Is confirmation manadatory?

[Richard320]

My son has opted out of confirmation, as he sort through his lack of faith. Question; suppose 10 years from now he returns to the church, can he immediately go to confession, begin attending Mass and receiving Eucharist, and live the “Catholic” life without going through confirmation? How mandatory is confirmation, and what are you precluded from doing if you aren’t confirmed?

Jon

Yes he can. He’s not unique. Every year the Cathedral here has a Confirmation class during Lent for those who are in the same boat your son will be in. And then they get Confirmed, but not during the Easter Vigil, it’s a week or two later.

Others have answered the other questions.

 

[Joe_5859]

I’m just going to throw this out there…

I have not been confirmed. I am a cradle Catholic.

I am my niece’s godparent, she was christened in a Catholic church.

I was married in the Catholic church as well. All I was asked for was paperwork showing my baptism.

Is this wrong? I don’t know, just wanted to point this out.

As your situation illustrates, these things do happen. Not all priests do their due dilligence. And, of course, most Catholics rely on their priests to do things the correct way, so if the priest allows it, they never know otherwise.

It’s good that you want to get confirmed now. Receiving sacramental grace can never hurt.

A grave inconvenience can also be simply not wanting to be Confirmed. My husband and I were married in the Catholic church. I had been Confirmed, he had not. He still hasn’t and has no desire to be Confirmed. The marriage in the Church was for my benefit.

No one is forced into Confirmation. (Unless of course the man wanted to be ordained )

That’s a good example of an exception to the rule. For the good of the practicing Catholic spouse, the Church wouldn’t deny a couple a Catholic sacramental wedding and of course the non-practicing party cannot be coerced into receiving a sacrament.

 

[Cristiano]

Confirmation is mandatory for all Catholics. The baptism is NOT incomplete without confirmation. Confirmation is a different and still a very necessary sacrament of initiation.

Clarifying the Confusion on Confirmation

Clarifying Certain Misunderstandings About Confirmation

They are practically the same article with a few sentences added/changed

 

[Joe_5859]

Confirmation is mandatory for all Catholics. The baptism is NOT incomplete without confirmation. Confirmation is a different and still a very necessary sacrament of initiation.

Did you mean to say that “Baptism is not complete without Confirmation”?

 

[1ke]

That’s a good example of an exception to the rule. For the good of the practicing Catholic spouse, the Church wouldn’t deny a couple a Catholic sacramental wedding and of course the non-practicing party cannot be coerced into receiving a sacrament.

In such a case Canon 1071 §1.4 applies and the marriage is subject to Canon 1125 as if it were a mixed marriage (Can 1071§2).

 

[1ke]

Did you mean to say that “Baptism is not complete without Confirmation”?

Yeppers. I hope that was a typo.

1285 Baptism, the Eucharist, and the sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “sacraments of Christian initiation,” whose unity must be safeguarded. It must be explained to the faithful that the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace.

 

[Cristiano]

Did you mean to say that “Baptism is not complete without Confirmation”?

No! I meant that Baptism is complete without confirmation! The sacrament is complete by itself. It is plain and simple sacramental theology. If you look at the CCC par.1285 it talks about baptismal grace and not about the sacrament. This is simply the equivalent of being confirmed in a state of mortal sin, the sacrament is complete but you need to go to confession for the completion of the sacramental graces.

 

[Joe_5859]

No! I meant that Baptism is complete without confirmation! The sacrament is complete by itself. It is plain and simple sacramental theology. If you look at the CCC par.1285 it talks about baptismal grace and not about the sacrament. This is simply the equivalent of being confirmed in a state of mortal sin, the sacrament is complete but you need to go to confession for the completion of the sacramental graces.

What about CCC 1304?

“Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once…”

I get what you’re trying to say. Baptism is salvific by itself. We don’t want to give the impression that it’s only half a sacrament or something. But I don’t think saying that Baptism is complete without Confirmation is the best way to articulate it…mostly because the Catechism says the opposite.

 

[Cristiano]

What about CCC 1304?

“Like Baptism which it completes, Confirmation is given only once…”

I get what you’re trying to say. Baptism is salvific by itself. We don’t want to give the impression that it’s only half a sacrament or something. But I don’t think saying that Baptism is complete without Confirmation is the best way to articulate it…mostly because the Catechism says the opposite.

I see what you are saying. I think that we are aligned with our thinking. That is one of the reasons why we have three sacraments of initiation and that is why we receive communion more than once. The paragraph 1304 that you provide is a poor translation and states something that, in my opinion, is just approximate and not dogmatically correct. It is about the difference between completing something and bringing to perfection the initiation. To me is a subtle but significant difference.

1304 Confirmatio, sicut Baptismus cuius est perfectio, solum semel confertur. Confirmatio etenim in anima imprimit signum spirituale indelebile, « characterem », 273 qui significat Iesum Christum sigillo Sui Spiritus christianum signavisse, eum virtute superinduens ex alto ut ipse Eius sit testis. 274

 

[Vico]

I see what you are saying. I think that we are aligned with our thinking. That is one of the reasons why we have three sacraments of initiation and that is why we receive communion more than once. The paragraph 1304 that you provide is a poor translation and states something that, in my opinion, is just approximate and not dogmatically correct. It is about the difference between completing something and bringing to perfection the initiation. To me is a subtle but significant difference.

1304 Confirmatio, sicut Baptismus cuius est perfectio, solum semel confertur. Confirmatio etenim in anima imprimit signum spirituale indelebile, « characterem », 273 qui significat Iesum Christum sigillo Sui Spiritus christianum signavisse, eum virtute superinduens ex alto ut ipse Eius sit testis. 274

Similarly:

1233 …before being completed later by Confirmation and the Eucharist…

1233 Hodie igitur in omnibus latinis et orientalibus ritibus, initiatio christiana adultorum ab eorum in catechumenatum incipit ingressu, suumque attingit culmen in unica celebratione trium sacramentorum Baptismi, Confirmationis et Eucharistiae. 176 In ritibus orientalibus, initiatio christiana infantium in Baptismo incipit quem immediate Confirmatio et Eucharistia sequuntur, dum in ritu Romano illa per catecheseos prosequitur annos ut posterius Confirmatione concludatur et Eucharistia quae culmen est eorum initiationis christiana. 177

 

[Cristiano]

Similarly:

1233 …before being completed later by Confirmation and the Eucharist…

1233 Hodie igitur in omnibus latinis et orientalibus ritibus, initiatio christiana adultorum ab eorum in catechumenatum incipit ingressu, suumque attingit culmen in unica celebratione trium sacramentorum Baptismi, Confirmationis et Eucharistiae. 176 In ritibus orientalibus, initiatio christiana infantium in Baptismo incipit quem immediate Confirmatio et Eucharistia sequuntur, dum in ritu Romano illa per catecheseos prosequitur annos ut posterius Confirmatione concludatur et Eucharistia quae culmen est eorum initiationis christiana. 177

Here the completion refers to the years of catechesis of Christian initiation. Independently of the translation this is one of the reasons why the CCC is not a dogmatic document in itself but is a necessary document for catechesis. Two different goals thus different documents. The catechism, correctly, dives into showing an intrinsic relationship between the sacraments and it does in a manner useful for teaching purposes. We have to understand that it cannot be everything for everybody and that is why it is not the only document of the Church.

 

[Cristiano]

My point is that Baptism, Confirmation and Communion are sacraments and they are necessary for our salvation. Being necessary does not mean that in ordinary circumstances they are sufficient and that is why we also have confession, we can repeat communion, and we have the anointing of the sick. However, while each sacrament is complete in itself, their effect in the economy of salvation is perfected by the others. Something being necessary and complete does not automatically imply being sufficient.
I can look at the example of a meal for a guest of honor, I can cook something that tastes really good and that is a complete effort because it provides the necessary nutrients and it is edible; however it could and should be perfected by proper plating because our final goal is not just to feed our guest but to honor him too.

 

[ProVobis]

Good research, vico and cristiano.

 

[DJJG]

Technically, the Eucharist is the Sacrament that completes Christian Initiation. That most people in the U.S. receive Confirmation after First Communion is somewhat of a historical anomaly.

But you are correct about Ordination and Marriage. If the OP’s son ever wanted to get married in the Catholic Church later on, he would need to be confirmed first. If he simply wanted to come back as a single man (assuming he has already received First Confession and First Communion), he would just have to go to Confession in order to start receiving the Eucharist again. Of course, he is welcome to attend Mass at any time even without receiving Reconciliation provided he does not present himself for Communion.

I would encourage the OP to talk to his priest for advice on handling the whole situation. Obviously, having our children “opt out” of the sacraments is not ideal and is something we want avoid whenever possible.

Confirmation is required for holy orders but NOT REQUIRED but is highly recommended before marriage. If one is not confirmed, when they go to their pastor to prepare for marriage, then he is to try to make every reasonable effort to help them receive confirmation before they are married, but if not they will still have a sacremental marriage if they are both baptized.

 

[Jussayn]

My 7th grader, who after preparing via the parish program was to be confirmed at Mass a few years ago. On the way in, she had a mini panic attact and said she wasn’t ready and didn’t want to even go into Mass. I told her no one would force her to be confirmed that day, and we proceeded into Mass, where she did not participate in confirmation. She is still not confirmed today.

One reason I joined this site is to get better insight into issues like these:

We were told, that a confirmand must have a sponsor and it cannot be a parent in accord w/canon law (similar to baptism CL ?874) but isn’t it true that canon law does NOT REQUIRE a sponsor for either sacrament although it strongly encourages them and sets out requirements for sponsors should they participate?

What is the rationale for moving the age of confirmation back to 3rd grade?

It makes sense to me that the age was raised from 3rd grade to high school. I was confirmed in 3rd grade, and I don’t think I’m alone when I admit that to me, at that age, it was essentially an opportunity to wear a pretty dress and pick another name.

When my daughter was in 3rd grade, confirmation was provided in high school, then when she was in 7th grade, confirmation was offered in 3rd grade. She went through the teen program’s confirmation prep class at our parish, was offered a sponsor and attended the classes-of course it appears that training, along with our home teaching and practices and her parochial school education were insufficient to lead her to want to be confirmed.

What is considered appropriate preparation to be confirmed?

I looked into home schooling her as she is very shy and does not like a lot of hoopla. She sees no point in attending another parish prep class. There does not appear to be any consensus on what appropriate preparation consists of according to our DRE.She could not refer me to materials to use, and also indicated that my daughter would still need to go through one of the scheduled confirmation ceremonies w/a sponsor at Mass, in order to be confirmed in our parish.

At this time, she does not feel that confirmation is that important anymore. She professes faith in God and Jesus and those things of a doctrinal nature, but is turned off by a lot of the ideas and positions of the “Catholic Community” as she puts it. In fact she feels at times, the actions of the “Catholic Community” are in contrast with some of the Catholic doctrine, and she prefers to learn on her own when she has questions. I feel fortunate that we have a good relationship, and that she will often discuss matters of faith and their application in her life with me, but I feel wholly ill-equipped to respond to some of her observations.

Am I the only parent going through this? If not, what is working for those of you with teenagers?

 

[Vico]

Jussayn, here are replies to you questions:

I am assuming you are in the Latin Church.

Q1 …isn’t it true that canon law does not require a sponsor for either sacrament although it strongly encourages them and sets out requirements for sponsors should they participate? CIC
Can. 872 In so far as possible, a person being baptized is to be assigned a sponsor. In the case of an adult baptism, the sponsor’s role is to assist the person in christian initiation. In the case of an infant baptism, the role is together with the parents to present the child for baptism, and to help it to live a christian life befitting the baptized and faithfully to fulfill the duties inherent in baptism.
Can. 892 As far as possible the person to be confirmed is to have a sponsor. The sponsor’s function is to take care that the person confirmed behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills the duties inherent in this sacrament.
Can. 893 §1 A person who would undertake the office of sponsor must fulfill the conditions mentioned in can. 874. §2 It is desirable that the sponsor chosen be the one who undertook this role at baptism.
Q2 What is the rationale for moving the age of confirmation back to 3rd grade? Diocese of Phoenix has the restored order.

“This new policy has effectively changed the age for Confirmation preparation and reception from 16 years of age (sophomore or junior in high school), to the ages of students in the third grade. As a result, the preparation and reception of the Sacraments of Initiation throughout the Diocese of Phoenix will be: Baptism: in Infancy, Reconciliation: Second Grade, Confirmation and First Eucharist: Third Grade.”

By placing Confirmation at this age, the Diocese of Phoenix will be following the natural sequence of the Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Then Confirmation, and then reception of First Eucharist. Pope Paul VI stated the following:

The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and received in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity (CCC 1212).
It should also be noted that this is the sequence followed by RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) which requires that children and adults in the catechumenate receive all three sacraments together, even if the children are younger than the age at which the Catholic children of the parish are routinely confirmed and by the Eastern Catholic Churches for infants and adults alike (CCC 1232).

     In addition, by placing Confirmation prior to the reception of First          Eucharist it makes it easier to view the Eucharist as the "summit" of          Christian initiation (CCC 1233).

     Therefore, all baptized persons who have reached the age of reason          should be appropriately prepared and receive the Sacrament of          Confirmation before the reception of the Holy Eucharist.

ewtn.com/library/BISHOPS/ordsacinit.htm
​

Q3 What is considered appropriate preparation to be confirmed? A candidate for confirmation must be seven years of age or above and be baptized and not previously confirmed, Catholic (children baptized in another church must make a Profession of Faith), must be properly instructed, must be capable of renewing their Baptismal promises, must have previously been prepared for and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The preparation is: “Confirmation preparation is simply an explanation of the sacrament itself in the context of an active family faith life and parish catechesis. This is similar to what took place for First Confession and First Eucharist.”

ewtn.com/library/BISHOPS/ordsacinit.htm
Q4 Am I the only parent going through this? No.
Q5 If not, what is working for those of you with teenagers? I don’t know, I have no teenagers.

 

[Jussayn]

Vico, thank you for taking the time to read and respond to my questions.

Perhaps the reference I was using re: the requirement for sponsor was outdated. I was relying on an article by Dr. Edward N Peters re: preparing children for sacraments found on the canonlawinfo.com site which stated:

Touching another matter, canon law does not require baptismal sponsors, known popularly as “godparents,” but the practice is strongly encouraged (Canon 872). . and As was true of Baptism, there is no strict requirement that Confirmation sponsors be used (see Canon 892), but the practice is a long-standing one and is to be encouraged. A confirmation sponsor may be of either sex, and it is hoped that one of the confirmand’s original baptismal sponsors will accept the role of Confirmation sponsor (Canon 893).

I found the site you included very informative also, re: the intention, practice and changes in practice to the order of the the sacraments of initiation. Thank you.

I am hopeful to hear from parents of teens who pose questions re: “why should I be confirmed now?” and question if not being confirmed causes the grace of the Holy Spirit to be withheld from them, or “incomplete” since they have not been confirmed.

Thanks