On Wednesday the 24^th of March 1999, the children of 5^th and 6^th classes from Saint Leonards National School were confirmed by Bishop Brendan Comiskey in Saint Martin’s Church, Ballycullane.

Before our Confirmation, we had lots of preparing to do. On Thursday the 18^th of March, six days before the Confirmation itself, everybody attended a special Mass in Ballycullane. It was called the Service of Light. In this special Mass, we brought our Baptismal Candles and they were lit by members of the community.

Then, on Monday the 22^nd of March we attended a Pre-Confirmation Mass in Saint Leonards Church. At the beginning of this Mass, we made a procession into the church. Some of us were carrying placards, and the rest of us were carrying candles.

Finally, on Wednesday the 24^th of March, we were confirmed by His Lordship, the Bishop. It was a lovely ceremony. I read one of the readings after which came the Gospel and then the Bishop’s homily. Then we stood to renew our Baptismal Promises.

Then came the Confirmation itself. We walked up to the altar and the Bishop made the Sign of the Cross with Chrism on our foreheads.

Next came the Prayers of the Faithful, and Amanda Kehoe sang a song. Then the Bishop gave the Final Blessing and we all went to get something to eat.

Everybody really enjoyed the day.