(From the Archdiocesan Website for Review by Sr.

Belpedio, updated ​7/30/2012

Page Location: ​[Link]

Confirmation Rite Guidelines

The following pages include the Rite of Confirmation with guidelines and instructions for
celebration in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Preamble
In preparing adults and youth to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation it is important to root
this preparation in light of their Baptism (already celebrated). The following text from the
General Introduction to the Sacrament of Baptism illustrates how closely linked the three
sacraments of Initiation are. It would be incumbent upon the catechists responsible for this
preparation to keep the following theological principles in mind throughout the preparation
process.

In the sacraments of Christian initiation, we are freed from the power of darkness and
joined to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. We receive the Spirit of filial adoption
and are part of the entire people of God in the celebration of the Lord’s death and
resurrection.

Baptism incorporates us into Christ and forms us into God’s people. This first
sacrament pardons all our sins, rescues us from the power of darkness and brings us to
the dignity of adopted children, a new creation through water and the Holy Spirit.
Hence, we are called and are indeed the children of God.

By signing us with the gift of the Spirit, confirmation makes us more completely in the
image of the Lord and fills us with the Holy Spirit, so that we may bear witness to him
before all the world and work to bring the Body of Christ to its fullness as soon as
possible.

Finally, coming to the table of the Eucharist, we eat the flesh and drink the blood of the
Son of Man so that we may have eternal life and show forth the unity of God’s people.
By offering ourselves with Christ, we share in the universal sacrifice, that is, the entire
community of the redeemed offered to God by their High Priest, and we pray for a
greater outpouring of the Holy spirit, so that the whole human race may be brought
into the unity of God’s family.

Thus the three sacraments of Christian initiation closely combine to bring us, the faithful
of Christ, to his full stature and to enable us to carry out the mission of the entire

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 people of God in the Church and in the world​.​ ​Christian Initiation General
Introduction, 1-2.

Your parish formation and preparation for the Rite of Confirmation should be focused on
Confirmation as a Sacrament of Initiation that strengthens Baptism.

The teaching documents of the church tell us that initiation should be the model for all
catechesis. ​“It’s spirituality of Baptism inspire(s) all catechesis.”​ (GDC No. 91)

“Post-baptismal catechesis, without slavishly imitating the structure of the baptismal

catechumenate … does well, … to draw inspiration from this preparatory school for the
Christian life, and to allow itself to be enriched by those principal elements which characterize
the catechumenate.”​ (GDC No. 91)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1075 says:

“Liturgical catechesis aims to initiate people into the mystery of Christ ….”​ So, liturgical
catechesis, like the initiation process, ​begins ​with the mystery of God, the ways of the human
heart, and the individual’s relationship with God. It recognizes that encounter with the living
God is where we all start our spiritual journey. Therefore, it begins with ​experience of God
rather than ​information about God​. It expands into ​relationship with God​, in and through the
person of Jesus Christ, as made known to us through the Gospels and through participation in the
ritual public prayer of the church.

“The source from which catechesis draws its message is the word of God.”​ ​(GDC No. 94)
By this description, ​the main formative elements of liturgical catechesis are the scripture
and the liturgy​. All moral, doctrinal and dogmatic issues rise from, or are integrated within this
liturgical catechetical model, but are not the primary or on-going focus. Liturgical catechesis
forms Catholics who live and grow spiritually through regular participation in, and reflection on,
the source and summit of our Christian lives, the liturgy.

Reminder to Catechists:
It is important for all parish catechetical leaders to understand the church’s initiation process, and
incorporate its spirituality and principals of formation into their leadership. Increasing awareness
of liturgical catechetical elements, and encompassing a broader base of those elements into the
time spent with those in your spiritual care, can strengthen the scope of your ministry. It means
shifting your primary evaluative focus ​from cognitive to experiential​. Think of it as immersion in
a spiritual formation that moves ​from heart-to-mind​, rather than ​mind-to-heart.​ This also requires
that we walk the spiritual journey alongside those in our care. Through liturgical catechesis, the
Gospel content and message becomes a ​“knowing” in one’s heart that eventually becomes a
“knowing” in one’s head.​ The primary formative process in preparing for the sacrament,
therefore is participation in liturgy.

Section I: Confirmation Liturgy

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General Preparation:

The Confirmation liturgy demands careful preparation by a team that should include parish
priests, deacons, Confirmation coordinators and catechists who have worked with the candidates,
some of the candidates themselves, members of the liturgy committee and music ministers.

The Confirmation Liturgy is celebrated within the Liturgy of the Word. Its integrity must be
maintained. Care is taken to allow the Word and the symbolic action of these primary parts of the
celebration to stand out, unencumbered by extraneous words or peripheral signs and symbols.
The following are specific liturgical points regarding the celebration of Confirmation:

Symbols:​ The primary symbols of the liturgy need careful attention:

water, the Chrism, the book of Scripture, the bread and wine, the Easter candle and the assembly.
These symbols are most effective when allowed to be authentic forms of ritual expression
without added words of explanation.

● Water:​ Baptism begins our journey as part of the living Body of Christ; Confirmation
strengthens the Christian Initiation begun in Baptism. For this reason, we celebrate
Confirmation during the Easter Season.

The baptismal water and its use in the Rite of Sprinkling, frame and define the
Confirmation liturgy. If a Baptismal font is located within the body of the Church, the
liturgy will begin there. A large, clear glass container for the water with a green leaf
branch should be available [evergreen branches are the most effective].

If a baptismal font is not accessible, a prominent vessel of water placed on a small table
or stand in a clearly visible area, easily accessible to the Bishop for the beginning of the
liturgy is needed. The parish priests may assist the Bishop in the sprinkling of the people.

● Easter Candle:​ Since Confirmation is an initiation sacrament, it is appropriate to

highlight the Easter Candle, which should be in position near the ambo or font.

[Parishes should avoid artificial candles that burn oils, kerosene, or small spring-loaded
candles. Genuine full wax Easter Candles reflect the Risen Christ more authentically.]

● Chrism:​ "When (those baptized) are anointed with this holy oil and made the temples of
your glory...Let this be indeed the Chrism of salvation for those who will be born again
of water and the Holy Spirit.” (Roman Pontifical, Consecration of the Chrism, n. 25). The
Bishop will normally use the Chrism of the parish. It may be carried in the entrance
procession and placed in an area of prominence, near the font, (or on the table holding the
vessel of water, in the absence of a font) In order that the fullness of the sacramental
signs may be evident, the Chrism is not to be wiped off the foreheads of the newly
confirmed.

2. Scripture​ ​Readings and Roman Missal Prayers​: The Ritual for Confirmation states that the
Readings may be taken from the Mass of the Day or from texts in the Lectionary, nos. 764-768.

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When Confirmation is celebrated on a Sunday Vigil, Sunday/Sunday of Easter, or Solemnity,
ALL the READINGS and PRAYERS for THAT DAY MUST BE USED.

If Confirmation is celebrated on a weekday during the Easter Season, either the readings for that
day or alternate readings for Confirmation may be chosen, and the PRAYERS from the Ritual of
Confirmation must be chosen.

Although all the Readings for Confirmation from the Lectionary (Nos.764-768) may be used as
indicated above, all of the daily Easter season Readings are most appropriate for the
Confirmation liturgy. (​If alternate Readings are chosen, the Confirming Bishop must be
notified prior to the Confirmation. This must be indicated on the form the parishes send to
the Confirming Bishop.​)

3. Choosing Ministers:​ Those selected for various ministries within the Confirmation liturgy
should be individuals who regularly serve in this capacity for their parish community.

Each person should have only one function at a given liturgy. Therefore, it is inappropriate to
have confirmation candidates serving in the capacity of liturgical minister, such as greeter, altar
server or Lector.

● Lectors: The Scriptures must be proclaimed with dignity and clarity by persons trained as
lectors and familiar with the local parish liturgical space and equipment.
● Altar Servers: According to present Church directives, six trained servers are necessary
for the Confirmation liturgy: an incense bearer, a cross bearer, two candle bearers, a miter
bearer and a crozier bearer.
● Deacon: The participation of a deacon (permanent or transitional) is highly desired. The
Deacon serves as a minister to the Bishop, proclaims the Gospel, presents the sacred
Chrism to the Bishop, and assists the Bishop as the rubrics specify.

4. Multilingual Liturgy: ​The multicultural nature of the assembly should be considered during
the process of planning readings, ritual texts and music. (Please contact the Office for Worship
of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for guidelines on multilingual liturgies.)

SACRISTY PREPARATION:

A designated sacristan should attend to the following details:

1. Vestments:​ For Sunday Vigil, Sunday and Solemnity Masses in which Confirmation is
celebrated during the Easter Season, WHITE vestments are to be worn (except for Pentecost =
red). When Confirmation is celebrated during weekdays in the Easter Season, RED or WHITE
VESTMENTS MAY BE WORN. The Presiding Bishop will normally bring his own vestment.

2. Presider’s Chair:​ The Presidential chair is to be located in a place that is visible to the entire
assembly. Chairs for concelebrating priests may be set in the sanctuary, but preferably not on
either side of the Bishop. If there is a deacon, he is to be seated to the right of the Bishop. Altar

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Servers do not sit next to the Bishop. A chair should be provided for the Bishop’s Master of
Ceremonies and should be positioned near the servers.

3. Microphone:​ A standing microphone should be in place at the Presider’s chair with a cord
sufficiently long to extend to the first pews of the assembly. If the parish is equipped with
wireless microphones, then one of these should be available for the Bishop in the place in which
he is to vest.

4. Ritual Books:​ The Missal and lectionary should be set up before the Liturgy begins.

Book of the Gospels: should be carried in procession by the deacon and placed flat upon the
altar.

(Note: the Bishop will provide the Roman Pontifical for the Rite of Confirmation.)

5. Credence Table:​ A large credence table is necessary to hold the following:

● a large bowl of water and special branch for the Sprinkling Rite at beginning of Mass;
● corporal for the altar;
● chalice and purificator for the Bishop;
● extra chalices/cups with purificators for the assembly's Communion. These are brought to
the altar during the Lamb of God;
● empty ciboria—sufficient number for the orderly distribution of the Body of Christ;
● thurible, charcoal, and incense;
● cruet of water;
● one lemon, quartered, and a towel for the Bishop;
● pitcher of water, bowl and two towels to wash the Bishops hands twice (after the
Anointing, and at the preparation of the table and gifts).

6. Table for the Gifts:​ This table is located in the nave of the Church and should have on it one
or two large ciboria with a sufficient number of hosts, and container(s) of wine sufficient for all
who will be receiving Communion.

Music Preparation

Confirmation is a celebration of faith within the midst of the community of the Church. Music
carefully selected and well rendered can heighten the celebration and strengthen the faith of the
assembled believers.

The priority in selecting music is that it should be music known to the assembly, and music
which will be sung with spirit and fervor during the Liturgy.

The music selected should be artistically good, liturgically appropriate and pastorally suitable
(c.f. Sing to the Lord). Songs that speak of our Baptismal dignity, the Paschal Mystery, our call
to Christian witness, and empowerment in the Holy Spirit are appropriate. It should be kept in
mind that Confirmation "seals" the baptismal experience and hence should be seen intimately

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linked to an overall theology of initiation in which the Spirit is at work both in Baptism and
Confirmation. Music should be selected according to the following priority:

A. Processional chants
i. Gathering Song​ (should create an atmosphere of the praise of God and of
celebration. It is particularly appropriate during the Easter season to select
anthems that reflect the nature of this liturgical season.)
ii. Communion Song
B. Acclamations ​– Gospel, Eucharistic (Holy, Holy; Memmorial, Great Amen)
C. Responsorial Psalm
D. Sprinkling Rite
E. Glory to God
F. Other Litanies, Hymns and Responses​ – Lamb of God, Song During the Preparation of
the Table, Recessional Song

(Prior to the liturgy and while the candidates are being seated, instrumental or choral music may
accompany this action in order to create an atmosphere that is both festive and reverent. There
should be a definite break between the Prelude and the Gathering Song.)

Rite of Confirmation: The Anointing with Chrism is accompanied by a dialogue between

the Bishop and Candidate. Only very soft, background instrumental music should
accompany this rite—but no singing, in order not to render inaudible the words spoken by
the Bishop and the candidate.

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Section II: Liturgy, Order of Celebration
The Confirmation Candidates and Sponsors should be in their designated places in the pews prior
to the scheduled time so that the ceremony is able to begin promptly at the appointed hour.

INTRODUCTORY RITES

Order of Procession

1. Incense Bearer
2. Servers with Candles and Cross Bearer Server
3. Lector(s)
4. Deacon with Book of Gospels (if available)
5. Concelebrating Priests
6. Bishop
7. Crozier Bearer and Miter Bearer

Gathering Song:​ When the Bishop arrives at the altar, he may incense the Altar. The Gathering
Song should continue to completion of all verses, and accompany the incensing of the altar.

Rite of Sprinkling:​ When Confirmation is celebrated during the Easter Season, to highlight the
bond between Confirmation and Baptism, the Rite of Sprinkling replaces the Penitential Rite.
(For set up, review Part I: Symbols - Water.) Other priests or deacons may participate in the Rite
of Sprinkling, depending upon the design of the Church.

Gloria:​ The Gloria be sung rather than recited.

LITURGY OF THE WORD

Scripture Readings:​ Refer to Part I, Section 2: Scripture Readings and Part I, Section 5:
Choosing Ministers - Lectors, for assistance in the planning and preparation of the Liturgy of the
Word. All Scripture readings should be proclaimed from the ambo. As in every liturgy, a period
of reflective silence should follow the readings.

Gospel:​ Incensing of the Book normally takes place. A Priest or Deacon proclaims the Gospel;
(if a Deacon is not available, one of the Priests proclaims the Gospel.) The priest or deacon
receives a blessing from the Bishop, while the Bishop is seated.

The Gospel book is brought back to the Bishop for reverencing after the proclamation of the
Gospel has been completed. All remain standing until the Bishop has reverenced the Gospel
book.

RITE OF CONFIRMATION

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Presentation of the Candidates:​ After the Gospel, before the homily, the Pastor presents the
candidates for Confirmation in these or similar words:

Form A: ​Bishop <name>, the parish community of <parish name here> wishes to present to you
its young men and women [and adult candidates] who have prepared and are ready to receive the
fullness of Christian Initiation in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Each candidate has been well
instructed and is accompanied by a sponsor. It is my privilege to present them to you at this time.
I invite the candidates for Confirmation to please stand.

Form B: ​Bishop <name> the members of the parish community of <parish name here>,
welcome you and express sentiments of thanks for your coming here so that the young men and
women [and adult candidates] of the parish may receive the fullness of Christian Initiation in the
Sacrament of Confirmation. Just as the apostles journeyed from town to town in order that the
neophytes might receive the Holy Spirit, so you have journeyed here on a similar apostolic
mission. These candidates have been baptized in the Lord Jesus and have been nourished at His
Eucharistic Banquet. In preparation for this day they have received and carefully assimilated the
Word of God with an ever deepening commitment of faith. The parish community has joined
them in prayer that the seal of the Holy Spirit, with an abundance of gifts, may confirm them;
and that by your ministry they may receive the fullness of Christian Initiation through the
reception of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. I invite the candidates for Confirmation to please
stand.

The Confirmation candidates remain standing until the Bishop invites them to be seated.

Homily:​ The Bishop will give the homily.

Renewal of Baptismal Promises:​ After the homily, ONLY THE CANDIDATES TO BE

CONFIRMED STAND and renew their Baptismal Promises.

The Bishop leads the renewal with the following form:

Bishop: ​Do you renounce Satan, and all his works, and all his empty show?
Candidates: ​I do.
Bishop: ​Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth?
Candidates: ​I do.
Bishop: ​Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the virgin Mary,
suffered death and was buried, rose again from the dead and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
Candidates: ​I do.
Bishop: ​Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who came upon the Apostles at
Pentecost and today is given to you sacramentally in Confirmation?
Candidates: ​I do.

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Bishop: ​Do you believe in the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the
resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
Candidates: ​I do.
Bishop: ​This is our faith. This is the faith of the church We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our
Lord.
Candidates: ​Amen​.

[NOTE: It is not necessary to print the Baptismal Promises in the worship aid.]

The Laying on of Hands:​ During the Imposition of Hands the CANDIDATES ONLY WILL
KNEEL. The Bishop, without miter, stands facing the candidates and addresses the assembly in
these words:

Bishop:​ My dear friends, in Baptism God our Father gave the new birth of eternal life to his
chosen sons and daughters. Let us pray to our Father that he will pour out the Holy Spirit to
strengthen his sons and daughters with his gifts and anoint them to be more like Christ the Son of
God.

All pray in silence for a short time. The Bishop extends his hands over the candidates and prays:

Bishop:​ All powerful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit you
freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them
to be their helper and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right
judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder
and awe in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Assembly:​ AMEN.

[NOTE: It is not necessary to print these two prayers in the worship aid.]

[NOTE: If the number of candidates is fewer than twenty-five, the Bishop may prefer to lay
hands on each candidate individually. Each candidate would come forward for the Laying on of
Hands; then candidates depart. After all the candidates have celebrated this ritual action, the
candidates and sponsors would come forward for the anointing. This is an optional rite and
arrangements should be made with the confirming Bishop before the ceremony.]

The Anointing with Chrism:​ The deacon or one of the priests brings the parish’s decanter of
Chrism to the Bishop. The Bishop pours Chrism into either his Confirmation Chrism container,
or into a smaller glass bowl which the deacon or priest holds at the Bishop’s right side—the
Bishop will indicate his preference.

The candidates approach the Bishop two by two, with their sponsors. The candidates stand for
the anointing. The sponsor places his/her right hand on the shoulder of the candidate. The
candidate should state his/her Confirmation name loudly and clearly to the Bishop. Candidates
should likewise be rehearsed to speak their "Amen" and “And also with you” in an audible voice.
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Care should be taken to keep the procession moving toward the site of anointing in a respectful
pace, without undue delay.

The Bishop dips his right thumb in the Chrism and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of
the one to be confirmed using this formula:

Bishop:​ <name of Confirmandi> be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.

Confirmandi: ​Amen!

Bishop:​ Peace be with you.

Confirmandi: ​And with your spirit.

The procession of candidates and sponsors to the Bishop should be planned allowing the
assembly maximum visibility of the Rite, e.g., the candidates and sponsors might process up the
side aisles and return down the center aisle. The newly confirmed and their sponsors should be
seated upon returning to their places.

The oil is left on the forehead of the candidate.

(If any students have received the Sacrament of Confirmation at an earlier age, but have
participated in the two year Confirmation process, the Bishop will impart a blessing on these
young people. They should be positioned behind the Candidates and someone should identify
those who will receive a blessing when they reach the Bishop.)

After the last person has been confirmed, two acolytes approach the Bishop with the pitcher of
water, bowl, lemon and two towels. At this time, those who will proclaim the General
Intercessions should approach the podium and be in place.

Universal Prayer or Prayer of the Faithful:​ It is desirable to have one reader, or if prayers are
multilingual then it is desirable to have one reader for each language. (Multiple readers for each
petition tends to emphasize the readers rather than the petitions, and is to be discouraged.)

The Prayers should include intercessions for the Church, civil authorities, those in need, and the
needs of the local community related to the celebration. There should be no more than seven
petitions.

LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST

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Presentation of the Gifts:​ It is appropriate that two or three of the newly-confirmed present the
gifts of the people to the Bishop.

If there is a collection, the procession of gifts takes place following the collection. The Bishop
will normally incense the altar and gifts.

Eucharistic Prayer:​ It is the Bishop’s choice as to which Eucharistic Prayer is voiced The
Eucharistic Prayers for Masses for Various Needs and Occasions are particularly appropriate for
Confirmation.

The Rite of Communion:​ Sufficient hosts for the Mass should be consecrated at the
Confirmation Mass, and according to the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, (2010,
paragraph 73), hosts from the reserved sacrament should not be taken from the tabernacle and
offered during the sharing of communion. Communion under both the forms of bread and wine
is normative. This presumes proper catechesis and familiarity with the ritual of receiving from
the cup. The common rule is that there be two ministers of the cup to every one minister of the
bread. Special ministers of the Eucharist are used when there is an insufficient number of
ordinary ministers (priests, deacons).

Silent Reflection and the Prayer After Communion:​ Sufficient quiet time should be planned
after Communion, before the Prayer After Communion. The use of this time solely for additional
music or hymns is to be discouraged. If a meditation hymn is included, sufficient silent time
should also be included.

(Witness Talks: The practice of inviting newly confirmed young people to give “witness talks” at
the Confirmation Mass ​is to be discouraged​. Such presentations are more fitting during the
Confirmation process.)

CONCLUDING RITE

Announcements:​ If there are any announcements they should be brief and follow the Prayer
after Communion. ​Expressions of gratitude to all who have helped in the Confirmation process
are more fittingly printed in the worship aid, and not voiced during the liturgy.

Final Blessing:​ The Bishop will impart either the "Solemn Blessing" or the "Prayer over the
People" from the Rite of Confirmation. The assembly will respond "Amen" to the Blessing.

Recessional:​ The ministers leave in the order given for the processional. The newly confirmed
follow immediately behind the Bishop in the recessional.

(See Part 6 of Section III for information about photography policies).

Section III: General Instructions

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Everyone needs to keep in mind that the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is a time
of special grace for those being confirmed. Confirmation is not a “graduation” or “presentation”
ceremony but rather a liturgical action of the church.

1. Candidates for Confirmation:​ The Bishop's scheduled visit to the parish during the Easter
season is to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation on high school students and, unless otherwise
determined, on the adult candidates of the parish. High school Confirmation candidates must
have participated in and completed the two year Confirmation process.

Catechized adult Catholics seeking completion of their Initiation through Sacrament of

Confirmation will be confirmed either at the local parish or Regional Celebration of confirmation
for Adults.

Adults in the Initiation process (RCIA) baptized at Easter are to be confirmed by the presiding
priest as part of the Easter Vigil liturgy.

2. Parish Participation:​ The catechetical and pastoral preparation should in some way include
the entire parish community and not merely the candidates for Confirmation (Rite of
Confirmation #3). The parish community needs to know that some of its members are preparing
to celebrate Confirmation. This may be accomplished through:

● announcements imparting information in the bulletin, parish newsletters, and Sunday

announcments
● preaching on Sundays during the Easter season and throughout the year;
● parish prayer including intercessions for the candidates in the Universal Prayer on
Sundays;
● ceremonies presenting the Candidates to the Parish Community;
● Photographs of the candidates in the vestibule, and prayer partners.

3. Sponsors: ​A Baptismal godparent is not only allowed, but is in fact desired as the
Confirmation sponsor, in order to emphasize the relationship between Baptism and Confirmation
(Canon 893.2). "Pastors will see that the sponsor is spiritually qualified for the office" (RC, #6).
The sponsor for any candidate may be male or female, is to be sufficiently mature, (at least 16
years of age), a fully initiated Catholic and living a life of faith which befits the role to be
undertaken, and is not prohibited by Canon Law from exercising the role of sponsor. A parent
may not act as a sponsor for his or her child (Canon 874).

Individuals selected as sponsors must be Catholics who are able to receive the Sacraments of the
Church. ​Sponsors as well as candidates are expected to receive Holy Communion at the Mass of
Confirmation.

4. Names:​ The use of the baptismal name on the occasion of Confirmation better expresses the
relationship between Baptism and Confirmation. If a special Confirmation name is taken, it must
be the name of a recognized saint (such as St. John, St. Martha, St. Teresa) or an acceptable
recognized Christian name (such as Faith, Charity, Prudence). Individual catechists must guide
the candidates in the selection of a Confirmation name, and those names are to be approved in

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advance. (Only full names are to be used, e.g., “Joseph, Robert, Barbara, Gabriela;” not
shortened names such as “Joey, Bobby, Barbs, Gabby.”)

5. Attire for Candidates:​ Candidates should dress appropriately befitting the solemnity of the
Confirmation liturgy. Robes or a uniform dress code are preferable because they eliminate
questionable attire.

(The stole is the distinctive garb of the ordained minister; garments resembling a stole should not
be worn by the Confirmation candidate.)

6. Photography:​ ​Confirmation candidates, sponsors and families need to be informed that the
taking of photographs or videotaping during the Confirmation Liturgy is inappropriate.​ ​Everyone
needs to be reminded to turn off electronic devices.​ Confirmation team members need to monitor
and implement this strictly.

Following Confirmation, the confirming Bishop will take one photograph with each newly
confirmed person, and his or her sponsor. Effective August 2008, a new post-confirmation
photography policy has been implemented. You can read the full policy document by following
the link below:

2008 Confirmation Photography Policy Guide

7. Knights of Columbus & Knights of St. Peter Claver:​ If present, they may be in the
procession and should follow the cross bearer and acolytes and precede the concelebrants. The
Knights should be seated to one side so as not to obstruct the participation of the candidates and
sponsors. Swords are not permitted in the church. The Knights heads remain uncovered
throughout the Mass.

8. Bishop’s parking:​ A place should be reserved for the Bishop's car near the rectory and clearly
marked. It is requested that the Bishop’s office be notified in advance where the reserved parking
space will be located.

9. Rehearsal:​ A rehearsal for all liturgical ministers, the Confirmation candidates and their
sponsors which helps ensure familiarity with the movement and rite of Confirmation is strongly
recommended. The rehearsal must include at the least the following: Walking through the entire
Confirmation Rite, practicing the spoken parts of the ritual loudly and clearly (Confirmation
name, “Amen,” “And with your spirit.”), practicing all the assembly sung parts and songs.

10. Worship/Participation Aids:​ A printed booklet or pamphlet to assist in liturgical

participation is recommended. It serves as an Order of Service. It is best to include all assembly
song, and the appropriate reprint permission notices. It should not include Scripture readings, or
presidential prayers, (including the Eucharistic prayer), nor those prayers or responses which the
assembly knows from memory.

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