Ninety-two parishioners get sacrament of confirmation

NINETY-TWO Catholics in Madang town received the sacrament of confirmation earlier in this month.
Most of the recipients were students from Holy Spirit Primary School.
Others were from educational institutions including Divine Word University.
The confirmation of the 92 came after 109 students received the sacrament of the eucharist (holy communion) last month.
Madang Archbishop Stephen Reichert (OFM Cap) administered the sacrament of confirmation during mass at the Holy Spirit Cathedral.
Reichert was assisted by diocesan priests Fr Boniface Mom and Fr Anton Gambu and DWU chaplain Fr Romeo Yadao (SVD). Incoming Archbishop of Madang Anton Bal also witnessed the occasion.
During his homily, Reichert encouraged the 92 Catholics to commit themselves to their faith.
He urged them to take the conformation seriously and nourish their Christian life by attending mass regularly and participating in Church activities.
Reichert said attending mass was a major part of their faith and it was also important to stay connected to the Catholic teachings and the church and not be distracted by outside influences.
The sacrament of confirmation reaffirms the Christian faith of a baptized Catholic.
Confirmation comes after the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist (holy communion).
Together, the three form the sacraments of initiation of a Christian in the Catholic faith.
In total, the Catholic Church administers seven sacraments.
The other sacraments are reconciliation (commonly called Confession), anointing of the sick or dying (last rites), matrimony (marriage) and holy orders (ordination into the priesthood).