Confirmation & communion

[Juliet512]

Thank you Evan!

 

[twf]

This thread is now two pages and no one has answered the OP’s actual question.

OP: I think the long and short of it is that no one here seems to have an answer for you. It would seem that the very fact that the Church changed the discipline proves that it was a matter of discipline and not doctrine. Not the most satisfying answer, but its all I have . That being said, Pope Emeritus Benedict made it clear that the traditional order is laudable: baptism, confirmation, and first communion - and the fact that the Church requires this traditional order for adult converts is telling. Perhaps a theologian could answer your question. Maybe try “ask an apologist” ?

 

[Vico]

Why is it considered discipline, not doctrine, to receive confirmation befoore first communion yet baptism must absolutely be received before first cummunion?

If confirmation isn’t required before first cummunion in all circumstances, could a man in theory be ordained to the priesthood or episcopate without receiving the sacrament of confirmation?

Q1. Why is it considered discipline, not doctrine, to receive confirmation before first communion yet baptism must absolutely be received before first communion?
A. Because only Holy Baptism and Holy Reconciliation are capable of restoring sanctifying grace. All the others give an increase in sanctifying grace. Baptism must be received first.

Q2. Could a man be ordained to the priesthood or episcopate without receiving the sacrament of confirmation?
A2. Not lawfully, not even to the diaconate.

CIC (Latin canon law)Can. 1009 §1 The orders are the episcopate, the priesthood and the diaconate.
Can. 1024 Only a baptised man can validly receive sacred ordination.
Can. 1033 Only one who has received the sacrament of sacred confirmation may lawfully be promoted to orders.
CCEO (Eastern canon law)Canon 325 In virtue of sacred ordination clerics are distinguished as bishops, presbyters and deacons.
Canon 754 Only a baptized man is able to receive sacred ordination validly.
Canon 758 1. To be ordained licitly the following are required: (1) chrismation with holy myron;