Sacrament of Confirmation Our Lady of the Missions Primary St Joseph’s Primary

Sacraments of Initiation Baptism Reconciliation First Holy Communion Confirmation

Preparation for Confirmation Partnership of School, Home and Parish Pupils to write a letter to the Bishop, personally applying to be Confirmed, and counter-signed by parent or Guardian Class work – familiarity with the Rite of Confirmation, symbolism, gifts of the Holy Spirit, prayers, hymns Visit by the Bishop

Preparation for Confirmation Pupil to select a suitable Sponsor (16yrs+) This person must represent the Church in the faith formation of the pupil, therefore must be a practising Catholic in full communion with the Church. Pupil will select a saint’s name for Confirmation (and include detail in their letter for Mass of Commitment) as a sign of the new birth and identity they receive in Christ through the Sacraments of Initiation.

Preparation for Confirmation Pupils will take part in fund-raising activities during the preparation period They will present their donation to the Bishop’s Charity Fund during the Offertory presentation of Gifts at the Mass of Confirmation

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November 2011 Mass of Commitment Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th November 2011 Pupils, Sponsor and Parents must attend Rite of Commitment Presentation of the letters to the Bishop.

Reconciliation Just prior to the Confirmation it is important for the pupils to attend Confession. This will be organised for the pupils at school, but recommended that families and Sponsor also take this opportunity to attend Reconciliation themselves. Schools will consider a Spiritual retreat around this time.

Mass of Confirmation St Mirin’s Cathedral Tuesday 24th April 2012 7pm

Two Schools from the Diocese St Joseph’s Our Lady of the Missions Mass of Confirmation Two Schools from the Diocese St Joseph’s Our Lady of the Missions

Mass Arrangements Children will be seated at the front section on one side. Sponsors will be seated correspondingly on the other side. The rest of the Cathedral will be available for parents, families and friends.

Mass Arrangements Candidates and Sponsors to be in the Cathedral Halls before 6.30pm. Diocesan staff and teachers will meet them there, take register and ensure pupils have name badges etc. They will then be escorted to their reserved seats.

Mass Arrangements All congregation must be seated and ready at 6.50pm The Blessed Sacrament will be present in the tabernacle at the Sacred Heart Altar (at the left hand side - not the main altar). This should be reverenced by everyone before they take their seat by genuflecting towards the Sacred Heart Altar. The main Altar should also be reverenced by a simple head bow before entering the row.

Mass Arrangements When the Candidates are invited forward to be Confirmed, each will be joined by his/her sponsor. All responses, which include the new translation of the Mass responses, will be included in a Mass booklet. Full school uniform of shirts and ties to be worn!

Finally… It is crucial that pupils are fully prepared and ready for this important step on their faith journey by participating fully in the life of the Church. Attend Mass Receive Holy Communion Attend Confession Prayer as part of daily life. We need to help them!