Six people total may attend in each family group. The candidate and the sponsor count as two. The four others may include the parents and two more guests.
We will be following all the rules for sanitation and social distancing mandated by the Archdiocese. Please keep in mind that masks will be required on all over the age of two. All those who attend will need to be on the list of reservations and checked off as they arrive. (This is so that we might do contact tracing if it is necessary.)
There will be a photographer to take pictures of the ceremony. We will not be able to allow photographs in church after the ceremony. These photos will be ready in about a week and will be available to be picked up at the parish office. I'll send an email when they are ready.
You may pose for pictures outside, as long as appropriate social distance rules are followed.
We have decided to eliminate the rehearsals. There doesn't seem to be a reason to hold them, as there will not be a procession, and the conferral of the sacrament will be pretty straightforward.
Candidates should know the following:
They approach Fr. Presta with their sponsor. The sponsor stands six feet away.
Fr Presta will say, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" as he anoints the candidate. The candidate responds: "Amen". Fr. Presta will say, "Peace be with you" and the candidate will respond, "And with your spirit."
Sponsors should know the following:
As they approach, they are to keep six feet distant from the candidate and stand where indicated.
They will say, "I present N. (confirmation name)"
All of these instructions will be enclosed in an envelope you will find in the pew when you arrive.
Answers to anticipated questions:
Why are we so limited on attendance? In order to maintain a socially distant margin in the building, we are limited to an attendance of 200, which works out almost exactly to six persons per family group.
What if the sponsor cannot attend? You may have a proxy substitute. There is a place on the sign up form to indicate the proxy's name.
What about illness? If anyone in your family group is not feeling well, or is running a fever, it is essential that he or she stay home. If the candidate is ill, we'll arrange another date for his or her confirmation.
What about live streaming? The mass will be live streamed on Facebook and YouTube, so family members unable to attend can still participate from afar.
Keep preparing for the sacrament! Even though the formal classroom and parish preparation has concluded, each candidate should continue to prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit each day.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to be in touch.
We have commissioned rosaries for the parish of St. Emily. Available with either blue or brown beads, these were crafted in Italy. The crucifix is modeled on the one that hangs in the church and St. Emily is on the center medal.
This would make a great confirmation gift for any candidate confirmed here in our church.
These are available at the St. Emily parish office for $25.00 each.
