcliffe. Each young person stepped forward to affirm their faith, surrounded by the prayerful support of their families and parish.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Fr Steven, our catechists, families, and all who helped prepare our young people for this wonderful sacrament. 

May the Holy Spirit continue to guide our newly confirmed—and all of us—as we walk together in faith, hope, and love.