FAQ SHEET

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RECEPTION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF INITIATION at St. Edward the confessor

When does my child receive the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist? SATURDAY, APRIL 23 AT 10:00 A.M.

When do we come to the church that day?

You will be required to bring your child to the church about 45 minutes BEFORE WE BEGIN – at 9:15 a.m. GODPARENTS AND SPONSORS NEED TO BE THERE ALSO. A group photo of the children will be taken. About 15 minutes before Mass, all adults will take their seats in the church. The children will process in about 10 minutes prior to the beginning of mass.

How long will it last? About 1 hour, 30 minutes.

When and where is the rehearsal for First Communion?

  • REHEARSAL IS ON THURSDAY, APRIL 21, AT 7:00 P.M. IN CHURCH
  • Sponsors and Godparents should also be there. If they cannot come, then a parent will be asked to be a stand-in.

What should my child wear?

That depends on what sacraments your child is receiving. Please read below.

IF YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO BE BAPTIZED:

Children to be baptized will be stepping into the baptismal fount. In order to do this, they need to wear shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flop sandals that are easily removed. We will give them a rain poncho to wear over their clothes so they do not get too wet. NOTE: After they are baptized, they will be given a white robe to wear over their clothes. This is part of the baptismal ritual. Children must quickly change into the robes after baptism so they do NOT need to bring extra formal clothing. There is also not time to use hair dryers so we ask that the girls please wear their hair pulled back or in a simple style. Again, this is a quick change situation and we want all children to be wearing the same white garment after they are baptized.

IF YOUR CHILD IS ALREADY BAPTIZED, THEY SHOULD DRESS UP FOR THE OCCASION. HERE ARE THE GUIDELINES:

BOYS – Dress slacks, collared shirt and tie, dress shoes. Suitcoats are optional. Any color is fine. NO ATHLETIC SHOES OR APPAREL.

GIRLS – White dress (traditional but optional—it may be another color, as long as the dress is modest, not too short, and appropriate for church); dress shoes or dressy sandals; VEILS ARE OPTIONAL. Some girls wear flowers in their hair instead but again, this is not required; Gloves are optional too but please note that they may NOT be worn for reception of communion.

When do the sacraments of initiation take place during the mass?

Baptism will happen immediately after the homily (Father’s sermon).

Confirmation will happen as soon as the baptismal ritual is completed. This involves anointing with Sacred Chrism.

First Communion will happen during the regular time for communion during mass. The FISH children will receive first, with their parents and sponsor/godparents. Children should be prepared to receive BOTH THE Body and Blood of Christ.

What are the rules about taking pictures and videos in the church?

You may take photos or videos FROM YOUR SEAT. No one will be allowed to take photos near the altar during the mass. We will have a photographer there who will take each child’s photo as they receive. You can purchase these from the photographer. We will provide that information for you in advance. You may take photos before and after the mass, of course. Ask the priest to pose with your child/family!

Where will my child sit during the mass?

We will reserve seats for each child, sponsors, godparents, and family members – up to 20 seats total.You need to tell us how many seats you need reserved. Your name will be on the pews you reserve. Please tell your family and guests to arrive at least 15 minutes early and sit in your row.

My child has celiac disease and/or requires a gluten-free diet and cannot receive the host or wine in the usual way. What should we do?

Fortunately, there are guidelines already in place for your special needs. First, please contact Joan Fleming in the parish office to get this information: Next, please let us know before or at the rehearsal that you have these special needs.

What happens if we cannot come on the day assigned?

Please inform the Faith Formation Office. Email: e will work with you to find another date.

We look forward to making this a very special, milestone day

for your child and for your family!