September 1, 2015
Dear Parent(s) and Sponsor:
The information detailed below is meant to help you better prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation that your child will receive on Saturday, January 9th. I expect that this letter will answer all of your questions and I look forward to seeing you on this special day.
Yours in Christ,
Mrs. Teresa Veciana
Please read the following carefully.
*Confirmation gowns will be distributed the week of the Confirmation. Please be gentle with the gowns as they are quite delicate. We suggest that students slip the gown over their head and not use the zipper.
*Confirmation will begin promptly with the procession of the Confirmandi at 9:45 am followed by the Bishop at 10 am. We ask that all students be in the Gathering Area of the Church by 9:20 am. It is expected to last about 1½ hours so please plan accordingly. At the conclusion of the Ceremony, the Confirmandi (not the Sponsors) will stand on the altar for the group photo. Immediately following the picture, at the Cafeteria, the students will turn in their gowns and receive their certificate at this time.
*Professional photo and video packages are available for purchase. This information will be sent home soon. The video must be ordered through the school office no later than the day before the Confirmation. The photos are payable to the photographer directly on Saturday morning. Mr. Crespo will be at the Church at 8:30 am to begin taking photos on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Proper attire for Confirmandi:
Girls may wear a dress or a skirt and blouse under the gown that will be provided. Dresses or tops are not to have spaghetti straps, be backless, or too low in the front. Dresses/skirts should be modest in length. Shoes are to be flats (girls will not be permitted to wear high heels), closed-toe and light in color (white, off-white, beige, shell, etc.). The shoes may NOT be sandals. Shoes must have at least a strap across the back of the foot or be a complete pump. Girls may wear light make-up and are asked to keep their jewelry to a minimum. Be conservative in your selections.
Boys will wear dark colored dress pants, a white dress shirt with a tie, and dress shoes under the gown that will be provided.
*Proper attire for Sponsors:
Sponsors are urged to remember that this is a Sacramental moment taking place in the eyes of the Lord and their attire should be reflective of this. Gentlemen may wish to wear a suit or dress pants, shirt, and tie. Ladies may wish to wear a dress, a skirt with a blouse, or dress slacks and a blouse. The female sponsors may want to review the attire requirements for the students as a guideline. Please be conservative when making your selections.
*Instructions for Sponsors:
Once we rehearse for Confirmation, your Confirmandi should be able to explain where you need to sit. When you arrive, please report the designated seat immediately. You will not process in. There will be a reserved sign in place to guide you. You will also find a program in your pew to help you follow the Ceremony. We expect that you will participate fully in the Mass and encourage your Confirmandi to join in as well. The Sponsors of the girls should sit to the right of their Confirmandi and the Sponsors of the boys should sit to the left of their Confirmandi.
At the moment of the reception of the Sacrament, the ushers will guide you into the aisle. You are to stand behind your Confirmandi with your right hand placed on the Confirmandi’s right shoulder. As you approach the Archbishop, your hand is to remain in place. Once the Sacrament has been administered, you may remove your hand and follow your Confirmandi back to your seat. We ask that you kneel together in prayer until all the Confirmandi are back at their seats.
During Communion, the Confirmandi and you will receive Communion before the rest of the Congregation so please follow the same flow.
*Reserved seating will only be provided for the Faculty, Confirmandi, and their Sponsors. These pews will be clearly labeled. The rest of the Church will be available for open seating. We ask that you respect others around you and not reserve seats for your guests.