Deanery First

23/04/2009

John Dean reports on a first for Darlington deanery when Eastbourne Church of England Academy hosted one of the annual confirmation services on 24th March.

Three of the candidates are members of staff at the Academy. Although they all live in different parishes, working at the Academy was a catalyst in them making a firm commitment to the Christian faith.

Bishop Mark, who conducted the service, said “It is magnificent to see people developing and maturing and making a public commitment of their faith. I am delighted to see how well the parishes and the Academy are working together in Darlington.”

The service was attended by staff and students of the Academy, clergy and parishioners of St John’s, St Herbert’s and St Columba’s Darlington.

Pictured with Bishop Mark are the newly confirmed: Robert Daglish, history & RE teacher, Gordon Abbott, who teaches Music, Terry Laheney, photography teacher and Hannah Walton, who is a member of St Columba's church.

Academy chaplain Sally Milner said: “It was a wonderful joyous occasion; we were delighted to welcome the Bishop of Jarrow to the Academy. The confirmation candidates, their families, staff, students and local parishioners all enjoyed the opportunity of worshipping together and welcoming new adult Christians to the Anglican Church.“

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