It was approximately two years ago that we began the journey to become full members of the Catholic Church. On Friday, January 27 we were confirmed and have become “Soldiers of Jesus Christ.”

I thank all our teachers: Bernadette Dickson, Winnifred Suruijlal, Maurissa Abraham, Janice Smith, Analee Pierre and Fr Michael Moses our parish priest. Thanks for guiding us through this period of our lives where a decision had to be made.

Though there were disagreements between us all, we kept going and pulled through. Valuable lessons were learnt. “You can serve God and have fun at the same time” was one of them. Impossible, you may think, but let me tell you how much fun we had.

At the start of the year, all roads led to the Brazil Recreational Ground for the Kite Flying Competition. Some with small kites and others with kites so big the entire village could see it in the sky.

Brazil confirmation candidates singing their theme song, “Go Light Your World.” Photos: Sandra Ramharack

Then there was the August vacation, when half of the class spent their time at the Brazil Recreation Ground with the Madventures from the United Kingdom . They taught us to play a number of sports,like rugby, football, cricket etc.

We went from rolling in the mud to bathing in the sand and believe me, we got our kicks! The other half trekked to the Arena Historical site where they worked tirelessly to restore its beauty. To end the year's activities we attended “Families United in Dance parts I and II.”

Everyone was dressed to kill and though the confirmation candidates were not the best group on stage we still managed to place and we had a good time.

However confirmation class was not only about fun. It was also about learning the importance of our religion and our lives. Father introduced us to many dynamic speakers, among them Winston Garcia, Rose Jackman, Auntie Babsy, Janet Chinnia and many others. Even though I do not remember everyone by name, I do remember their teachings and for that we are grateful.

There were sacrifices that had to be made by us all. Waking up early on Saturdays, spending two hours in Church when we could be home sleeping late or watching TV, but we chose to spend our time in class and now we realise that it was really time well spent.

This class helped us to change the direction of our lives for better and caused each one of us, in one way or another to open ourselves to God.

I personally wished the class could have lasted a little longer. It was here that great friendships were made and memorable moments recorded. I believe that we are indeed privileged to have a priest like Fr Moses and I thank him for changing the face of confirmation class with the assistance of our teachers. Once again thank you very much for celebrating with us, our Sacrament of Confirmation.