The Eucharistic community at Lancing creates an opportunity for our pupils to experience and learn from the richness of the Christian tradition. On Sunday 21 April, 21 pupils were confirmed in the Lancing College Chapel at a whole school Eucharist.
Pupils have been attending weekly meetings last term to prepare for the confirmation thinking about questions such as: is there more to life; who is Jesus; why did Jesus die on the cross; what does it mean to have faith; what is prayer; how the Bible helps us on the Christian journey. The group has been co-led by Father Justin Pottinger and Mrs Emma Campbell, who kept the group supplied with doughnuts. It was beneficial to be joined by several pupils who had been previously confirmed as they participated and enriched discussions.
Halfway through the term the pupils had a retreat day, when they were joined by Rev Dr Janneke Blockland, the Chaplain of Hurstpierpoint College. Their focus for the day was the Holy Spirit, and they spent time talking, praying, drawing, being silent and eating s’mores. In the afternoon, pupils walked to Coombes Church along the river Adur, part of which was built in the 11th century, to celebrate the Eucharist before walking back to the College over the Downs.
We’ve had a wonderful group of 21 candidates who have been supportive of one another, asked challenging questions and been ready to share with one another the importance of their faith.
Tamilore A, Lower Sixth pupil, writes about his experience below,
“Confirmation has always been something I knew I wanted to explore, this new step allows me to fully confirm myself in the Church and allows me to explore the teachings of Christ and that we are called to emulate these qualities as confirmed candidates that allow us to become soldiers of Christ.
The Confirmation Process in Lancing is one of great accolades. I particularly enjoyed the Youth Alpha Sessions that shaped us to the people we now are. During these sessions, we touched on areas in our spiritual sojourn such as how to read the bible, how important Prayer is and the forgiving nature of our Lord God. Not only have I enjoyed these sessions, but they have also deepened my faith, as is something that is very important to me.
The process has unlocked new blessings in my life and these are part of things you get from a Lancing Education.
One advice I would give to Students is if you want to explore a relationship with God and see the many blessings He has in store for you, then Confirmation is that step that you need to take.”
Follow this link to learn more about the Christian Ethos at Lancing College.
