The 2023 Chronicle

CONFIRMATION CAMP

examine the claims of the Christian faith and to go deeper in their understanding and experience. A key component of confirmation is the amazing four-day camp at Em’seni on the banks of the Tugela River, which offers fellowship and fun along with meaningful teaching facilitated by the creative Youth Alpha material that is incorporated. In the informality of the small discussion groups, where no opinion is excluded and no question is considered too small or too big, the boys wrestle with what it means to follow Jesus Christ. And it is in the worship and prayer that they get to experience God’s presence and love afresh. We pay tribute to the campers of 2023, who proved to be a particularly engaged group, and to the wonderful staff team that made the camp possible. The confirmation service represents the climax of the programme: an opportunity for the boys – having considered what it means to be a Christian – to reaffirm for themselves the promises made at their baptisms. This year 74 boys took the decision to be confirmed. The most moving moment of the service came as the boys were joined by members of their families and the bishop prayed individually for each boy to be strengthened by God for the unique journey of Christian faith that lies ahead. It is a reminder that confirmation is not the end point, but it is a very significant milestone in a lifelong journey in the company of God, family and friends. That moment in the service, surrounded by our Michaelhouse community, in the beauty of our Chapel, is a snapshot of one of the great strengths of our church school and underlines the relevance of Christian faith and spirituality in preparing our boys to be the men of significance to which they are called. We congratulate our confirmands and wish them every blessing for the future. And we also thank their families for the abundant love and support that has been shown throughout the confirmation programme. REMEMBRANCE DAY During the ravages of World War I, which saw areas of land decimated by intense bombardment, poppies were the only flower which flourished. The artillery shells which devastated vast tracts of land brought clostridia, deadly bacteria, to the surface, but it also enabled the growth of dormant poppy seeds which, in their bloom, symbolised the blood of the fallen men. Since 1920 poppies have been worn at the time of Remembrance Day (11 November). They are worn as a mark of respect for the selflessness of those who went to war, often not knowing exactly why they were doing so, but nevertheless being prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for the well-being of others. In Flanders Fields By John Macrae 1872-1918

O

ur annual Confirmation Camp, a significant and meaningful B Block rite of passage, took place at the beautiful Em’seni conference centre near Spioenkop from Sunday 12 February to Wednesday 15 February. The camp provides a very special opportunity for boys of every background to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed and non-pressurised environment. Creative small-group discussion material is drawn from the most excellent Youth Alpha Course, which is designed specifically to encourage teenagers to reflect on the important questions of life, share their views without judgment and ask any questions. With plenty of good food and ample time to relax and build friendships, the camp is a highlight of the year for the boys who attend. For those who subsequently chose to be confirmed in the Anglican Church, the confirmation service, led by the Bishop of Natal, was held in the Michaelhouse Chapel in March. BAPTISM SERVICE In preparation for the confirmation service, several boys were baptised on the Sunday evening prior to the service. This is usually a relatively low-key event which has, previously, been incorporated into the confirmation service. However, following a discussion between the Chaplain and the boys, a decision was taken to conduct full immersion baptisms in the training pool at the swimming pool complex. The Chaplain blessed the water and then climbed into the training pool and 17 boys then underwent their full immersion, akin to similar scenes some 2,000 years ago on the banks of the river Jordan. Baptism is a significant moment in one’s Christian journey and there is no doubt that this will remain powerfully etched in the boys’ memories for the rest of their lives. For those who were baptised as children, it was their parents and godparents who made promises to follow Jesus Christ on their behalf. At confirmation, candidates confirm these baptismal promises for themselves. Furthermore, the sacrament of confirmation helps a person to remain faithful to their baptismal commitments, especially to live as fully active members of the church, witnessing to Christ and serving others. Christian living requires the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and confirmands are strengthened and equipped to fulfil their Christian calling by the laying on of hands and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. CONFIRMATION SERVICE At Michaelhouse the service is led by the Anglican Bishop of Natal, the Right Revd Nkosinathi Ndwandwe, and it is he who anoints each confirmand with oil, making the sign of the cross on the forehead of each, and praying for God to fill and empower each boy to become all that God intends. Michaelhouse families are very supportive of their sons through the process of confirmation and are invited to be present and to play a beautiful and meaningful role on the day. However, should families not be able to be present, then Housemasters and other staff members stand in for them by offering that support. The annual Michaelhouse confirmation service was held in the school Chapel on Friday 10 March at 4pm. Confirmation at Michaelhouse remains a significant Christian rite of passage for those B Block boys who choose to participate. As a programme, it creates a unique opportunity for the boys to re

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields.

90