On the day of Pentecost the Church was made made manifest to the world. In a supreme act of God’s mercy, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the Church. Through the Church, and the work of the Holy Spirit within in, the salvific work of Christ is continued through the ages.
In the Sacrament of Confirmation – which is ministered to those who have already been baptised – the gift of the Holy Spirit is bestowed; the same Spirit that was promised by Christ the Lord and poured out upon the apostles at Pentecost. The gift of the Holy Spirit conforms believers more fully to Christ for the building up of the Church in faith and love.
For the last few months, in ceremonies of great joy, Bishop William Crean has been bestowing on the gift of the Holy Spirit to the young faithful around our diocese. The following photos capture some moments from these ceremonies.

Bishop William Crean with the Fleming family, Castlemartyr (parish of Imogeela). Twin joy in this family!

Bishop William with the Joyce family (Castlemartyr, Parish of Imogeela) in Sacred Heart Church, Mogeely.
In line with policy, the names of children have been withheld. Permission for showing of photos has been received from parents.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit:
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.
Amen.
(St Augustine)
Confirmation Dates 2016 (all presided by Bishop William Crean)
FEBRUARY
Grenagh 16th Tuesday
Mitchelstown 17th Wednesday
Midleton 23rd Tuesday
Aghada 24th Wednesday
Ballymacoda 25th Thursday
Carrigtwohill 26th Friday
MARCH
Cloyne 1st Tuesday
Imogeela 2nd Wednesday
Youghal 3rd Thursday
Churchtown 15th Tuesday
APRIL
Buttevant 5th Tuesday
Charleville 6th Wednesday
Killavullen 8th Friday
Cobh 9th Saturday (Two Ceremonies)
Mallow 12th Tuesday
Shandrum 13th Wednesday
Castlemagner 14th Thursday
Glantane 19th Tuesday
Kanturk 20th Wednesday
Newmarket 21st Thursday
Aghabullogue 26th Tuesday
Aghinagh 27th Wednesday
Blarney 28th Thursday (Two Ceremonies)
MAY
Cill na Martra 3rd Tuesday
Donoughmore 4th Wednesday
Inniscarra 10th Tuesday (Two Ceremonies)
Macroom 11th Wednesday
Castlelyons 12th Thursday
Fermoy 17th Tuesday
Glanworth 18th Wednesday
Kildorrery 19th Thursday
Kilworth 24th Tuesday
Rathcormac 25th Wednesday