DRESS CODE FOR SACRAMENTS

EASTER VIGIL (BAPTISM+)

There are two Different groups at the vigil receiving baptism, so please pay attention to the options below. We provide the baptismal candle for all ages.

ELEMENTARY AGE (Or Younger)

Babies and younger children (up to 5th grade) will receive baptism via a sprinkling rite at the stone baptismal font. As such, they will only have water poured over their head. It is appropriate to dress the child in a white baptismal gown or any formal church attire. White is the most common color for baptism. Red (being the color for confirmation) is a great accent, such as a tie for young men. see below under confirmation / communion for more specific detail.

TEENS & ADULTS

Teens (6th - 12th grade) and adults (18+) regularly receive full immersion baptism in the walk-in font. This means they will walk down into the waters and be baptized going fully under the water. because of the full immersion baptism, We require that black pants and a conservative black t-shirt be worn at the Mass prior to baptism. The shirts should be plain black with no words, or pictures or other symbols on them. The t-shirt and pants must withstand getting totally wet without turning translucent. We would also like the catechumen to wear a conservative shoe that can be quickly removed prior to baptism and slipped back on after baptism. If a sandal needs to be worn it should be a dark color.

After the baptism (We provide towels to dry off with), we'll go to change into a second set of clothes that you’ll bring in a bag, clearly labeled with your name and male or female (so it ends up in the right bathroom). light colored Pants and a nice shirt for the guys. Same or a modest dress for the girls. They will have albs to wear for the rest of Mass, so it doesn't need to be too formal. a nice pair of shoes is appropriate.

The dress is intentional with the whole meaning of baptism; going from darkness (black) into the light (white alb).

CONFIRMATION / COMMUNION

LADIES

TYpically a White/off white/or light pastel dress is worn. because red is the color of confirmation, we’ll often see red as an accent color. dresses should be modest, with a length that falls past the knees and Shoulders covered. In the case of a dress being strapless or with thin straps, please wear a shawl / sweater / wrap / etc.

a Veil or small flowers in hair is fine. Gloves are optional but will need to be removed for Communion.

hair needs to be styled off the forehead for the anointing during confirmation.

No tennis shoes. Rosary or other religious articles may be carried / worn.

GENTLEMEN

Typically seen “Sunday Best”. A button-up Dress shirt and tie with an optional (but encouraged) Suit / Jacket. Black/Navy/Khaki pants are great. Suit does NOt need to be all white. Most commonly for confirmation, we’ll see black suit, white shirt, red tie.

hair needs to be styled off the forehead for the anointing during confirmation.

No hats or tennis shoes. Rosary or other religious articles may be carried / worn.

FIRST RECONCILIATION

There is no set dress code.

However, it is still a big deal! I encourage you to dress up for the special occasion to make it even more memorable…and then go our and celebrate afterwards!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • No! those are the common colors for baptism / confirmation. But if you have a blue suit that looks nice with the orange tie…great!

  • We hire a photographer that will be present for the whole Mass, getting candid shots and individual shots of every baptism/confirmation/first holy communion. They’ll also do a group picture after the Mass and stay for any individual shots you may want. They will have all pictures for sale on their website within about a week and you can just get the digital file (cheap) or even order prints, canvases, framed pictures, etc.

  • The standard is teens and adults do full-immersion baptism and children do the sprinkling baptism. Both are valid and beautiful. We typically don’t do full-immersion for children simply because they would need more help to dry off and get changed and would add more time to what is already the longest Mass of the year!

    Please contact Faith Formation if you have a different request.

  • Great! Bring a second change of clothes and you can take longer to change, do your makeup/hair, etc after Mass and you’ll have time to get some pictures before leaving.

  • Nope! We provide anything else you need.

  • It’s traditional for godparents / sponsors to get their catechumen / confirmandi something special to commemorate the day. Often a rosary, saint necklace, bible, etc.

    Many times, catechumen / Sponsors get their Godparents / Sponsors a thank you card for saying yes to this important role.

  • Yes! At the end of the Mass, the presider will ask you to hold up any items that you wish to have blessed.