Confirmation

Dear Parents,   

Re: Confirmation Masses in May 2022 & preparation

Greetings of peace, joy, and hope! 

With Covid 19 restrictions slowly being lifted, let us move forward with cautious optimism to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation in May 2022 (from May 5-7)

Allow me also to thank the catechists who have tirelessly given their time, and energy to help prepare your children for the reception of this Sacrament.

Please see the attached schedule and book your choice of date and time through Eventbrite Application using our parish website: https://stfrancisxaviermi.archtoronto.org/  This schedule will be posted on Thursday, Feb 10, 2022, onwards. 

If we are still under pandemic restrictions in May, only 20 students will be accommodated in each time slot.  Each student can invite a maximum of 8 family members living in the same household.  Considering the importance of the event, we are hopeful that there will be less restrictions so you can invite more families to witness the ceremony. 

Students receiving Confirmation are expected to do their Confessions during the Lenten period prior to May 2022. 

There will be a Confirmation practice Mass on Saturday, March 19, 2022, either at 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM.  Registrations will be posted on the parish website and spaces are limited to 50 students per mass. One or two parents may accompany their child for this practice mass.

As Covid 19 restrictions relaxes we might modify the guidelines in making the celebration solemn and meaningful to the Confirmandis at the same time ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone in attendance. 

May God bless you all for your patience, motivation and understanding during these unprecedented times.     

In Christ,

Fr. James Cherickal
Pastor

 Catechists: Caroline Athaide, Deacon Anthony Wong, Brenda Pais, Patricia Lobo, Griba Furtado, James Saldanha, Jane Nwakoby, Ruth Fernando, Joseph Michael, Margaret Nicdao, Nellida Marques, Nicola Pereira, Sharon Fernandes, Tanya Noronha, Dilhani Anthonypillai, Maria Bautista & Marilou Gomes.

Confirmation Rehearsal Mass Date: Capacity Limit: 50 Families   

Confirmation Mass Dates: Capacity Limit: 20 Families   

Guidelines:

• Please arrive by half hour before Mass and proceed to the Main Hall, to register and to receive the Confirmation gown
• If you plan for a pre-confirmation phot-shoot, arrive even early at 45 minutes prior.
• Please make sure that everyone wears a face mask
• There will be parish volunteers to assist, kindly follow their guidelines
• After receiving the gown, please proceed to the Church and the ushers will guide you to the seat
• There will be reserved seating for Confirmandi and sponsors
• Only the immediate family living within the same household is expected to attend.
• Holy Communion will be distributed at the seats
• The parish will arrange a photographer, to take photos of the students, the photographer will offer a package for purchase
• After the Mass, each student and their sponsor will be allowed to take one photo with the priest
• After the photograph, students will go to the Hall or foyer to return the gown and exit
• Family photographers may take pictures before the Mass as long as everyone wears masks and maintains 6ft distancing. Please arrive by 5.pm if you will be taking pictures
• Kindly email the height of your child for the rental of confirmation gown, cost is $20.00. Please bring cash or cheque on the day of the Confirmation
• The Volunteers will guide you to the exit doors after returning the gowns, due to sanitization purposes, no social gatherings are permitted within the Church or hallway
• If your child or you need to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the most solemn celebration, please come when we are having our Lenten Confessions
• All these guidelines may change based on the communication we receive from the city & the Archdiocese

To register, visit the parish Eventbrite page at:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/st-francis-xavier-parish-30494489584?aff=eand

EventBrite registrations opens on Thursday February 10, at 9.00 AM