February 10, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Welcoming new members into the Body of Christ is one of the most
significant acts we perform as Christians. The Sacrament of Baptism
involves not only the individual being baptized, but the participation
of family, friends, sponsors and the parish family. The Sacrament of
Confirmation also involves a host of family members, friends, sponsors
and supporters both in front of and behind the scenes. Because this is
such a special day, our first concern is for the candidates on this
special day and we want a liturgy suitable for offering the Most High.
Our numbers for confirmation, reception and reaffirmation throughout the
diocese are increasing therefore let me re-emphasize some of the salient
policies:
- We are setting a cap of sixty-five (65) total candidates to be
presented at each service, except for April 11 when we can only accept
twelve (12).
- Candidates for confirmation must be at least 16 years of age at
the time of confirmation, or have a 16th birthday within 30 days
following the service. Please do not admit candidates to your
instructional classes if you know they will not be of age at the time of
confirmation.
- Submit names and dates of birth of all those to be confirmed,
received or reaffirmed to my office at least ten days prior to the
service to be attended. If this office does not receive all names by
the Wednesday ten days before the service, please do not expect your
candidates to be confirmed on that date; this deadline has been
established to expedite the many details which must be seen to before
the service. You may send the names by regular mail or by fax, using 516
877 1349.
- *Submit certificates requiring Episcopal signature to the
officiating bishop's office at least ten days prior to the date of the
service. Do not bring confirmation certificates to the service; they
will not be signed at that time.
- When this office is in receipt of your candidates' names, you will
be sent Confirmation Class Offering Envelopes for distribution among the
candidates and a post-Confirmation form. Checks should be made payable
to "Diocese of Long Island". Return the original post-Confirmation
form to my office no later than two weeks following the service,
remembering that it must be signed by the rector or priest-in-charge to
be valid. If your office wishes to keep this record on file, you may
retain a copy. This form is the property of the Diocesan Offices and
provides important statistical and archival information.
- *Bring the appropriate register with you at the time of the service.
The officiating bishop(s) will sign it at that time.
2009 DIOCESAN & REGIONAL CONFIRMATIONS
The dates for Diocesan services of Confirmation, Reception, and
Reaffirmation at the Cathedral of the Incarnation for the year 2009 are:
Saturdays at 2 PM: April 25, June 27, October 10 and October 24.
*Saturday, April 11 at 8 PM*
The dates for Regional Confirmations for 2009 are:
Saturday, May 9 Suffolk: St. Mark's,
Westhampton
Saturday, May 16 Brooklyn: St. Ann & the Holy
Trinity
Saturday, May 16 Queens: St. George's
Flushing
Saturday, June 13 Suffolk: St. Peter's, Bay
Shore
A bilingual (Spanish-English) service will be scheduled and you will be
notified of the date and location.
Bishops Ottley, Shimpfky, Itty and I strongly urge you to observe these
procedures for the sake of the members of your flock who will be
confirmed, received or reaffirmed. Please be ever mindful of the
importance of this rite of passage, particularly for our young adults;
your support of their efforts in growing as Christians is vital to the
future of the Church.
Faithfully yours,
The Right Reverend Orris G. Walker, Jr.
Bishop of Long Island
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Clergy: Cassock, surplice and red stole
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