Faith Journeys Reflections from Our New Confirmed

We congratulate nineteen members of our community who were baptised and confirmed or received into the Church this Easter.

Catherine (Merryn)  

I am deeply grateful for the guidance, kindness, and support I received from everyone involved in the RCIA program. It was a truly enriching experience to explore the Bible readings and delve into the Catechism, which helped prepare me for this beautiful new chapter in my life. Our parish is filled with some of the warmest and most caring people I've ever met, and their encouragement has meant so much to me on my journey to baptism. I'm especially thankful to Fr. John and Fr. Evarist for their time and patience. Since being received into the Catholic Church, I've experienced a profound peace and joy in my heart — something I never knew was possible. This has truly been the best decision of my life. To anyone seeking deeper meaning and purpose, I wholeheartedly encourage you to come and see! 

Anne (Sponsor and Helpers)  

It was a wonderful opportunity for myself as a helper to share in the  candidates’ journey to joining the community of the Annunciation Parish. Their love and joy at receiving the sacraments permeated the atmosphere.

Catherine Laboure (Sarah)  

I have received so much support on my journey to being received for full communion in the Catholic faith. It has been informative, at times challenging, but overall enlightening. Everyone facilitating and participating in the RCIA course has been welcoming and non judgemental. I have really enjoyed the journey of discovery and becoming part of the Catholic family. 

Cecilia (Catechist)

Having been in the UK for three years, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue assisting with the catechumenate in the parish, nurturing new Catholics. Walking alongside the catechumens and accompanying them on their journey of faith truly depends on God's guidance. Baptism is not the end, but the beginning. Faith is a lifelong commitment. I hope that the new Catholics will continue to actively participate in Mass, engage in parish activities, frequently receive the sacraments, and together experience the grace of the Lord.

Joseph (Vincent) & Alice (Shadow)

信仰耶蘇基督，是我們一家的決定，當由我們為大兒子選讀天主教幼稚園開始。移居英國後，很高興從認識第一個家庭帶領之下來到這個教會。這裏的感覺很好，很舒服，不會有壓迫感。

不知道是不是神的安排，兩三個月之後，我們一家總算是安定下來，我們參加彌撒時就知道很快會有RCIA，有機會更加了解這個信仰。

還記得導師Pat在第一堂第一個分享，她個人希望有朝一日所有基督徒都是天主教徒。但最令我深感震撼的是，當她解釋約瑟聽到聖靈的說話去埃及時。她說：「你們可能都是因為相信，所以移民英國」。

另一方面，我們很難想像一個五歲和一兩歲的小孩子，可能安安靜靜地上完整個彌撒，也沒有搗蛋地完成所有RCIA。事實上他們做到了。

可以說一路上我們深深感受到神的陪伴與帶領。當受浸的那一刻來臨，我深刻體會到神無比的恩典與愛，讓我真正明白什麼是真正的平安與滿足。

我感謝神賜下這份恩典，也盼望能將這份平安與喜悅分享給你們。願我們都能在神的愛中同行，經歷祂的豐盛祝福。

Believing in Jesus Christ was a decision made by our whole family, beginning when we chose to enrol our eldest son in a Catholic kindergarten. After moving to the UK, we were delighted to be introduced to this church by the first family we got to know here. The atmosphere felt welcoming and comfortable—never overwhelming or pressured.

Looking back, it almost feels as though it was all part of God's plan. Just two or three months after settling in, we found some stability as a family, and around that time, we heard during Mass that the RCIA programme would be starting soon—an opportunity for us to deepen our understanding of the faith.

I still remember our catechist Pat’s very first sharing in the first session. She said that, personally, she hoped that one day all Christians would be Catholics. But what struck me the most was when she described how Joseph responded to the Holy Spirit’s message and fled to Egypt. She said, “Perhaps you, too, moved to the UK because of your faith.”

On a practical level, we could hardly imagine how a five-year-old and a toddler could sit quietly through an entire Mass—let alone make it through the entire RCIA process without causing a fuss. Yet, by God’s grace, they did.

Throughout the journey, we have truly felt God’s presence and guidance. When the moment of baptism came, I experienced God’s immense grace and love in a profound way. It gave me a deep sense of peace and fulfilment that I had never known before.

I am grateful to God for this gift and hope to share that same peace and joy with you. May we all walk together in God’s love and continue to experience His abundant blessings.

Luke (Ciao)  

很高興自己在教會及導師的幫忙下終於接受領洗，在這個慕道班裏認識到很多教友和導師.很多謝每一位的付出。在領洗的當晚其實有一點緊張，但當想到接受領洗時會將過往所犯的錯被天主赦免，感覺像所有的事情都重新開始。

I’m very grateful to have finally received baptism, with the support of the Church and our catechists. Through the RCIA programme, I’ve come to know many fellow parishioners and mentors, and I truly appreciate everything each person has contributed.

I was a little nervous on the evening of the baptism, but when I thought about how my past sins would be forgiven by God through the sacrament, it felt like a fresh start—as though everything in life was beginning anew.

Mark (Kirk)   

I am truly grateful to have completed my baptism under God's guidance. This day holds deep meaning for me, marking the beginning of my new journey of faith as a child of God.

During my preparation, I faced difficulties due to a back injury, which at times made me feel helpless. However, many brothers and sisters in the parish showed me great care — praying for me and offering help without hesitation. Their warmth and support gave me the strength to persevere and allowed me to truly experience how God's love flows through the people around us.

I am deeply thankful to the parish and all the catechists for their continuous guidance and encouragement. Moving forward, I will strive to grow in faith and live out the love and hope that God has given me.

Sylvia

In the past, I believed in God, and it is no doubt on God’s love and salvation. However, I had the impressions on Catholics that all teachings are bounded by rigid rules and very formal as well as so many statues. It stopped me to step in more. 

Over ten years later, it is so amazing that God brings me and my family to join the Catholic community in UK and even my family are baptised in April 2025. Through the teachings from RCIA helpers at Holy Spirit Church and supporting from sponsors/godparents, it makes me more understanding on Catholics. I reacquaint myself with faith in Catholic church. 

When Fr John anointed me with the oil of salvation, I felt my shoulder and head were warm and my headache was gone. I experienced the healing from God. I kept on praying before baptism and I trust that it is the path which God has already planned for me and my family.

After baptism, I have peace in my heart and will continue to work hard to walk through the faith journey together with my family.             

Zechariah (Ben)  

Having just been baptised, my heart is filled with gratitude and joy.

I decided to begin this journey of faith because my wife and son had already become Catholics, and I hoped to grow together with them spiritually. This desire to walk with my family in faith became the first step that led me closer to God.

During the catechumenate, I felt truly blessed to be able to attend classes with a big group of friends who, like me, had come from Hong Kong to the UK. We shared our thoughts, encouraged each other, and created a warm and supportive environment. What touched me most was learning about Jesus’ teaching to “love your neighbour as yourself.” His example helped me reflect deeply and rediscover who I am and how I want to live.

On the day of my baptism, I felt like I was being welcomed into a big, loving family. I was a bit nervous, but even more so, I was excited and hopeful. It was a moment of peace and deep emotion.

Now that I’m baptised, I hope to learn to love the people around me even more. I want to turn to God in prayer regularly, and strive each day to become a better person — little by little, more like Christ.

I’d also like to express my thanks to all the catechists and helpers who dedicated their time to guide us, especially Pat, Cecilia, and Ceci. Their care and commitment helped me gain a much deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and drew me closer to God.

May God bless everyone on their journey — no matter where you are along the path, if your heart is seeking, God will surely lead the way.

Zoe  

Recently, I received the Sacrament of Baptism and I wanted to share a few words from my heart. It was a quiet and sacred moment. When the water was poured and the words were spoken, I felt a deep sense of peace and stillness as if God was gently embracing me.

Baptism, for me, was not the end but a beginning - a starting point of a lifelong journey with Christ, held by the love of God and guided by the light of His presence.

I am deeply grateful to be part of this faith community and I look forward to walking this journey with all of you.

Thank you for your prayers and your presence.

Alice (Helper)

As an RCIA helper, I was especially moved to see how sincerely and wholeheartedly our catechumen(s) embraced this life-changing sacrament. Their faith journey—filled with questions, prayer, and deep reflection—has been an inspiration to all of us walking alongside them.

Baptism marks not an end, but a beginning—a beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship, nourished by the sacraments, supported by community, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Let us as a parish community continue to pray for and encourage our newly baptized as they continue growing in faith and living out the Gospel

Ceci (Faith Formation Coordinator)

This is my second year supporting the RCIA, and it’s a joy to accompany the candidates on their faith journey. It’s been a meaningful experience for me as well—their passion and faith constantly inspire and remind me of God’s work in our lives. I’m truly grateful for the amazing things God is doing among us. Let us continue to keep them and their vocations in our prayers.