Confirmation 2002
Final Up-date

                                                                                                     22nd April 2002

Dear Parents,

A final up-date as we commence the run-in to Confirmation this week.

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered by Bishop Fiachra O Ceallaigh on Tuesday, and by Archbishop Dermot Clifford on Wednesday.  The Celebration will begin at 11.00 a.m. each day, but children, sponsors and families are expected to be in their places not later than 10.45 a.m.  (Places are reserved for children and sponsors only).

All present are encouraged to participate actively in the prayers, responses and hymns, and to maintain a prayerful silence at all times throughout the Liturgy, especially during the Sacramental Anointing of the children.

Well done to all 6^th class teachers and pupils on their excellent input to the Retreat in Gort Muire on Tuesday last.  Particular thanks to Ruth Kelly of the Community School and Ms. Carol Murphy O’Shea of the Junior School, both of whom acted as facilitators on the day.

Motorists are reminded not to park on the double yellow lines in the vicinity of the Church.   Parking on these lines is not only illegal but is also dangerous as it impedes access of emergency services to both schools and the Idrone Estate, in the event of fire, accident or illness.

Parents are encouraged to look over the Confirmation copy which each pupil has prepared.  A photographer will visit the school on Thursday 25^th April to take group and individual photos.   Pupils wear school uniform to school on this day but will be permitted to change into alternative clothes for the individual photo if their parents so wish.

Finally, a word of appreciation to those parents who have volunteered to help with the Confirmation Reception on the respective days.

Pupils from Ms. O’Gara’s, Mr. Connolly’s and Mr. Ruddy’s classes will be going home on Wednesday at 12 noon in order that the teachers may meet the Archbishop.

With every good wish for a meaningful and enjoyable day.

Le gach dea-ghuí

Confirmation 2002
Newsletter

Dear Parents,

In this newsletter specifically for 6^th class pupils and parents, we give details of the Retreat in Gort Muire on Tuesday 16^th April.   Details are also given of the actual arrangements for Confirmation Day.  This Newsletter is also available on the school web site at www.stcolmcilles.org.

Retreat:  Gort Muire Tuesday 16^th April
Our 6^th class Retreat in preparation for Confirmation takes place on Tuesday 16^th April in Gort Muire.

A team of people have come together to conduct the Retreat for the pupils.  We would encourage parents to discuss the Retreat with their child prior to and in the aftermath of the event.   On the day of the Retreat the pupils will participate in the following activities:

                  (a)   The Journey Towards Confirmation
                  (b)   Guided Prayer/Meditation
                  (c)   Music Preparation for Mass

These sessions will be followed by a Penitential Service and the day will conclude with a Mass.

The children will leave the school at 9.00 a.m. and return at 2.30 p.m. approx.   The cost per child for the bus will be €2.   There will be no charge for the services of those conducting the Retreat or for the use of Gort Muire.

Confirmation Reception
As is customary, there will be an informal Confirmation reception in the Community Centre immediately after the Confirmation ceremony on both April 23^rd/24^th.   I am  asking the parents of 6^th class pupils to assist with the Confirmation reception in the Community Centre as follows:  The time involved on the day would be from 12 noon to 1.45 p.m. approx.

Please telephone Mona our School Secretary at 4942527 and let her know of your   availability to help out.

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Confirmation 2002
Information Sheet

DATE:   Confirmation will take place on Tuesday 23^rd April for Mr. Connolly’s,  Ms. O’Gara’s and  Mr. Ruddy’s class and on Wednesday 24^th April for Ms. Corcoran’s, Mr. Ryan’s and Mr. Kearney’s class.   The Ceremony will commence on both days at 11 a.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. (approx).

BISHOP:  Most Rev. Eamon Walsh DD

SEATING:  There will be strict seating arrangements in the church.  The front centre seats will be reserved for the children and their sponsors – specific seats within this area will be assigned to the individual child and his/her sponsor.  Each child sits with his/her sponsor.  The rest of  the church is not reserved and is available for families and friends of the children being confirmed.

SPONSORS:  The sponsor may not be the child’s parent.  Sponsors should themselves be confirmed, over 16 years of age and practising their faith.  There will be only one sponsor per child.   One of the Baptismal Sponsors (godparents) would be an ideal choice.

CLOTHES:  Children will be expected to wear  their school uniform i.e. blue shirt, school tie, navy pinafore/trousers, navy jumper with crest, navy socks and black or navy shoes.

RECEPTION:  A short reception will be held after the ceremony in the Community Centre.  Hopefully the bishop will attend as he did last year and give you the opportunity to meet him informally.

CAMERAS/VIDEOS:  The bishop has requested that people would refrain from taking photographs or using video cameras during the ceremony.

CONFIRMATION NAMES:  Please ensure that the name chosen has some appropriate significance for the child and is of the Christian tradition.

BROTHERS & SISTERS:  Brothers and sisters of  those being confirmed who are also attending the school may take the day off school to join in the celebrations.

CHOIR:  The school choir will be singing at the ceremony but all the congregation are expected to play a full part.  Please encourage your child to join in the praying and hymn-singing.

PHOTOGRAPHS:  A photographer will visit the school on Thursday 25^th April and a group photo will be taken of the various Confirmation classes.   Individual photos will also be taken on this day and may be subsequently purchased if parents so wish.

We hope you have a fruitful and enjoyable day with your son or daughter.

     Yours sincerely,

        Pádraig Ó Néill             David Weakliam,  O. Carm.
         (Príomhoide)                      (Parish Priest)

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