CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
As we prepare for the celebration of Confirmation in our parish, we would like to draw your attention to the following:
Meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation
Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation together constitute the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Confirmation more perfectly enjoins the baptized person to Christ and His Church and brings an increase and deepening of the grace further completing our Baptism. This seal of the Holy Spirit bestows on us spiritual gifts which help us to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross. During the liturgy, the Confirmation Candidate proclaim their faith by declaring the Apostles’ Creed.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Invitation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Candidates and their families are invited to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the Confirmation celebration. Reconciliations are offered on Tuesday evenings from 6 pm to 6:45 pm and Saturday afternoons from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Dress for Confirmation Celebration
Candidates are reminded to dress appropriately for the celebration. They should be dressed in their Sunday best. Boys should wear dress pants and a dress shirt. Girls may wear an appropriate dress, a skirt and blouse, or dress pants and blouse.
Format at Confirmation Liturgy
1. Please arrive at the church’s main entrance at least 20 minutes before the liturgy begins. There will be no reserved pews for the family and guests. As you enter the nave of the church, the Confirmation Candidate will receive their certificate and name tag with their chosen saint’s name on it. A director will escort the Candidate and their sponsor to their seats. All family and guests may be seated behind the reseved pews.
2. The Confirmation Candidate is asked to wear the name tag.
3. For the anointing with sacred chrism, the Candidate will be invited to the front of the altar with their sponsor. The sponsor will place their hand on the Candidate’s shoulder. The bishop or priest will read the Candidate’s name tag and say “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The Candidate will respond “Amen”. The bishop or priest will then say “Peace be with you.” The Candidate will respond “And with your Spirit.”
4. Grade seven students who have joined us, but are not being Confirmed, will have on their name tags the word “Blessing”. Please simply cross your arms and a blessing will be given.
5. PICTURE TAKING: To maintain a holy atmosphere and to show respect for the Sacrament, absolutely no pictures or videos are to be taken during the liturgy. Students will be invited by class for group photos before the final blessing.
6. DISMISSAL: When the Priest and/or Bishop are processing out, please remain in your pew until the end of the closing hymn.
Please Remember!
Meaning of the Sacrament of Confirmation
Baptism, the Eucharist, and Confirmation together constitute the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. Confirmation more perfectly enjoins the baptized person to Christ and His Church and brings an increase and deepening of the grace further completing our Baptism. This seal of the Holy Spirit bestows on us spiritual gifts which help us to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross. During the liturgy, the Confirmation Candidate proclaim their faith by declaring the Apostles’ Creed.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Invitation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation
Candidates and their families are invited to attend the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the Confirmation celebration. Reconciliations are offered on Tuesday evenings from 6 pm to 6:45 pm and Saturday afternoons from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Dress for Confirmation Celebration
Candidates are reminded to dress appropriately for the celebration. They should be dressed in their Sunday best. Boys should wear dress pants and a dress shirt. Girls may wear an appropriate dress, a skirt and blouse, or dress pants and blouse.
Format at Confirmation Liturgy
1. Please arrive at the church’s main entrance at least 20 minutes before the liturgy begins. There will be no reserved pews for the family and guests. As you enter the nave of the church, the Confirmation Candidate will receive their certificate and name tag with their chosen saint’s name on it. A director will escort the Candidate and their sponsor to their seats. All family and guests may be seated behind the reseved pews.
2. The Confirmation Candidate is asked to wear the name tag.
3. For the anointing with sacred chrism, the Candidate will be invited to the front of the altar with their sponsor. The sponsor will place their hand on the Candidate’s shoulder. The bishop or priest will read the Candidate’s name tag and say “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The Candidate will respond “Amen”. The bishop or priest will then say “Peace be with you.” The Candidate will respond “And with your Spirit.”
4. Grade seven students who have joined us, but are not being Confirmed, will have on their name tags the word “Blessing”. Please simply cross your arms and a blessing will be given.
5. PICTURE TAKING: To maintain a holy atmosphere and to show respect for the Sacrament, absolutely no pictures or videos are to be taken during the liturgy. Students will be invited by class for group photos before the final blessing.
6. DISMISSAL: When the Priest and/or Bishop are processing out, please remain in your pew until the end of the closing hymn.
Please Remember!
- Please ensure that you attend the celebration of Confirmation assigned for your child. If you are unable to attend on this date, please call the parish office at 905-878-6535.
- Please arrive at least 20 minutes early.
- Please note that the taking of photographs and/or the use of video cameras is NOT permitted during the liturgy. Photos will be taken after the Confirmations.
- Please respect the prayerful nature of the liturgy. Do not engage in chatter or chew gum inside the church. Do not bring food or drink into the church. Please turn off cell phones and electronic devices prior to the celebration.
- The collection will take place after the Prayers of the Faithful.
- Confirmation certificates will be received in the main foyer prior to the Confirmation celebration along with the Confirmation candidate’s name tag. For any issues regarding certificate accuracy, please contact the parish office.