14/08/20
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you know, Confirmation will be held over three days next week due to the current Covid 19 related circumstances. Each family will previously have received the day when their child’s Confirmation will take place.
Due to the prolonged school closure the children will not have had the opportunity to practice for Confirmation as they normally would. Also it means that the usual singing that accompanies Confirmation won’t happen. As a result, the ceremony will be a much simpler affair, guided by Fr. O’Connor who will celebrate the Mass and confirm the children. The Parish Nuns will also assist.
As the children are long out of school, and our 6th class children won’t be returning, they are allowed to wear their regular clothes for the ceremony. We have gathered some of the children’s Confirmation Art and will have this on display over the three days.
On arrival at the church parish and school personal will be on hand to welcome you and to guide you to your seat. It is very important to note that the Parish has asked that there are a max of 5 in a group for Confirmation as the church is subject to a limit of 100 people in total. We appreciate that this is difficult but it is necessary given the times.
As with any Mass or ceremony in the church it is important to give the celebrant, Fr. O’Connor, and his team a chance to celebrate the Mass in a reverent manner. We would ask that phones be turned to silent on arrival and that photos not be taken when Fr. O’Connor is celebrating the Mass.
When the time comes for children and their sponsor/parent to go to the altar to be confirmed ushers will guide you up. We will provide cards for the children with their chosen Confirmation name and the responses necessary at this time.
At the end of the Ceremony there will be opportunities for photographs and for the children to see their classmates who are making Confirmation on the same day.
As with every event at the moment we would ask that everyone be mindful of the guidelines around Covid 19 and social distancing etc. We are confident though, in spite of all the differences from a regular year, in spite of all that has gone on over the last few months, that the children will get a wonderful opportunity to celebrate this milestone with their families.
We are looking forward to seeing you there and we hope that you all have a graet day and an enjoyable afternoon after the Confirmation.
Regards,
Tomás Moriarty