[Theme: Capoverso] Problems With Front Page Template

Hi,
I am not new to WordPress, but am working with a new install on a brand new domain. I downloaded Capoverso for my self hosted blog, via the link available in the theme showcase on WordPress.com. It is slated for addition here, but isn’t yet available according to the ticket filed to have it included. As a result of this lag, I am not sure if you will be able to help me, but I hope so!
I followed the instructions and created a page and assigned it the front page template, set a feature image, and changed settings so my front page was the page using the front page template. So far so good, yes?
I checked, and it is appearing as my front page (if you go to the domain currently, Maintenance Plugin is activated, so you can’t see. If you need to see, let me know and I can deactivate temporarily) but…

1. My feature image is not appearing as the “background” for my front page. In fact, I can’t see it… at all. If I switch templates, then I can see it. I went through the information available on WordPress.com with a fine tooth comb before posting here and cannot find where it says that this feature image must be a specific size.
2. In the demo, there appears to be text under the header, but when I put text in the body, it is again… nowhere.

Did I do something wrong? I really like Capoverso, and i was excited to use it, but I’ll have to find another theme if I can’t fix my problems.
I am very appreciative for any help any of you may be able to provide.