After speaking with Father Michael, I am writing to let you know the arrangements for the special sacrament of Confirmation which the Year 6 children will soon be receiving. The Mass itself, celebrated by Bishop William, is on Sunday 26th June at 9.30am. It would be really helpful for the sponsor to be seated on the benches by 9.15am as the children will be progressing into the church and joining them before mass begins. Together with Father Michael, we want the Confirmation to be a truly memorable and spiritual occasion. Part of the preparation for this would usually involve making our confessions. Father Michael therefore invites us to church this Saturday 11th June at 4.30pm for a general meeting and discussion with him followed by confessions at 5.00pm. Father Alex will also be joining us for confessions.
An important part of our RE work this year has focused on Vocation, which ties in well with our understanding of Confirmation. On Saturday 15th June, the church will be open all day for silent prayer before The Blessed Sacrament between 10.00am-6.00pm. So, another excellent way of getting ready for the Confirmation would be to come along for that spell of prayer at some point during that day.
This year, on the day of Confirmation, the children will be sitting at the front of the Church with their Sponsor and the families will be sitting behind the Confirmandi. The children and their sponsors will come to the altar rail for the renewal of their baptismal promises and will stay there for the laying of the hands. The Sponsors will stand with the Confirmandi and will take them to be confirmed individually to Bishop William who will be to the right of altar.
Because of the importance of the occasion, it is necessary that we all set a good example of reverence to our children. It is particularly important that we remember to switch off mobile phones on entering the church. We kindly ask that no photographs are taken or videos used during the ceremony: there will be an opportunity to do so after Mass.
I would just like to take this opportunity to remind you that your child’s sponsor needs to be at least 16 years of age, a practising Catholic and a positive role model. Please provide your child’s sponsor with the enclosed letter and form which needs to be completed and returned to school as soon as possible.
Children should dress in their smart ‘Sunday best’; therefore, we request no denim clothing or trainers.
Thank you for your support.
I look forward to seeing you on Saturday 20th June and Sunday 21st June and wish your family a lovely day.
Mrs Hartwell
