Confirmation Retreat 2025 – Weekend Report
Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory
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Saturday – Settling In, Splashes, and Giant Hungry Hippos
The Confirmation Retreat 2025 began with excitement and a few nerves as our candidates’ arrived suitcases in hand ready for a weekend of faith, fun, and friendship. Once rooms were assigned (with a few gentle negotiations over top bunks), we gathered for a welcome session to introduce the weekend ahead. Of course, no church retreat would be complete without a fire drill.
After everyone was safely briefed, we had dived into our first activity: a swim session.
Following dinner, the tone shifted as we moved into a time of worship, with our first retreat talk and a guided prayer activity. We were honoured to be joined by Bishop Adrian for this special evening of encouragement and reflection.
Then it was time to ramp the energy back up with games in the hall. From parachute mayhem and dodgeball to the ever popular giant Hungry Hippos, the laughter was non-stop. The day ended on a high (and hilariously messy) note with party games let’s just say, no one ended up with clean clothes.
Sunday – Cathedrals, Crafts, and Chill Time
Sunday began with a hearty breakfast before a group walk to Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford, where we received a warm welcome from Dean Bruce. Bishop Adrian joined us once again for a beautiful Sunday service an inspiring and memorable moment of shared worship in one of the diocese’s most iconic spaces.
Afterwards, we returned for lunch and some well-earned downtime. A second swim session followed (no photos this time just splashing and squealing), and the afternoon offered something for everyone.
In the evening, we headed on foot to Active8, where dinner was served and we enjoyed some rock climbing and bowling.
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Monday – Reflection, Fun, and Farewells
Monday wrapped up the retreat with a balance of reflection and celebration. The final schedule included:
• A breakfast to fuel the morning
• Tidying rooms and packing bags (and the usual search for socks under beds!)
• A second short talk, led by our camp chaplain Canon Nicola Halford, focusing hearts and minds on the meaning of Confirmation
• A high-energy Camera Phone Scavenger Hunt one last chance for fun, laughter, and teamwork
• Lunch together
• Departures for home: a little more inspired, more connected, and maybe just a little tired!
In Pictures
The photos we’ve shared only begin to capture the energy, joy, and community spirit of this special weekend. From moments of stillness in the Cathedral to the buzz of the scavenger hunt, they tell a story of new friendships, big smiles, and memories that will last long after Confirmation Day.
Special thanks to Mr Shane Reynolds, our Diocesan Communications Officer, who was on hand throughout the retreat to photograph and capture the heart of the weekend. Gratitude also to Ms Carolyn Good Children & Families Ministry Representative, for capturing the beautiful cherry blossom tree moment during our Sunday Walk.
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A Massive Thank You from the DYO
It goes without saying that weekends like this simply wouldn’t happen without a brilliant team behind our Diocesan Youth Officer (DYO), the Revd Ger James.
A huge thank you goes to our amazing volunteers who gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm to make the retreat a success. Special thanks to Laura, Katie, Carolyn, Georgie, Shane, Emma, and Canon Nicola.
Canon Nicola served as our Chaplain, guiding us in worship and leading meaningful conversations with warmth and wisdom.
We’re grateful to Dean Bruce for his welcome at Christ Church Cathedral, and to Newtown Secondary School, which became home for CR25 providing comfortable beds, plenty of space, and fantastic food all weekend.
We were also delighted to be joined by Revd Daniel Fleming, Revd Paul Mooney, Archdeacon Alec Purser, and Bishop Adrian, who made two generous visits first on Saturday to encourage our confirmands, and again on Sunday for worship.
As Revd Ger shared:
“I couldn’t be DYO in the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory without the real team who work so hard to make it all come together. Thank you.”
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A Heartfelt Thank You to Our DYO, Revd Ger James
On behalf of the entire team, we want to extend our deepest thanks to Revd Ger James, our Diocesan Youth Officer, for his incredible leadership, energy, and care throughout the Confirmation Retreat 2025.
Report by Mr Shane Reynolds
Diocesan Communications Officer