Photo: Pocklington School pupils at their Confirmation Service, held in the School Chapel and conducted by the Bishop of Selby, the Right Reverend Dr John Thomson

“You’ll never walk alone.” These were the words of the Right Reverend Dr John Thomson, Bishop of Selby, to the 10 Pocklington students who have chosen to be confirmed into the Church of England this year, writes the Pocklington School Chaplain, Rev Jan.

Bishop John spoke to them with real understanding about the challenges of adolescence, reflecting on his own childhood in Uganda and his education in a Scottish boarding school. He acknowledged the world around us can sometimes feel chaotic, whilst internally we can be confused about who we are and where our life is going. Through all of this, Bishop John said, God is our constant and faithful companion.

The Confirmation Service took place on Monday 29 January in the school chapel. The candidates’ ages ranged from 11 to 16 and they came from both the boarding and day communities.

This group of young people have been a real delight to work with. They came to each preparation session as themselves, talked very honestly about faith and doubt and, I hope, came to know themselves as loved and valued by God just as they are.

Editorial: Pocklington School Chaplain, Rev Jan