Religious education in the Catholic schools for the Sacrament of Confirmation occurs in grade 6. Reception of the Sacraments should take place in the parish to which you belong and where you regularly attend Mass.

If it is your child’s wish to be confirmed, a parent or legal guardian must obtain and complete a Confirmation Registration Form at St. John Bosco Parish and return it to the office by November 1, 2009. In addition to the registration form, we require the following:

• Proof of Baptism (if not baptized at St. John Bosco Parish)
• Candidate’s height
• $35.00 (to cover retreat expenses, gown rental, and an 8"x10" professional photograph)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 (3:45 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.) - Parent Meeting
Parents, legal guardians or designated persons of candidates wishing to be confirmed are expected to attend this one-hour Confirmation Parent Meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity for parents to reflect and refresh their beliefs about this Sacrament, and to receive handouts and materials to help prepare themselves and their child for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Any questions and concerns can also be brought forward at this time.

Late registrants or those who miss this meeting must contact Father Timothy Harrison after Mass at St. John Bosco Parish to book an appointment to register and review the information provided at the parent meeting.

Saturday or Sunday, February 13 or 14, 2010 - Enrolment Ceremonies
Candidates will present a decorated 3”x5” name card to Father Tim during any one of the three Sunday Masses. These cards will be put on a banner at the front of the church. Sponsor information should also be submitted at this time. Attendance at an enrolment ceremony is compulsory; a reminder will be sent out in advance. Candidates who fail to be enrolled will be asked to present a letter to Father Tim outlining why they wish to be confirmed.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. - Parish Lenten Penance Celebration
Candidates are asked to attend in preparation for their Confirmation. A reminder will be sent out just prior.

Thursday, April 15, 2010 (9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.) - All Day Retreat
All confirmation candidates will gather at the parish Centre for a day of spiritual reflection, getting to know one another, confirmation rehearsal and fun. More information will be sent out to candidates in the spring.

Sunday, May 16, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. - Confirmation

Families are asked to make a special effort to regularly participate in the Sunday Eucharist.

Baptismal certificates (copies) are needed for each candidate not baptized at St. John Bosco Parish. If there are problems with the certificate or if your child is not baptized Catholic, please bring it to our attention.

Confirmation Sunday: Candidates should arrive early (1:00 p.m.) to get ready; candidates will wear a white gown in order to make a connection with their baptism. (Gowns cover clothes to the knees so “super dressy” outfits underneath are not necessary).

Candidates will sit with their sponsor in the front reserved rows of the church. The sponsor will present the candidate and give their name to the Archbishop; families are asked to sit behind the first 3 reserved rows for the celebration. Information for sponsors will be on the church program as per 'What to do?’ and we will also rehearse on the day of the retreat.

Quiet please! In a full church, even whispering turns into a loud roar and it takes away from the solemnity of the ceremony and makes it difficult for all to participate and follow along. Shhh!

No photos or videos are permitted during the celebration of the Eucharist, and especially at the actual moment that the Sacrament of Confimation is bestowed upon the candidates. A group photo will be taken, and candidates will receive an 8"x10" (see photo gallery). There will be plenty of photo opportunites after the ceremony.

For more information, contact Frances Jonker, Pastoral Assistant at St. John Bosco Parish, by email or at (613) 342-5095.