Published on: 24/10/2025
A special service of baptism and confirmation took place at Rotherham Minster last night, with over 40 candidates confirmed and baptised by Bishop Leah.
The Twinned Deanery service for Rotherham and Laughton was an evening of celebration for the candidates confirming the promises that were made when they were baptised. Churches help people get ready for baptism and confirmation in different ways, but all will encourage people to grow in their Christian faith through prayer, reflection, studying the Bible, going to church and living their faith in their communities.
Candidates came from across the Rivers Team, St Paul’s Masbrough, Rotherham Minster, St Thomas Kimberworth, Holy Trinity Ulley, The Silverwood Mission Area, St Francis Bramley, St Leonard’s Thrybergh, St Mary Magdalene Whiston, and St Cuthbert’s Herringthorpe.
The opening hymn was ‘Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation’ by Joachim Neander (1650-1680), followed by a time of prayer and readings from Exodus 33: 12-20 and Psalm 46: 1-7. The Stuart Townend version of ‘The Lord’s my shepherd’ was sung by the congregation, with Bishop Leah preaching a sermon after the gospel reading (John 20: 19-23).
During the Liturgy of Initiation, baptismal candidates were presented, signed with the cross, and baptised. Bishop Leah invited all candidates to affirm their faith before the congregation, who responded with the promise to support and pray for them. The Confirmation followed, as Bishop Leah laid hands on each candidate and said, ‘Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit.’
Following prayers of intercession, the John Bell hymn ‘Will you come and follow me’ was sung before a prayer of commission for the whole congregation and the closing Stuart Townend and Keith Getty song, ‘In Christ Alone’. After the newly confirmed were given a lighted candle, Bishop Leah said:
‘God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and has given us a place with the saints in light. You have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life.’
Revd Helen Terry, Priest-in-Charge of St Francis Bramley and St Leonard’s Thrybergh, said:
‘It was a wonderful service at Rotherham Minster; such a privilege to witness 41 candidates from across the Deanery confirm their faith in Jesus Christ. The atmosphere was one of celebration and praise, full of laughter and tears at the joy of the occasion. It felt like the start of great things for all present.
‘Bishop Leah and the Minster team did a brilliant job of holding the event together and encouraging us all in our faith and witness.’
