All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala joyfully confirmed 80 students, mainly from international schools; during a powerful service held under the theme “Persistence in Doing Good.” The confirmation service, was presided over by the Rt. Rev. Fredrick Jackson Baalwa, the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala.
The confirmands had spent several weeks in intentional preparation through a tailored confirmation class designed to accommodate the academic calendar of international schools. In his sermon, Bishop Baalwa reminded the young believers of the meaning and power behind their commitment to Christ.
“When you received Jesus, you surrendered your life to Him and the Spirit of God came to dwell in you,” he said. “Through the laying on of hands, you are being empowered by the Holy Spirit, to witness, to serve, and to stand strong in your faith.”
He further emphasized the biblical significance of the laying on of hands as a means of blessing (Mark 10:16), healing, ordination, and commissioning for ministry and mission. “This is not just a personal confirmation of faith, but also a divine affirmation, God confirming your readiness to live and serve as His disciple,” the Bishop added.
All Saints’ Cathedral Kampala runs two confirmation classes each year to cater to students during their school breaks. Due to differences in academic calendars, students from International Schools participate in classes during July and are confirmed in August, while students under the Ugandan curriculum attend classes in December and are confirmed in January.
Bishop Baalwa concluded the service with a call to Christian perseverance, echoing scriptures such as Galatians 6:9–10 and Ephesians 2:10.
“We are created for good works,” he said. “Though doing good may sometimes feel difficult or unrewarded, we must rely on God’s grace to persist;for in due season, we shall reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Confirmation is a special service where you affirm the promises made at your baptism and commit to following Jesus Christ. If you were baptized as a child, your parents and godparents made these promises for you. Now, you make them for yourself.
The bishop lays hands on your head and prays for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you to live God’s way.
