Confirmation Ceremony Information
Today we received information from the Archdiocese regarding the Confirmation Ceremony. Below is information that you will need to know. We realize that there's a lot here, but please read it through to the end.
Students and sponsors are to arrive at the Cathedral of St. Joseph (Asylum Avenue entrance) at 9:00 am on Saturday, March 18. Ceremony will begin at 10:00 am and be presided by both Archbishop Blair and Bishop Betancourt for 183 candidates.
Given the number of candidates who will be confirmed at this ceremony, the Archdiocese is limiting the number of guests, which was not the case last year. Each family may have up to 9 members attend. This number includes the candidate, the sponsor, parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. For example: 1 candidate, 1 sponsor, 2 parents, 4 grandparents, 1 sibling = 9 individuals.
Park in the lot behind the Cathedral on Asylum Avenue. Additional parking can be found on the street and in smaller lots near the Cathedral if needed.
Enter the Cathedral from the back where we will have a table set up to hand out your saint name badge, which needs to be returned after the ceremony.
Students and their sponsors will sit together in an assigned row.
We will be there to direct you to the rows reserved for St. Margaret.
Family members and guests will sit in the remaining rows not otherwise reserved.
Rehearsal and instructions will be given before the ceremony. The required responses during the anointing are as follows:
When the Bishop says, "Be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit," candidate responds, "Amen."
When the Bishop says, "Peace be with you," candidate responds, "And with your spirit."
Confirmation robes will not be worn; therefore, students should dress in a clean and presentable manner with the name badge placed by the left shoulder. Recommended attire:
LADIES Dress or skirt of appropriate length No exposed shoulders or back No straps, no rips Length longer than your arms Dress shoes or sandals that you can walk with No sneakers! GENTLEMEN Dress pants, dress shirt, tie or bow tie Suit or jacket Dress shoes No sneakers!
A professional photographer will taking photos throughout ceremony.
The photographer and the bishops will be available after the ceremony for a professional photo with the Confirmation candidate and his/her sponsor. Limit of one (1) photo per candidate.
Professional photos will be available to download shortly after the ceremony at: aohphotos.com/Confirmations.
Care and respect is to be shown if taking photographs inside the Cathedral as to not impede the ceremony or block the view of others. No one will be permitted to stand behind the candidate during the anointing.
Ceremony will be live streamed on the Cathedral of St. Joseph Facebook page.
After the ceremony, please return to our check-in table to return the name badges and pick up your Confirmation and Sponsor certificates and other material.
Please consider participating in your child's sacrament by serving on the altar or being a lector. Let us know if you would like to assist. Unfortunately, candidates and sponsors cannot serve in this capacity for the ceremony.
Budget about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the start of the ceremony––one hour for the ceremony, 15 to 20 minutes for the optional professional photo with the Archbishop or Bishop, and returning to our table to pick up certificates and drop off name badges.
We have scheduled a Zoom meeting for this Thursday, February 23 from 6:30 to 7:00 pm to answer any questions that you may have and to clarify any information presented in this communication. Check your emails for the log in information. If you cannot make it or questions come up afterwards, please don't hesitate to email us.