Big disappointment for confirmation class
Many weeks of work went into preparations for this ceremony - readings and prayers were prepared, hymns were taught, mass responses were revised, artwork was devised for the church, booklets were printed, confirmation robes ordered, rehearsals scheduled, etc.
All involved felt this was a very important event, and therefore worthy of the effort. We had our confirmation ceremony, but alas, we did so without our bishop, John Buckley.
Apparently, he was “busy with preparations” for a mass to be celebrated that night for the Pope. Surely, our bishop could have devoted a maximum of three hours of his time to the confirmation candidates of our school.
For the past number of years, a retired bishop has confirmed our pupils (and he has made it a very memorable and special day for them), so we were very excited by the fact that Bishop Buckley was to officiate at the ceremony.
The parish was notified that the bishop would not, in fact, be attending less than 24 hours before the event.
I feel this failure to attend was an insult to our pupils, their families, our school, our school staff and our parish.
As the church constantly speaks of the need to encourage young people to be active members, the hierarchy should make the effort to be there for important religious events in their lives.
Geraldine Conroy
Annesgrove
Carrigtwohill
Co Cork
