Thursday, May 24, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. - and - Friday, May 25, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
(Click here to view or print a Confirmation
Application Form)
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the final sacrament of initiation and it is an excellent time for a young Catholic to grow in faith. If the candidate and his/her family are practicing members of the Catholic community then the celebration of Confirmation will be a significant step in the lifelong journey of faith. If you do not practice your Catholic faith, then perhaps you should see this time as an invitation to renew your Catholic commitment. If you are not practicing and do not foresee that you will be practicing your faith, then you should not be getting confirmed at this time. Candidates should consider their decision seriously, and parents should help them to make a choice that is sincere and appropriate. At St. Aloysius Parish those Catholic’s who are in grade seven or older are invited to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. If you have any questions, or are in need of any assistance please do not hesitate to speak to Fr. Oehring at the parish office.
The following are some guidelines meant to assist parents and the candidates themselves in preparation for this sacrament.
Preparation:
In preparing your child for this important sacrament we will conduct 6 classes in the parish. These classes will take place on Saturday evenings at St. Aloysius Church. Reconciliation will be celebrated with the parish at our Lenten Penance Celebration. We will end our preparations with a rehearsal. See the complete schedule of meetings on the back of this pamphlet.
Confirmation Information Sheet and Baptism Certificate:
All prospective candidates for Confirmation will receive an “Application Sheet” at the parent and candidate meeting on October 19th. This form must be returned to the parish no later than Friday, November 18th with a baptism certificate attached and a fee of $20 for the gown rental. (Those baptized at St. Aloysius do not need to attach a certificate). We are obliged to notify the parish of baptism that confirmation has taken place: we can only do that if we have complete information, including the address of the church. Registrations for the Sacrament of Confirmation will not be accepted after November 18th.
Candidates from other Parishes:
The Bishop has set these norms regarding the place of Confirmation: “Ordinarily, a candidate for Confirmation should be confirmed in his/her own parish. For a serious reason, the candidate, with the permission of one’s proper Pastor, may be confirmed in another parish.” If a candidate attends a parish other than this one, we ask him or her to obtain permission from the proper pastor by having him fill in the section on the bottom of the information sheet.
Sacrament of Reconciliation for Confirmation Candidates:
Spiritual preparation for any sacrament should include an opportunity for self-reflection and repentance and confession of our sins. We will offer an opportunity to our Confirmation candidates for the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the season of Lent in their schools. If a candidate does not attend one of our Catholic schools, he/she should come to confession during regular confession times. (30 minutes before all weekday and weekend Masses)
Sponsors:
The Confirmation sponsor must be a practicing Catholic of at least sixteen years of age, who has already been confirmed. He or she should be a person who is able to give good Christian example and encouragement to the candidate. Parents may not sponsor their own children. It is considered particularly appropriate for one of the Baptismal godparents to act as sponsor, since they will continue in their role of spiritual leadership with the young person.
Name:
Candidates traditionally choose a saint’s name for Confirmation, someone who can be a model of faith and virtue for them, and someone to whom they can pray for help and guidance. It is appropriate for the candidates to select their baptismal name (provided that it is a saint’s name) since this highlights the connection between Baptism and Confirmation. Candidates are generally asked to do a research project on the life of the saint whose name they choose.
Rehearsal:
The rehearsal for Confirmation #1 will be held at the church on Tuesday, May 22nd with the Confirmation taking place on Thursday, May 24th. The rehearsal for Confirmation #2 will be held at the church on Wednesday, May 23rd with the Confirmation taking place on Friday, May 25th. Candidates for this sacrament and their sponsors should be present. Please indicate on the “Application Form” which Confirmation you would prefer and we will try to accommodate.
Dress:
Proper dress for Confirmation is “Sunday Best”. This means that clothes should be neat, clean, modest, and appropriate for church. New, elaborate, and expensive clothes are not necessary. Gowns will be provided for all candidates.
Promptness and Seating:
All candidates and their sponsors should assemble in the church 30 minutes prior to Confirmation. There will be no reserved seating except for candidates and sponsors. We do not issue tickets, but ask you to be prudent in the number of guests you invite, so that we do not exceed the capacity of the church.
Photographs and Videos:
In order to maintain a reverent atmosphere, no photographs or videos will be allowed during the ceremony. Please comply with this and instruct your family and friends to do likewise. Following the ceremony there will be a reception in St. Aloysius Parish Hall. After the Confirmation, there will be an opportunity for a group picture.
This is a grace filled time for candidates and family members alike. The best spiritual preparation for the candidates and the best example by the parents involves faithful Catholic practice. God bless you as you continue on your journey of faith. If we can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to call us at the parish office (519-893-1220).
Rev. W. Kuzma, Pastor
Rev. J. Oehring, Associate Pastor
