Dear families,
A great deal has impacted all of us in the last few months. Our lives and our plans have been interrupted in ways we could not foresee. Now that we are given the go ahead by the Des Moines diocese to plan Masses and our Confirmation, I need to hear from you right away if you do not desire your student to receive Confirmation with us as planned this June. Time is short to plan for Confirmation. So I would appreciate hearing from you right away if your plans have changed.
Confirmation Sponsors
Confirmation Sponsors are to be supportively present at the Confirmation ceremony and further participate in the faith life of the Confirmed. So that instructions can be given and received by our Sponsors, Sponsors for Confirmation are asked to be present at our Mass practice on: Thursday, June 25, 2020, from 6:30-8:00 pm.
During our Confirmation Mass on Saturday, June 27th, Confirmation Sponsors are to be present to stand with their students (Confirmandi) as they are confirmed by Fr. Tom or Fr. Litto during our Mass. With the onset of the Covid -19 virus Bishop Joensen conferred this authority to confirm to his priests.
If your sponsor is not able to be present, a proxy or substitute person, can take their place. This person needs to be at least 16 years of age or older.
Safety Instructions to Follow for Confirmation
Regarding the safety protocols for the Mass, the practice, and reconciliation for students: we will be following the guidelines provided by the Des Moines diocese. These guidelines are located on our parish website under the "About" tab and "Covid-19". If you or your family members have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus please remain at home. Once you have been restored to full health, contact the parish office when you are ready to schedule the reception of the sacrament. As mentioned: everyone is to wear masks, observe the social distancing of 6 feet apart, and use hand sanitizer. The church is sanitized after each use. Here are the other special instructions:
1. Ushers will be in place to direct seating. In the church, pews are marked so that every other pew is left empty for social distancing. Pews will be assigned for each family of each student to sit in, filling each pew from the center aisle toward the side aisle, and from the side aisles filling the side pews on either side of the center, the same way. This will leave an empty space at the end of each center aisle pew. So, there will be a limit of 4-6 (no more than 6 per pew) per family sitting in the family assigned pews. Other guests of family members will need to sit in the Social Hall seating set up to provide additional seating for this Mass. That will allow us to maintain social distancing. Walking sideways in each empty pew in front of each filled pew, Father and the deacons will distribute communion while people stand in their pew to receive the Body of Christ (only).
2. To receive the sacrament of Confirmation, the Candidate and his sponsor will walk up to the front of the altar to receive the sacrament, spacing 6 feet apart with masks on and then return to their seats. Ushers will guide candidates to receive the sacrament.
3. There will not be a group picture after Mass and families will be dismissed from the back of the Church where candidates are to pick-up their certificate and gift as they leave Church in the Social Hall.
We may need to add to these guidelines as other information comes from the diocese or safety concerns dictate. Let me know if you still have questions.
Roseanne Williby