As a supplement to the doctrinal and spiritual talk at the beginning of the Confirmation programme, I mention our dress code. For boys, this is easy: jacket and tie, no jeans, no trainers. For girls it is a bit nuanced: dress or skirt, or tailored suit, no mini skirts, discreet makeup (check with mum) careful with the heels. I always thought it was a problem with kneeling down.Mulier Fortis has helpfully explained the real problem with high-heeled shoes at Confirmation. It's not the kneeling down, you see, but the getting up again, apparently. I'll remember that in the future.
One thing that is really important is to have separate classes for boys and girls. At Confirmation you need to say something about chastity and remote preparation for marriage. It is essential to have different groups for boys and girls for this since they have different "needs" in this respect.
13 comments:
"it's not the kneeling, it's the getting up again" - practice, practice, practice! Or a little carefulness. It's quite possible to sprint across round cobbles in high spiky heels, if one puts one's mind to it.
What elegant shoes! I think if someone is practised in getting up in high heels, it's not usually a problem - there's no difference in being Confirmed in high heels or going to Holy Communion in high heels (that is, if one kneels at Communion, as I prefer to do). I think the issue with wearing high heels at Confirmation is the association and symbolism that high heels have these days in the popular media - that they are sexy, an important image accessory etc. So, if a 13 or 14-year old girl (woman?) is going to be confirmed with the mind best focussed on loyalty to the Catholic faith, chastity and holiness etc, it's probably not appropriate to be wearing high heels.
Nice heels! Seperate classes hey? Do you do prep in the Parish rather than the school? ours are prepared in school..the Bishop is always impressed with them..
When I was a boy, the dress code for confirmands was similar to, though somewhat less rigorous than, the dress code for first communicants.
Today, I presume the dress code depends on the age of the confirmand.
For adults, including teenagers, I suppose the code (if that is quite the right word) would be : Sunday best, but nothing too fancy !
four of my children have gone through confirmation and one is currently; there has never been any information about chastity or remote preparation for marriage (these are things that we have tried to address at home), far less separate classes for boys and girls! Thanks for pointing out the importance of these matters,it's good to know that one isn't completely alone in one's thinking.
Getting up in shoes like those pictured without bracing yourself against something... Heh.
I can only imagine!
How can ANYONE walk in shoes like that anyway? I have to admit that high heels have always left me baffled.
GOD BLESS!!!!
Michelle Therese
Is the sacrament of Confirmation generally administered to kneeling recipients rather than standing in England? Just curious. Here it's generally standing, but I'm not going to bet the farm that's necessarily the case in every diocese.
Father, what's the Confirmation age? And ny chance of mantillas for the girls?
First time I've ever been accused of engaging in "collaborative ministry" !!
The "recommended" age for Confirmation in Southwark is Year 8 so 12/13 years of age. But there is flexibility if a parish priest decides to prepare people earlier or later. Prep is usually in the parish - although "remote preparation" is supposed to be given in school and often is.
One of my main pieces of advice for girls on what to wear is "ask your mother"
Dress code for boys is "shirt and tie" - I encourage them to wear a suit but only some do. I think it gives a boy a certain presence and confidence. Also nice if Confirmation is the first time they wear a suit.
Of course, North of the Border, boys get to wear a kilt. I'm off with Paulinus Minor Major for a fitting next Tuesday. Book early.
Ours are prepared in the main in school but regular visits from the Parish priest..as the children are 11/12 years we have no problems with dress code...all must wear school uniform..over there shirts a red sash for boys & girls. They look lovely & no extra expense is incurred..we can't all afford suits Fr..
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