SS Peter & Paul at 434 High Street, Ionia, MI 48846 US - CONFIRMATION

May the peace of the Holy Spirit be with all of you! Just a few thoughts on what you can expect for the upcoming Celebration of Confirmation to be held at Saint Andrew’s Cathedral on October 11^th, 2009. Bishop Hurley will be presiding at the celebration that is scheduled to begin at 3:00PM.

The following directives are from the Diocesan Office and should be read carefully so that everyone understands what they are to do.

• Candidate’s Dress: Confirmation candidates should be dressed modestly and in " Sunday Best".
  • For young men: long dress pants and dress shirt (button w/collar); necktie (encouraged) and/or sport coat optional
  • For young women: modest skirt length and covered shoulders. Dresses or skirts must be an appropriate length to allow one to sit or walk modestly. Dress slacks may be worn (no jeans, or tight fitting slacks)
• Candidates and Sponsors should plan to arrive at least 45

Review

Confirmation is the final Sacrament of Initiation into the Catholic Church. As such, it is a very momentous milestone along the faith journey. If you should have any questions please call me at 527-3575.

A special note to our candidates: Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to get to know you and share this experience with you and your family. My door is always open to you and I hope you feel an even stronger connection to our church family. We are called to be stewards of the Church in many different ways through our Baptism and given the power to do it through our Confirmation. Please continue to discern where God is calling you to serve Him and others. This is not a graduation of your faith but a deeper commitment. I look forward to continuing this journey with you as fully initiated members of the Saint’s Peter & Paul faith community as well as in our scheduled classes throughout your high school years.

?In Christ,

Vanessa Booth

Coordinator of Faith Formation
 

• At the Rite of Confirmation, candidates and sponsors line up and approach the Bishop from the side aisles.
• Candidates and sponsors proceed to the Bishop together when directed by the ushers.
• The candidate moves close to the Bishop to receive the anointing and at the same time, the sponsor places his/her right hand on the shoulder of the candidate.

• The first thing the candidates does is to say his/her confirmation name.
• Second, the Bishop says, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit", and the candidate responds "Amen."
• Third, the Bishop says: "Peace be with you", and the candidate responds: "And also with you."

• Candidate and sponsor return to their pew by the way of the center aisle.
• Instructions to the candidates will be given just prior to the liturgy.
• FAMILY MEMBERS AND GUESTS do not sit in the reserved pews.