A wonderful congregation gathered on a very cold night on Thursday, 20 November 2025, to celebrate two Baptisms and 11 Confirmations presided over by the Bishop of Repton, the Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, together with the supporting priests who had been responsible for preparing and presenting the candidates.

In his address, Bishop Malcolm cited individual statements by the candidates in wishing to be confirmed and as an encouragement to all those present in our walk with God.

Nine-year-old Luke, the youngest candidate was well prepared for his confirmation. He attended the service supported by the Revd Nigel Rode from St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne.

Luke was there with his Mum, Reina and Dad, Brian, and several supporters from Ashbourne who all felt close to this family who are much loved in the community. His confirmation clearly meant a great deal not only to him but in fact to them all.

Bishop Malcolm reflected, “It was a joy and privilege to be at St Mary’s Wirksworth for this special service. Confirmations are an invitation for people to renew their baptismal vows, receive prayer for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, and to profess their faith publicly, often with family and friends there to support”.