Preparing for the Rite of Election
Saturday, February 21st
(For souls seeking the sacrament of BAPTISM and their sponsors/godparents)
St. Charles Borromeo Church
5049 W, Caldwell Ave. Visalia, CA 93277
Arrive at 9:30 am
115 miles away - approx. 2 hours driving
5049 W, Caldwell Ave. Visalia, CA 93277
Arrive at 9:30 am
115 miles away - approx. 2 hours driving
FASTING HOUR
(only for Sponsors, Godparents, and Team Members)
begins at 10:00 am (nothing but water after 10:00 am)
-Souls seeking Baptism are encouraged to fast with us-
(only for Sponsors, Godparents, and Team Members)
begins at 10:00 am (nothing but water after 10:00 am)
-Souls seeking Baptism are encouraged to fast with us-
UPON ARRIVAL
1) Drop off snackies in the Hall for the reception after the ceremony, (everyone is asked to bring one dozen of any finger food items). This is a good time to get that last cup of coffee or treat before fasting hour begins at 10:00 am.
2) Check in: Find the group. We will have a small green flag and green sashes. This is when you will receive your bracelet and your green sash. Green sashes are for easy group identification.
3) BRACLETS - NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND WITHOUT A BRACLET. This is for security reasons as there will be about 3,000 people attending this ceremony. ONLY the names that were submitted on February 6th will be issued a bracelet. There will be no exceptions unless previously cleared with both directors of OCIA listed below.
4) Last Minute Instructions: If there is any updated information you will receive it at this time. If there are any questions or concerns, this is the best time to address them.
5) Use the restroom before entering the church.
2) Check in: Find the group. We will have a small green flag and green sashes. This is when you will receive your bracelet and your green sash. Green sashes are for easy group identification.
3) BRACLETS - NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND WITHOUT A BRACLET. This is for security reasons as there will be about 3,000 people attending this ceremony. ONLY the names that were submitted on February 6th will be issued a bracelet. There will be no exceptions unless previously cleared with both directors of OCIA listed below.
4) Last Minute Instructions: If there is any updated information you will receive it at this time. If there are any questions or concerns, this is the best time to address them.
5) Use the restroom before entering the church.
INSIDE THE CHURCH
- WE SHOULD BE SEATED BY 10:30 am
- We will have a map of where we will be sitting as a group. We will try to always move as a group so that no one gets lost.
- NO FOOD, GUM, OR DRINK is allowed inside the church.
- It is disrespectful to engage in conversation, especially if it is not related to the celebration, while in the church. Therefore, we will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy together, and if we have time, we may pray additional prayers.
- MASS WILL START AT 11:00 am SHARP
- The ceremony will take approximately 90 minutes, perhaps more due to the size of the congregation.
- Afterwards we will move as a group to tour the inside of the church together and take a group picture for our archives.
- After the group picture you are released to go. You may attend the reception in the Hall or begin your travels back home. Some people make plans to eat at a local restaurant; it is completely up to you!
- THIS DOES NOT FULLFILL YOUR WEEKEND OBLIGATION - You will still need to attend regular weekend Mass to fulfill your Sunday obligation as a Catholic in good standing.
DRESS CODE
PLEASE WEAR YOUR SUNDAY BEST
- Women top: No bare shoulders, no tank tops, modest
- Women bottoms: Dress, skirt, or slacks. No shorts or minis, no leggings, nothing see through.
- Women shoes: NO HEELS, (the church has slanted aisles) no sandals
- Men tops: Collared shirt and tie; no tee shirts or sweatshirts
- Men bottoms: church slacks; no sweats, shorts, or jeans
- Men shoes: clean, no sandals
CARPOOLING and CONVOY INFORMATION
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If you need a ride, please contact Shannon at 661-805-0218 BEFORE Friday.
Suggestions:
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