FOR CATECHISTS AND LITURGY PLANNINGTEAMS

Transcription

1 PLANNING AND UNDERSTANDING THE LITURGY: GUIDELINES FOR CELEBRATING THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION IN THE DIOCESE OF PORTSMOUTH FOR CATECHISTS AND LITURGY PLANNINGTEAMS

2 CONTENTS Foreword Bishop Philip Page 3 Signs and symbols Page 4 Confirmation name Page 5 An overview of the Liturgy. Page 6 Music Page 7 Penitential Act... Page 9 Liturgy of the Word Page 9 Rite of Confirmation... Page 11 The Sponsor Page 13 Liturgy of the Eucharist Page 14 Altar servers Page 15 Cathedral Contacts Page 17 Summary... Page 18 Photography Page 21

3 Bishop Philip Laudetur Iesus Christus! Praised be Jesus Christ! The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation is an occasion of great rejoicing, not only for the young people being confirmed but also for their families and friends, for the local church and for the whole diocese. Confirmation is the sacrament that completes Baptism. In it the gift of the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon us. Anyone who freely decides to live a life as God s child and asks for God s Spirit, under the signs of the imposition of hands and anointing with Chrism, receives the strength to witness to God s love and might in word and deed. They are now fully-fledged, responsible members of the Catholic Church (YouCat 203; cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church ). I want to acknowledge the tremendous work done by Confirmation coordinators and catechists. Thank you for all you do to hand on the Catholic Faith to the young and to prepare them to receive this holy Sacrament. As well as excellent catechesis, we also need to ensure that the Liturgy of Confirmation is wellplanned and a worthy celebration of faith. I warmly recommend these guidelines and hope that they will both enhance our worship and deepen our faith. Whether the Rite of Confirmation is to take place in the Cathedral here in Portsmouth, or in your Pastoral Area, or in your parish or in your school, I am sure you will find this booklet very helpful in planning and preparing the Liturgy. I am particularly grateful to Fr. John Chandler, our diocesan Master of Ceremonies for carefully putting together these notes. The notes build on the previous guidelines the diocese issued in Please contact the Bishop s Office as you prepare your local celebration, and ensure that you have taken the appropriate steps before printing your Order of Service (see later, paragraph 5, page 19 of this booklet). Again, I thank you for all you are doing to serve the Lord and his Church, In Corde Iesu, Bishop of Portsmouth 3

4 Signs and Symbols As with all sacramental programmes, part of the catechesis will focus on the rite itself; the signs and symbols, the matter and form used. It s important that the confirmandi have the opportunity to look at the Mass and the Confirmation Rite, to spend some time choosing appropriate music, looking at the different styles of music called for in the General Instruction to the Roman Missal. Planning the Liturgy together will help the candidates to engage with and understand better the Gift they are preparing to receive. THE SIGNS AND THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION from the Catechism 1293 In treating the Rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the sign of anointing and what it signifies and imprints: a spiritual seal. Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses (anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and wrestlers); oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and wounds; and it makes radiant with beauty, health, and strength Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. The post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation, Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off "the aroma of Christ By this anointing the confirmand receives the "mark," the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership of an object. Hence soldiers were marked with their leader's seal and slaves with their master's. A seal authenticates a juridical act or document and occasionally makes it secret Christ himself declared that he was marked with his Father's seal. Christians are also marked with a seal: "It is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has commissioned us; he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee." This seal of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our enrolment in his service for ever, as well as the promise of divine protection in the great eschatological trial. 4

5 Choosing a Confirmation Name Choosing a confirmation name is a very important part of the preparation programme. Choosing a Confirmation name not only allows the confirmandi to learn about the heroic lives of the Saints, but helps them to begin reflections on their own personality: their gifts and talents, their likes and dislikes, their strengths and weaknesses as they look for a saint who would be a good intercessor for them. (This may even lead to discussions about vocations?) Bishop Philip asks you to choose the Confirmation Name from the saints found in the Roman Calendar, or the National Calendar or the Diocesan Calendar. Taking a new name emphasises the real, sacramental change brought about in the person; not just an outward sign but also an inward grace. There are a number of men and women in the Scriptures who take on a new name when they finally realise their role in God s plan of Salvation. When we receive the Sacrament of Confirmation we take responsibility for the unique role we are called to fulfil. Abram (meaning high father ) was changed to Abraham (meaning father of the multitude ) Gen 17:5 Sarai (meaning my princess ) was changed to Sarah (meaning mother of the nations ) Gen 17:5 Jacob (meaning supplanter ) was changed to Israel (meaning having power with God ) Gen 32:28 Simon (meaning God has heard ) was changed to Peter (meaning rock ) Jn 1:42 Liturgical note: The Confirmation name needs to be written clearly on a card and brought forward by the Sponsor. The Sponsor tells the bishop the name whilst handing the card to the deacon. 5

6 Overview of the Mass of Confirmation Candidates, their sponsors and families should be in their places prior to the entrance procession beginning. INTRODUCTORY RITES Greeting Penitential Act blessing and sprinkling with Holy Water and Salt Opening Prayer LITURGY OF THE WORD The Gospel Acclamation should be sung. If it is not sung, it should be omitted. Before proclaiming the Gospel the deacon (or, in the absence of a deacon, the priest) will go to the Bishop to receive the blessing with the words, Your blessing, Father Gospel Following the proclamation of the Gospel, the deacon or priest does not venerate the Book, but brings it to the Bishop for him to venerate and to bless the People. LITURGY OF CONFIRMATION After the Gospel, the Candidates for Confirmation are invited to stand, either when called by name, or the Catechist presents them to the Bishop and they all together then stand. Catechist: Most Reverend Father on behalf of the parish of. I present to you these young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The candidates then sit and the Bishop preaches the homily. After the homily the Bishop invites the candidates to stand and renew their baptismal promises ANOINTING WITH CHRISM The Bishop sits on his cathedra. The candidates come forward and kneel before him, with the sponsor standing behind with their hand upon the shoulder of the candidate. The Bishop then anoints the candidate on the forehead with Sacred Chrism. LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST Prayer over the Offerings, Roman Missal (page 1186) Preface of the Holy Spirit (1), Roman Missal (page 1406) Eucharistic Prayer III, Roman Missal (page 684) Mass continues as usual. 6

7 Music & When completing the Liturgical Planning form for the Diocesan M.C. it is important to consider the different musical styles called for by the General instruction of the Roman Missal. Entrance Chant (GIRM 47) Offertory Chant (GIRM 74) Communion Chant (GIRM 86) We also use gathering music / songs and hymns of praise during the Chrismation / distribution of Holy Communion. Periods of silence for reflection and prayerful contemplation Using different styles of music help us to enter into the accompanying liturgical action. St. Cecilia, Martyr and patron Saint of music / musicians Music is an integral part of the Confirmation Mass. Good, effective music is important, and need not refer continually to the Holy Spirit. The sacrament will be celebrated during the Easter Season and so it is important to make these theological connections through the music used. An important criterion in choosing music for the Mass is whether it will enable the entire assembly to participate. Choices which may be favourites of some of the catechists or candidates are not necessarily suitable for use at Mass, or on this occasion, especially if large numbers of those present cannot join in. Please try to ensure a variety of styles of music, but always of the highest quality. The Bishop also asks that you incorporate some plainchant music, e.g. the hymn Veni Creator or some of the simple chants given in the Missal. REMINDER: Paraphrased Mass-settings are not permitted for any Mass. Settings should use the words as printed in the translation of the 3rd edition of the Roman Missal. 7

8 Music The list below shows some of the Mass settings which have been approved for use in England since the 2011 Revised English Translation of the Roman Missal: Christopher Walker A New Celtic Liturgy (Laudate supplement) Margaret Rizza Mass of St Benedict (RSCM) Richard Proulx A community Mass (Youtube) Paul Inwood The Revised Gathering Mass (Laudate supplement) Malcolm Archer Mass of St Peter (RSCM) Philip Ledger The Dominican Mass (RSCM) Marty Haugen Mass of Creation (Laudate supplement) Resources (including some audio clips of these settings) can be found on: When completing the liturgical planning form, you will notice the parts of the Mass which can be sung. There are however parts of the Mass which must be sung during Mass when the Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred. (Please make reference to the Singing the Mass document issued by Bishops Conference of England and Wales, which is attached to this document or can be accessed here: The laying-on of hands is done in silence, without music. During the anointing, allow at least one or two of the candidates to receive the sacrament in silence, as this ensures that the words used are audible and the actions are made clear. Suitable hymns, chants and songs can then be used during the anointing. IMPORTANT: when the candidates come forward to the Bishop for anointing, catechists will be needed to help with stewarding. Numbers will be large, so we need to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay between candidates. 8

9 Entering into the Liturgy: The penitential rite Instead of a Penitential Act, it is recommended that a Blessing and Sprinkling with Holy Water be used (Roman Missal, pp. 1507ff.). Water to be blessed Salt to be blessed A suitable container for the salt, which the bishop will bless and add to the Holy Water Aspergillum Prayers of blessing (if you would like to include these prayers in the order of service they may be found in the Roman Missal page 1505) When the bishop sprinkles the congregation with the Holy Water, candidates and their families should know to make the sign of the Cross when they are sprinkled. Your order of service will need to include: The words of the hymn used during the sprinkling The words of absolution A sentence or two explaining the connection between the sprinkling and our baptism. Entering into the Liturgy: Liturgy of the Word The Bishop determines the readings to be used at Confirmations. The Readings are those given for Pentecost Sunday according to the annual cycle given in the Lectionary, thus in Year A the readings are: Acts 2:1-11, Ps 103, 1 Cor 12: , John 20:19-23 (= Pentecost Sunday, Year A) The chants between the readings (Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation) will be sung. The Responsorial Psalm should not be a hymn paraphrase but a genuine psalm, if possible using a cantor. 9

10 Entering into the Liturgy: Liturgy of the Word The proclamation of the Word of God is truly a service to the Church. Lectors bring the living Word of God to the liturgical assembly. The ministry of the Word should, therefore, be treated seriously and with great dignity. (GIRM 55) In the absence of an instituted lector, other laypersons may be commissioned to proclaim the readings from Sacred Scripture. They should be truly suited to perform this function and should receive careful preparation, so that the faithful by listening to the readings from the sacred texts may develop in their hearts a warm and living love for Sacred Scripture (GIRM 101) Please note: There will be no prayers of intercession during the Confirmation Mass. For the proclamation of the Gospel, the priest or deacon first asks the blessing of the Bishop. After proclaiming the Gospel, the priest or deacon does not venerate the book but brings it to the Bishop for him to venerate and bless the people with it. All remain standing for this blessing, after which they sit. It would be useful to include a note in your order of service directing the congregation to remain standing while the Bishop venerates the Gospel and blesses those present with the Book of the Gospels. Scripture references and the captions to the readings are sufficient for the Order of Service for the Gospel and other readings used. Proper copyright acknowledgements for texts and music used must be included. With a copyright licence such as the Calamus licence, you will probably already know how to do this. See also 10

11 Entering into the Liturgy: Rite of Confirmation After the Scripture readings, the candidates are invited to stand in their places as each name is called out by the Confirmation Co-ordinator for the Pastoral Area. The Co-ordinator presents them to the bishop using the following formula: Bishop Philip, on behalf of the. Pastoral Area / the parish of., I present to you these young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Afterwards candidates sit down in their places for the Homily. After the Homily, the candidates stand in their places for the renewal of their baptismal promises: Do you renounce Satan? The Candidates respond together: I do And all his works? Candidates: I do And all his empty show? Candidates: I do Do you believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth? Candidates: I do 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 and is seated at the right hand of the Father? Candidates: I do Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting? Candidates: I do The bishop accepts their profession of faith by proclaiming the faith of the Church: This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church. We are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord. The whole congregation responds: Amen. Please practise these promises and encourage the candidates to speak up! 11

12 Entering into the Liturgy: rite of confirmation After the renewal of the baptismal promises the candidates move forward and make a line in front of the first step of the Sanctuary. Catechists will need to help steward this to ensure that there is no confusion, nor undue delay. When the candidates are in place Bishop Philip will move to the front of the Sanctuary where he will be joined by the concelebrating priests. Bishop Philip and the priests will extend their hands and will pray With hands extended Bishop Philip will pray: When the prayer ends, the candidates will return to their places. Bishop Philip will return to the Cathedra and each candidate will come forward with their sponsor to be anointed with the Oil of Chrism. Catechists will need to help with stewarding again Candidates will approach the Sanctuary via the central aisle and then will return to their places via the side aisles. 12

13 Notes on the Sponsors A Confirmation Sponsor is someone who sees that the person being Confirmed acts as a true witness to Christ and is ready and willing to fulfil the continuing obligations connected with the Sacrament of Confirmation and a life lived with and for Christ. Sponsors are meant to give a candidate a good example of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. This will be shown for the love for God, for the Word of God, for the Mass and the Sacraments, for the teachings of the Church and by the love they show to others. It is the Sponsor s task to develop further his or her own spiritual life, praying regularly for their candidate. Confirmation Sponsors must be chosen carefully. The church encourages candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation to invite one of their baptismal Godparents to act as their Confirmation Sponsor. This clearly expresses the link between Baptism and Confirmation. The role of the Confirmation Sponsor is to continue helping the candidate along the road of Christian life, to safeguard and develop the grace given at Baptism and now sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. If this is not possible, another Confirmation Sponsor may be chosen. A Sponsor must be: Chosen by the candidate A confirmed and practicing Catholic At least sixteen years old; and In good standing with the church, leading a life in harmony with the faith and role undertaken. CONFIRMATION NAME HERE Parish / Pastoral Area Christian Name Sponsor s Name Date / Place Baptism This card should be A5 Use Capital letters The sponsor comes forward with the candidate and PRESENTS them to Bishop Philip. The candidate kneels in front of Bishop Philip Standing behind the candidate, the sponsor passes the A5 Confirmation Card to the Deacon and tells Bishop Philip the Confirmation name. (Please speak clearly!) The sponsor places their right hand on the right shoulder of the candidate (as can be seen in the photo above) 13

14 The Liturgy of the Eucharist Bishop Philip usually uses Eucharistic Prayer III with the additional petition praying for the newly Confirmed. Holy Communion is to be distributed under both kinds. For the benefit of those not receiving, the following notice should be printed in the order of service: If you are not in full communion with the Catholic Church or are unable to receive Holy Communion for some other reason, you may wish to make a spiritual communion (see prayer below). You may also wish to complete this by going forward to receive a blessing from the priest or Bishop. Please indicate that you wish to receive a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest. SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen. (based on a prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori) The Bishop usually gives his Apostolic Blessing using this formula: (i.e. not a Solemn Blessing from the Missal) BISHOP: The Lord be with you (response) and with your spirit BISHOP: Blessed be the name of the Lord (response) both now and forever BISHOP: Our Hope is in the name of the Lord (response) who made Heaven and Earth BISHOP: and may almighty God bless you (response) AMEN The Deacon will dismiss the congregation with the Easter Dismissal. 14

15 Altar Servers We need a minimum of 6 altar servers for the Confirmation Mass: Thurifer, Cross bearer, two candle bearers, Crozier bearer and Mitre bearer. The Diocesan M.C. is responsible for the altar servers. They are asked to provide their own cassocks and cottas or albs, and to wear black shoes. At the Cathedral altar servers will be stationed and will operate from HERE behind the Bishops Cathedra LITURGY OF THE WORD The Altar Confirmation candidates line up here for the laying on of hands Entrance, Offertory and Recessional processions will all take place HERE Entrance procession: The servers lead the procession up the centre aisle. They all go up the steps to the Altar. Altar servers who are carrying an object walk past the Altar and make their way behind the Cathedra. Altar servers who are not carrying objects make a profound bow to the Altar in the usual way and then join the other Altar Servers behind the Cathedra Crozier and Mitre bearer: At the foot of the Altar steps, Bishop Philip will hand his mitre and crozier to the servers and will then incense the altar and processional Cross and the Paschal Candle. 15

16 Altar Servers: in the Cathedral Mitre Bearer An easy rule to remember is that every time the Bishop sits down, he will need his mitre. An exception is when the bishop sits for the offertory procession. Crozier Bearer Bishop Philip will carry his crozier in the procession, he will need it for the Gospel and then for the Blessing. The Book bearer, crozier bearer and mitre bearer need to be alert at all times and remain with the M.C. during the Mass so they can be easily called upon. The other parts of the Mass will run in the usual way. All those wishing to serve Mass will need to be ready 30mins before the Mass is due to begin. Black shoes must be worn. Procession at the end of Mass At the end of Mass, the servers will line up in formation and move to the centre aisle. There they will stop and turn to face the Altar. Once they are in position, the Bishop and Deacons will venerate the Altar and move round to the front of the Altar. They will turn and face the Altar. The Bishop, Deacons and Servers all bow together, turn and process out. The Bishop will bless the people as he moves among them; the people should know to bless themselves, making the Sign of the Cross, as he does so. 16

17 The Cathedral St. John s Catholic Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth, Hants. PO1 3HG Canon Dominic Golding is cathedral Dean and can be contacted regarding any queries or concerns you may have by ing: info@portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.uk or you can call him on (023) Car parking may be difficult. (It might be best to use a coach?) There are limited parking spaces available in the Cathedral Car Park so car sharing is advisable. There is metered parking along Bishop Crispian Way. Another alternative is a Car Park (currently 1.10p per hour) less than 5mins walk away which is opposite the Portsmouth & Southsea train station. There is also plenty of parking in the Cascades Shopping Centre and behind St Agatha s Church on the old Tricorn site. Cathedral Car park Musicians and altar servers It is hoped that Pastoral Areas will being some of their own musicians to the Confirmation Mass. Please liaise with the Parish Office info@portsmouthcatholiccathedral.org.uk Your Pastoral Area will need to bring at least 6 altar servers. When completing the Liturgical Planning Form please give an indication of how many altar servers you plan to bring with you. The Diocesan M.C. is responsible for the altar servers. They are asked to provide their own cassocks and cottas or albs, and to wear black shoes. Diocesan Vestments Concelebrating Priests should bring their own Diocesan Chasuble. Although the Cathedral has a supply of Dalmatics, Deacons are asked to bring their own wherever possible. Order of Service The Parish / Pastoral Area is responsible for producing an order of service following these guidelines. The order of service needs to be approved by the Diocesan M.C. before going to print. (jchandler@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk) 17

18 Summary 1. Candidates for Confirmation should be at least 13 years old or above, and have completed a course of formation and catechesis. The Bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation (Code of Canon Law 882). The Bishop will normally celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for each Pastoral Area in the Cathedral on a Sunday (or Saturday afternoon) of Eastertide. 2. Candidates for Confirmation are strongly encouraged to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation prior to the celebration of Confirmation. Catechesis and preparation for this should be included within the Confirmation course. 3. The Bishop determines the readings to be used at Confirmations for each liturgical year, unless it is a Sunday, major feast or solemnity in which case the readings of the day are used. 4. The following areas need special consideration ahead of time: Worship space Rather than grouping all the candidates together in the front rows of the church, it is preferable that they are seated at the aisle end of each row, with the sponsors and families alongside them. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Where priests and deacons are present, they should be used as Ministers of Communion, supplemented by extraordinary ministers as necessary. NB: The Diocesan MC will not be available for this ministry. Lay Readers Readers for the scripture reading(s) should be chosen according to their ability to read well. Candidates may be nervous and thus not read well; instead, using good and experienced readers from the community to exercise their usual ministry will be a sign that this is a celebration of the entire community and not just a part of it. On the other hand, if one of the candidates is already a good and experienced reader, then he or she could be used. Prayers of intercession Please note: there will be no prayers of intercession during the Confirmation Mass. 18

19 Other logistical preparations (a) Each candidate needs to complete a card with details including their Confirmation name, sponsor s full name, and date and place of Baptism. The sponsor will hand the card to an assisting priest at the time of presenting the candidate to the Bishop. The details are entered into the Confirmation register and the cards then sent to each person s place of Baptism for inclusion in the baptismal register there. (b) If certificates and/or gifts are to be presented, this may be done either during the reception following the Mass or during a later Mass within the local community, i.e. parish, school or pastoral area. 5. Order of service The Diocesan Master of Ceremonies needs to have details of what is planned and approve it in advance. For this purpose please: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Download and complete a Liturgy Planning Form (which can be found on the Diocesan Website) and it to Fr John Chandler (jchandler@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk). When the Liturgy Planning Form has been approved by the Diocesan M.C., work can begin on the Order of Service. Please ensure a draft copy of your order of service is sent to the Diocesan M.C. for approval no less than four weeks before your Confirmation Mass. Please post an Order of Service to the Bishop s P.A. to arrive a couple of days before the Confirmation Mass. Scripture references and the captions to the readings are sufficient. Proper copyright acknowledgements for texts and music used must be included. With a copyright licence such as the Calamus licence, you will probably already know how to do this. See also 6. During the Mass itself (a) Instead of a Penitential Act, it is recommended that a Blessing and Sprinkling with Blessed Water be used (Roman Missal, pp. 1507ff.). (b) For the reading of the Gospel, the deacon or priest first asks the blessing of the Bishop. After proclaiming the Gospel, the deacon or priest does not venerate the book but brings it to the Bishop for him to venerate and bless the people with it. All remain standing for this blessing, after which they sit. 19

20 Summary (c) After the scripture readings, the candidates are invited to stand in their places as each name is called out by the Confirmation co-ordinator for the pastoral area or parish. The co-ordinator presents the candidates to Bishop Philip using this formula: The formula for presentation is: Bishop Philip, on behalf of the. Pastoral Area / the parish of., I present to you these young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The candidates sit, and the Bishop then preaches the homily. After the Homily, the Bishop invites the candidates to stand and renew their baptismal promises. The Bishop will then invite the candidates to come forward to the front. (d) The concelebrating priests now move to stand near the Bishop. The Bishop invites the assembly to pray for the coming of the Spirit on the candidates, followed by a silence. (e) Then the Bishop and priests extend their hands over the candidates while the Bishop alone prays the prayer. The Bishop alone then goes to the candidates and lays hands on each one s head in silence. (f) The Confirmation co-ordinator may help to marshal the procession of candidates for the anointing, and will check that all the required details are on the candidate s card. (g) During the anointing with chrism, each sponsor stands behind the candidate to the candidate s left with his/her right hand on the candidate s shoulder. The sponsor introduces the candidate to the Bishop using her/his Confirmation name ( Father, this is.. ) and hands the card to the assisting priest. (h) If there is an official photographer, care needs to be taken that the person does not become too obtrusive. No other photographs are permitted. However, the Bishop is very happy to be available immediately after Mass to have a group photo taken with the newly confirmed. Offertory Procession Only bread and wine are to be brought forward in the procession of gifts. It is most fitting that some of the candidates bring up the gifts or bread and wine in the procession. Those involved in the procession are reminded to bring the gifts to the Bishop s chair. (i) Holy Communion is to be distributed under both kinds. For the benefit of those not receiving, the following notice should be printed in the order of service: If you are not in full communion with the Catholic Church or are unable to receive Holy Communion for some other reason, you may wish to make a spiritual communion (see prayer below). You may also wish to complete this by going forward to receive a blessing from the priest or minister. Please indicate that you wish to receive a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest. SPIRITUAL COMMUNION My Jesus, I believe that you are present in this Holy Sacrament of the altar. I love you above all things and I passionately desire to receive you into my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come spiritually into my soul so that I may unite myself wholly to you now and forever. Amen. (based on a prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori) 20

21 Summary 7. Music Music is an integral part of the Confirmation Mass. Good, effective music is important, and need not refer constantly to the Holy Spirit. If the sacrament is celebrated on a Sunday or feastday, music should be chosen that reflects the character of that day as well as the occasion itself The Responsorial Psalm should not be a hymn paraphrase but a genuine psalm (if possible using a cantor). You might want to preface the Entrance Chant with a quiet Gathering song, followed by a minute s silence before the entrance song or hymn begins. An appropriate song/chant to accompany the Sprinkling with Blessed Water will be required. The Gloria should always be sung. The laying-on of hands is done in silence, without music. During the anointing, allow at least one or two of the candidates to receive the sacrament in silence, as this ensures that the words used are audible and the actions are made clear. Suitable hymns, chants and songs can then be used during the anointing. Photography Unless there is a professional and discreet photographer then photos shouldn t be taken during the Mass. At the end of the Mass the Bishop will process out and will return after the final hymn for a group photo which will be taken in front of the altar. Due to the large numbers of Candidates the bishop is unable to stay for individual photographs but all those who wish can take a group photo at this point. 21