Sunday 20 September 2026: Service of Confirmation within the Parish Mass on the Feast of St Matthew.
Join us in-person this Sunday at 10am for a very special Parish Mass for the Feast of St Matthew, with the Service of Confirmation, celebrated and preached by The Right Reverend Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, Bishop of Willesden.
The Liturgy & Service Booklet for our Parish Mass inc. Readings, Hymns, Psalm & Parish Notices can be found here:
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Sunday 20 September 2026: Service of Confirmation within the Parish Mass on the Feast of St Matthew
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You are warmly invited to join us for our Parish Mass at 10.00am on the Feast of St Matthew, when we will also celebrate the Service of Confirmation.
We are delighted to welcome The Right Reverend Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, Bishop of Willesden, who will celebrate and preach, and who will confirm Oliver Allen, Leo Hewlett, Benedict Howson and Tobias Howson. We hold them especially in our prayers as they affirm their faith and receive the laying on of hands and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
As we gather for worship, our readings invite us to reflect on wisdom, the light of the Gospel, and Christ’s call to follow him.
In Proverbs, we hear of the surpassing value of wisdom and understanding – more precious than silver, gold or rubies – and of the peace and blessing found in walking in God’s ways. The Psalm continues this theme, giving thanks for God’s word and commandments and declaring his law to be more precious than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
St Paul reminds us that the ministry we have received is given through God’s mercy. We are called not to proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, for the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness has shone in our hearts with the knowledge of his glory in Christ.
In the Gospel, we hear the calling of St Matthew. Jesus sees Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth and simply says, “Follow me.” Matthew gets up and follows him. When Jesus is criticised for sharing a table with tax collectors and sinners, he declares that he has come not to call the righteous, but sinners, and reminds us of God’s desire for mercy, not sacrifice.
Together, these Scriptures remind us that the Christian life begins and continues with Christ’s call to follow him. Like Matthew, we are called from where we are into a life shaped by faith, mercy and the light of the Gospel. This has a particular resonance as our candidates publicly affirm their faith in Christ and are confirmed, praying that the Holy Spirit will strengthen and equip them for their life and witness as Christians.
Whether you are a regular member of our congregation, visiting for the first time, or coming especially to support those being confirmed, you will receive a very warm welcome.
Following the service, everyone is warmly invited to join our newly confirmed, together with their sponsors, families and friends, in the Parish Hall for refreshments and a small celebration.
We look forward to welcoming you.
