Should the Confirmation age be lowered?

[R_C]

There is no basis in church teaching for this statement. If you read through this thread, or any of the others on this topic, it is clear that this is an erroneous understanding of this sacrament.

The Catechism states:

Although Confirmation is sometimes called the “sacrament of Christian maturity,” we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need “ratification” to become effective.

St. Thomas Aquinas reminds us of this: Age of body does not determine age of soul. Even in childhood man can attain spiritual maturity: as the book of Wisdom says: For old age is not honored for length of time, or measured by number of years.

Many children, through the strength of the Holy Spirit they have received, have bravely fought for Christ even to the shedding of their blood

If you take a good look at the world as it is today (at least I speak for the countries where I’ve lived, Italy and US) it is quite obvious that the age of proper maturity and adulthood has shifted. Thomas Aquinas entered the university at 14 years old. Even marriage was allowed at ages as young as 17 or less. While it is true that in many occasions - sadly, some of them recent - even children have shown a display of extraordinary maturity in the face of great struggle, the truth is that our culture and educational systems do not teach us to be adult, but they teach us to be irresponsible, immature, childish.

The Christian who needs to face the modern world must receive a proper training and the Sacrament of Confirmation should be a solemn ceremony in which he is not just given yet one more Sacrament, but in which he is made aware that he is now receiving the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the measure that He wills to give them, to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ, ready to resist the attacks of our spiritual enemies and secure our victory over them by following and obeying Our Lord.

By anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross, the Bishop, successor of the holy apostles, tells the Christian who is confirmed that he must openly profess and practice his faith, never be ashamed of it; and rather die than deny it.

The bishop gives the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek, to put him in mind that he must be ready to suffer everything, even death, for the sake of Christ.

Confirmation is not a Sacrament necessary for salvation - evidence of this is that it is not given to infants even in danger of death - therefore for pastoral reasons it would seem that in some cultures the most appropriate thing to do would be to establish a serious, strict Catholic formation program where we will bring forth spiritual soldiers with a strong Christian backbone.

These are the thoughts of a random Christian who is nobody in the Church and whose insight comes from going through RCIA, experiencing its greatness and its major flaws, and experiencing the life-changing effects of the Sacrament.

 

[EasterJoy]

The Catechism states:

If you take a good look at the world as it is today (at least I speak for the countries where I’ve lived, Italy and US) it is quite obvious that the age of proper maturity and adulthood has shifted. Thomas Aquinas entered the university at 14 years old. Even marriage was allowed at ages as young as 17 or less. While it is true that in many occasions - sadly, some of them recent - even children have shown a display of extraordinary maturity in the face of great struggle, the truth is that our culture and educational systems do not teach us to be adult, but they teach us to be irresponsible, immature, childish.

The Christian who needs to face the modern world must receive a proper training and the Sacrament of Confirmation should be a solemn ceremony in which he is not just given yet one more Sacrament, but in which he is made aware that he is now receiving the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the measure that He wills to give them, to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ, ready to resist the attacks of our spiritual enemies and secure our victory over them by following and obeying Our Lord.

By anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross, the Bishop, successor of the holy apostles, tells the Christian who is confirmed that he must openly profess and practice his faith, never be ashamed of it; and rather die than deny it.

The bishop gives the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek, to put him in mind that he must be ready to suffer everything, even death, for the sake of Christ.

Confirmation is not a Sacrament necessary for salvation - evidence of this is that it is not given to infants even in danger of death - therefore for pastoral reasons it would seem that in some cultures the most appropriate thing to do would be to establish a serious, strict Catholic formation program where we will bring forth spiritual soldiers with a strong Christian backbone.

These are the thoughts of a random Christian who is nobody in the Church and whose insight comes from going through RCIA, experiencing its greatness and its major flaws, and experiencing the life-changing effects of the Sacrament.

Canon law says that the diocesan bishop is obliged to take care that the sacrament of confirmation is conferred on subjects who properly and reasonably seek it. The sacrament may not be “necessary for salvation”, but the faithful still have a right to it. It is not a reward for being a strong adult Catholic, then, but rather the sacramental underpinning for becoming a strong adult Catholic.

 

[Facite]

I just think it is important for us, as Catholics, to think with the Church, sentire cum ecclesia. It’s not about what I or you or they think, but about what Jesus Christ teaches us through His Church. Whatever the Church decides in all her wisdom is not ours to debate over and loathe and complain.

God bless you all!

 

[CDB1718]

Confirmation is not a Sacrament necessary for salvation - evidence of this is that it is not given to infants even in danger of death - therefore…

It is commanded that all infants in danger of death receive Confirmation.

Canon 1307 The Latin tradition gives “the age of discretion” as the reference point for receiving Confirmation. But in danger of death children should be confirmed even if they have not yet attained the age of discretion.

The Christian who needs to face the modern world must receive a proper training and the Sacrament of Confirmation should be a solemn ceremony in which he is not just given yet one more Sacrament, but in which he is made aware that he is now receiving the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the measure that He wills to give them, to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ, ready to resist the attacks of our spiritual enemies and secure our victory over them by following and obeying Our Lord.

We have sponsors take on this task in Baptism and Confirmation. The sponsors and parents should understand what they are taking on on behalf of the child. Trent said that pastors should preach on this especially on Whitsunday and also on other appropriate days so the people understand and seek out this Sacrament for them and their children. That was the amount of instruction Trent believed necessary to instill a respect and appreciation for the sacrament.

Notice it also said people seeking the sacrament is the goal of the homilies, not a disobedience that’s circumventing the goal.

By anointing the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross, the Bishop, successor of the holy apostles, tells the Christian who is confirmed that he must openly profess and practice his faith, never be ashamed of it; and rather die than deny it.

The bishop gives the person he confirms a slight blow on the cheek, to put him in mind that he must be ready to suffer everything, even death, for the sake of Christ.

This is our calling at every age. We have child saints to this day. In our culture, they are called to die to self and live in Christ at ever-increasingly younger ages. They need the Holy Spirit’s armor now more than ever.

 

[Brendan]

Confirmation is not a Sacrament necessary for salvation - evidence of this is that it is not given to infants even in danger of death - .

As CDB noted, your statement is very much incorrect.

In addition to Can 1307, I would also like to add #891

Can. 891 The sacrament of confirmation is to be conferred on the faithful at about the age of discretion unless the conference of bishops has determined another age, or there is danger of death, or in the judgment of the minister a grave cause suggests otherwise.

If a baptize person who has not been Confirmed is in danger of death, and a priest is present, they are to be Confirmed.

If a priest was called into the room of a sickly newborn, in addition to Baptizing the child, the priest is required to Confirm the child.

If a serverly injured toddler was brought into the hospital, a the priest chaplain was there, they would be required to Confirm the child.

That is what the ‘is to be conferred’ part of Can 891 means.

 

[EasterJoy]

I just think it is important for us, as Catholics, to think with the Church, sentire cum ecclesia. It’s not about what I or you or they think, but about what Jesus Christ teaches us through His Church. Whatever the Church decides in all her wisdom is not ours to debate over and loathe and complain.

God bless you all!

Exactly. Canon law is what the Church has decided, and the Church has decreed that bishops have an obligation to confer the sacrament of confirmation on their “subjects who properly and reasonably seek it.” No individual bishop could take it upon himself to invent his own added criteria, but must keep his requirements within what the greater Church (which may include his country’s conference of bishops) deems to be proper and reasonable.

More to the point, canon law dictates that parents, pastors, and bishops are to take care that those who have reached the proper age receive the sacrament before exceeding the proper age. Yet in too many parishes there are two or three times as many members receiving their First Holy Communion as there are being confirmed at the normal time.

I do not know why that is happening, but that is a very bad trend! I am concerned that the typical age for confirmation may be so high now that it hits the high-water mark for rebellion against religion, making it less likely to be chosen, but I am more concerned that the religious education in Catholic schools is sometimes not as academically rigorous as in other subjects. Not always, but too often. What does it matter if students are made ready for Harvard, if they are not made ready for confirmation?

 

[babochka]

The Christian who needs to face the modern world must receive a proper training and the Sacrament of Confirmation should be a solemn ceremony in which he is not just given yet one more Sacrament, but in which he is made aware that he is now receiving the fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the measure that He wills to give them, to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ, ready to resist the attacks of our spiritual enemies and secure our victory over them by following and obeying Our Lord.

Yes! And the earlier, the better. Why should we deny this grace to our young children.

Confirmation is not a Sacrament necessary for salvation - evidence of this is that it is not given to infants even in danger of death - therefore for pastoral reasons it would seem that in some cultures the most appropriate thing to do would be to establish a serious, strict Catholic formation program where we will bring forth spiritual soldiers with a strong Christian backbone.

Several posters have already pointed out the error in this statement. I just wanted to add that a serious, strict Catholic formation program, such as you describe, should be standard, no matter what the age for the reception of the Sacrament. We should do our part, of course, but have faith that the Holy Spirit is doing his part as well, through the sacrament.

I think it is fascinating how you and I can read the same passage and get opposite meaning from it.

You quote, from the Catechism:

Although Confirmation is sometimes called the “sacrament of Christian maturity,” we must not confuse adult faith with the adult age of natural growth, nor forget that the baptismal grace is a grace of free, unmerited election and does not need “ratification” to become effective. St. Thomas reminds us of this:

Age of body does not determine age of soul. Even in childhood man can attain spiritual maturity: as the book of Wisdom says: "For old age is not honored for length of time, or measured by number of years. **"Many children, through the strength of the Holy Spirit they have received, have bravely fought for Christ even to the shedding of their blood.**126

You see in this an affirmation that we should confirm at a more advanced age in our culture because we are, by and large, becoming mature adults at a later age. I see it in exactly the opposite way. I see it as affirmation that, although an individual might lack maturity as measured by the world, he could very well have spiritual maturity beyond his years. The Holy Spirit can accomplish this. St. Thomas Aquinas tells us that children have fought bravely***through the strength of the Holy Spirit that they have received. ** *Why on earth would we wish to deny our children the Grace when we know that, in our society especially, they will fight spiritual battles, beginning in childhood and continuing throughout their teen years and beyond. It is like sending a soldier into battle with only book knowledge of warfare, but no weapons. Don’t you think that wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord can help them throughout their lives? It is confirmation that gives the necessary maturity, not maturity that qualifies on for Confirmation.

1313 In the Latin Rite, the ordinary minister of Confirmation is the bishop.132 If the need arises, the bishop may grant the faculty of administering Confirmation to priests,133 although it is fitting that he confer it himself, mindful that the celebration of Confirmation has been temporally separated from Baptism for this reason. Bishops are the successors of the apostles. They have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The administration of this sacrament by them demonstrates clearly that its effect is to unite those who receive it more closely to the Church, to her apostolic origins, and to her mission of bearing witness to Christ.

This is the only reason stated in the Catechism that Confirmation has been separated from Baptism. It seems to me that this reason is no longer as important in our modern world, as the Bishop is more easily able to travel to the parishes, and parishioners can more easily travel to the Cathedral.

1314 If a Christian is in danger of death, any priest can give him Confirmation.134 Indeed** the Church desires that none of her children, even the youngest, should depart this world without having been perfected by the Holy Spirit with the gift of Christ’s fullness.**

 

[babochka]

I just think it is important for us, as Catholics, to think with the Church, sentire cum ecclesia. It’s not about what I or you or they think, but about what Jesus Christ teaches us through His Church. Whatever the Church decides in all her wisdom is not ours to debate over and loathe and complain.

God bless you all!

Yes, of course. And it is important to look at the entirety of the church’s teaching on a subject. In this case, it seems absolutely clear to me that the church does not teach that Confirmation is a sacrament for mature, well - catechized teens, even if that is the current discipline in some places. The entire Christian East, Catholic and Orthodox, gives the Sacrament of Chrismation (Confirmation), immediately following Baptism. Canon law for the western Church states that, in cases of danger of death, infants should be given Confirmation. Yes, it is so important that the church teaches that that we should not hold to the common discipline in danger of death. In many places, such as Mexico, Latin America and the Philippines, it is common (and licit) to confirm children as infants or toddlers. Canon law and the Catechism both state that confirmation should be given at about the age of discretion, but gives pretty wide leeway as to exceptions. How can it be clearer that the church does not require or desire a mature, adult faith in order to receive the sacrament? Yes, some Bishops might set a later age, and that is their right. I would be willing to bet, however, that none of those Bishops would argue that the sacrament is not licit and fruitful at an earlier age. They would mostly argue that their own pastoral situation calls for a later age, as a means to keep kids involved in classes longer, so as to not lose them entirely. I sympathize, but I’m not really sure it is working, anyway.

 

[jmcrae]

Confirmation is not a Sacrament necessary for salvation - evidence of this is that it is not given to infants even in danger of death - therefore for pastoral reasons it would seem that in some cultures the most appropriate thing to do would be to establish a serious, strict Catholic formation program where we will bring forth spiritual soldiers with a strong Christian backbone.

The Sacrament of Confirmation most certainly is given to anyone, including infants, in danger of death who has not yet received it.

Adults converting to the Catholic faith on their death beds also receive it.

 

[R_C]

It is commanded that all infants in danger of death receive Confirmation.

Canon 1307 The Latin tradition gives “the age of discretion” as the reference point for receiving Confirmation. But in danger of death children should be confirmed even if they have not yet attained the age of discretion.

As CDB noted, your statement is very much incorrect.

In addition to Can 1307, I would also like to add #891

If a baptize person who has not been Confirmed is in danger of death, and a priest is present, they are to be Confirmed.

If a priest was called into the room of a sickly newborn, in addition to Baptizing the child, the priest is required to Confirm the child.

If a serverly injured toddler was brought into the hospital, a the priest chaplain was there, they would be required to Confirm the child.

That is what the ‘is to be conferred’ part of Can 891 means.

I am sincerely glad that this is the case, and I am sorry if I had provided inconsistent information - I mislearned or misunderstood that aspect of the Sacrament.

We have sponsors take on this task in Baptism and Confirmation. The sponsors and parents should understand what they are taking on on behalf of the child. Trent said that pastors should preach on this especially on Whitsunday and also on other appropriate days so the people understand and seek out this Sacrament for them and their children. That was the amount of instruction Trent believed necessary to instill a respect and appreciation for the sacrament. …] This is our calling at every age. We have child saints to this day. In our culture, they are called to die to self and live in Christ at ever-increasingly younger ages. They need the Holy Spirit’s armor now more than ever.

Yes! And the earlier, the better. Why should we deny this grace to our young children. …] a serious, strict Catholic formation program, such as you describe, should be standard, no matter what the age for the reception of the Sacrament. …] I see it as affirmation that, although an individual might lack maturity as measured by the world, he could very well have spiritual maturity beyond his years. The Holy Spirit can accomplish this. …] It is confirmation that gives the necessary maturity, not maturity that qualifies on for Confirmation.

I am speaking as for what I wish my future children would have - if such happens to be my vocation and the merciful Lord grants me this immense blessing. We all know (I believe) that all that you have said is true, but it is not practical. Often times the role of the godparents is not as it should be, I do not know how much our pastors recall that part of Trent, also the catechesis is not as excellent as it should be (far from it, I am afraid, particularly for adults).

Also I do know as a fact that the person’s predisposition to receive the Sacrament has a major impact on the openness to receive the grace from the Sacrament - the grace is given ex opere operato, true, but let us not forget that there is also an ex opere operantis that does affect to some degree the amount of grace we receive.

The Holy Spirit already in Baptism infuses in our soul His seven gifts and the three theological virtues, therefore offering a strong catechesis and waiting until the child is more properly disposed and stronger in the faith (perhaps as a young adult, when the spiritual combat truly begins) does not mean denying him or her those gifts, those “spiritual weapons”, but rather allowing them to prepare themselves better at wielding them.

I already suffer too much every time I speak to a Catholic who has walked away from the Church in his young adulthood or in his 30s, and to hear him affirm sometimes even proudly that yes, he was a full-fledged, confirmed Catholic and yet he chose to walk away. It makes me very sad, because I do believe that his spiritual formation was lacking to some degree inasmuch as he succumbed to whatever trial he faced against the faith.

On the other hand, I rejoice every time I meet an adult or young adult catechumen, as I learn that perhaps they had never been close to the Church or had walked away at some point, but that the fact that they were not confirmed was a factor (oftentimes a major factor) in drawing them back towards the Church to learn more, perhaps to give RCIA a try, perhaps because they felt that things had gone wrong because they hadn’t taken the faith seriously enough. Confirmation for them is a life-changing experience, and I have seen true discipleship spring forth from them.

I am not denying the greatness of giving this Sacrament to children, and I am well aware that our Orthodox brothers give Chrismation to infants. All I am remarking is that something isn’t working as well as it should, and too often I see seeds fall on fertile ground but they were planted too early and are being suddenly strangled by thorns.

To just say that all it’s fine and good because the Church does things this way is the wrong approach: it is true that our Mother the Church has spoken and she cannot be contradicted, but things can be done better, much better. Our Mother has only spoken of “about the age of discretion”, and our bishops in US have spoken (11 years ago) of "between “the age of discretion ‘considered to be about age seven’] and about sixteen years of age” - thus the Church has not established a specific age, nor spoken in favor of infants or children vs. young adults - she has only given a recommendation, subject to pastoral interpretation of the bishops (and if on their own authority they once spoke of 16, tomorrow they may speak of 18 or 21).

 

[Hopey]

R.c,
I agree with one exception, as long as their interpretation and what is being taught is theologically correct.
When Bishop Aquilla changed the age for his diocese it was due in part by the errors he held about the sacrament. What he held is very common and probably taught in most places. It continues w little opposition because either the teachers and priest do not see the errors due to their lack of understanding or that is just what they are told to use.

I highly doubt they would get approval of ages 18-21.

I see some bishops taking a stance and being proactive in correcting the errors. I also can not ignore some of the errors come from the materials usd and the catechist may not be able to see the errors so it continues.

You can do it all right and a person still walk away when they are adults. We do the best we can remembering God writes w crooked lines.

 

[L_Marshall]

I personally believe that after baptism, the children should first be introduced to the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the age of seven. The concept behind this sacrament is easy to understand: we are taught about forgiveness at an early age.

I’ve always thought the age for Holy Communion was low. Having taught the catechism at several grade levels, I don’t see many students comprehend the Eucharist before age 14 or so.

Confirmation should be 17 or 18 in my opinion. Maybe later, depending on personal maturity.

 

[RyanBlack]

I am not denying the greatness of giving this Sacrament to children, and I am well aware that our Orthodox brothers give Chrismation to infants.

Not just the Orthodox, but also Eastern Catholics.

 

[CDB1718]

I personally believe that after baptism, the children should first be introduced to the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the age of seven. The concept behind this sacrament is easy to understand: we are taught about forgiveness at an early age.

I’ve always thought the age for Holy Communion was low. Having taught the catechism at several grade levels, I don’t see many students comprehend the Eucharist before age 14 or so.

Confirmation should be 17 or 18 in my opinion. Maybe later, depending on personal maturity.

How do you reconcile your opinion with the church’s clear and consistent teaching that the only understanding necessary for proper reception of the Eucharist is that the Eucharist is distinct from ordinary bread?

How do you reconcile your opinion with the church’s clear and consistent teaching that Confirmation is not a sacrament that confirms maturity in body or mind, but one that instills spiritual maturity so the child can embark on a Christian life?

Why do you think we should exclude children from full membership in the Church because they think and act like children, despite the Lord’s clear and consistent command to let the little children approach Him and for all of us to be like little children in order to enter Heaven?

Why do you think it is easier to understand the communion of saints and the forgiveness of sins than you believe it is to understand the Eucharist is not bread and Chrismation gives a person the indwelling of the Holy Spirit necessary for full initiation into the Christian life?

Why do you think we should earn the sacraments through gnosis?

 

[Phemie]

I personally believe that after baptism, the children should first be introduced to the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the age of seven. The concept behind this sacrament is easy to understand: we are taught about forgiveness at an early age.

I’ve always thought the age for Holy Communion was low. Having taught the catechism at several grade levels, I don’t see many students comprehend the Eucharist before age 14 or so.

Confirmation should be 17 or 18 in my opinion. Maybe later, depending on personal maturity.

The requirement for Communion is not ‘comprehending Eucharist’, it’s knowing that it’s Jesus and being able to receive reverently. Children are quite capable of that, some even younger than 7. A former pastor told of the 4 year old who wanted to receive Jesus. When he was sick and in the hospital it was all he wanted, to receive Jesus. To quote the Pastor, “Didn’t he meet the basic requirements called for by canon law? I gave him Communion.”

Confirmation requires even less, since it’s conferred on infants in danger of death and Communion isn’t (at least in the Latin Rite). It only requires instruction to the extent of the confirmand’s understanding – so a 7 year old would get the basics, a 16 year old much more. Nobody should be made to jump through hoops to receive this sacrament. It’s not something we do, it’s something that is done to us and it’s not something that is ‘earned’ by doing 2 years of volunteer work.

 

[babochka]

I am speaking as for what I wish my future children would have - if such happens to be my vocation and the merciful Lord grants me this immense blessing. We all know (I believe) that all that you have said is true, but it is not practical.

So practical considerations are more important than truth, even if the application of those practical considerations results in a widespread misunderstanding about the essential nature of the sacrament?

The Holy Spirit already in Baptism infuses in our soul His seven gifts and the three theological virtues, therefore offering a strong catechesis and waiting until the child is more properly disposed and stronger in the faith (perhaps as a young adult, when the spiritual combat truly begins) does not mean denying him or her those gifts, those “spiritual weapons”, but rather allowing them to prepare themselves better at wielding them.

It may be true that, in our culture, children reach maturity at a later age, but I believe that the spiritual battle for our children’s souls begins much, much earlier than young adulthood. Are you paying attention to what is going in our our culture? Our children are sexualized, through advertising, at increasingly younger ages. There is a growing and increasingly aggressive movement of athiests intent on destroying the faith of our children. The following picture appeared on a Billboard in Times Square. How can you not believe that the enemy attacks our children?

http://wp.patheos.com.s3.amazonaws.com/blogs/wwjtd/files/2012/12/2012-xmas-official-691x1024.jpg

I am not denying the greatness of giving this Sacrament to children, and I am well aware that our Orthodox brothers give Chrismation to infants. All I am remarking is that something isn’t working as well as it should, and too often I see seeds fall on fertile ground but they were planted too early and are being suddenly strangled by thorns.

Of the 23 particular Churches in the Catholic Communion, 22 of them Chrismate/Confirm infants at the time of Baptism. And I don’t believe that God’s grace is a seed planted in soil, that can be strangled by thorns.

My own church is a good example of how this should work, but I realize that we are unique. We are a small, commuter parish of 18 families. Sunday attendance runs 50-60 souls. Half of them are children under 12. At the present time, we have no teens. All of our children have received Baptism and Chrismation (as well as Holy Communion). We do not have a formal religous education program for a variety of reasons (size of parish, age spread of children, etc.) Father occasionally gives a 10 minute class in the church on how to receive communion reverently, a virtue, etc. All children attend, from at 2 on up. As parents, we all realize, in a unique way, that we are responsible for the religious formation of our children, and we take this seriously. Each child is prepared for confession by the parents, sometimes with the priests involvement, at the proper time. For some children, this is as young as 4 or 5. For others, they have not really been ready until age 8. The fact remains, however, that they are all being formed in their faith at home and through participation in the life of the church.

To just say that all it’s fine and good because the Church does things this way is the wrong approach: it is true that our Mother the Church has spoken and she cannot be contradicted, but things can be done better, much better. Our Mother has only spoken of “about the age of discretion”, and our bishops in US have spoken (11 years ago) of "between “the age of discretion ‘considered to be about age seven’] and about sixteen years of age” - thus the Church has not established a specific age, nor spoken in favor of infants or children vs. young adults - she has only given a recommendation, subject to pastoral interpretation of the bishops (and if on their own authority they once spoke of 16, tomorrow they may speak of 18 or 21).

It just seems obvious to me that the default, for the Latin Church, is the age of discretion and anything outside of that is a deviation from the norm. One of my biggest gripes with the older ages for confirmation is that it perpetuates the incorrect understanding that Confirmation is an adult (or mature ) acceptance of our faith. That obscures the church’s teaching on the true meaning of the sacrament.

 

[EasterJoy]

I personally believe that after baptism, the children should first be introduced to the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the age of seven. The concept behind this sacrament is easy to understand: we are taught about forgiveness at an early age.

I’ve always thought the age for Holy Communion was low. Having taught the catechism at several grade levels, I don’t see many students comprehend the Eucharist before age 14 or so.

Confirmation should be 17 or 18 in my opinion. Maybe later, depending on personal maturity.

Au contraire. I have heard many priests say that the “understanding” of a six year old can be far better when kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament than the make-the-heart-and-soul-kneel-to-the-intellect mode of “understanding” that older people think is what it means to understand. To accept a sacred mystery isn’t an intellectual accomplishment. It is a spiritual accomplishment, the accomplishment of a spirit that is humble enough to knee before a truth that it cannot own by the force of definition and categorization. Honestly, sometimes I fear that the hearts of small children are denied their education because older Catholics believe the truth of the Eucharist is beyond their grasp. That is like withholding them training in a second language until they are older…what a window of opportunity is lost if that happens! By the reverence and devotion of their elders, they can be taught according to their nature, which is the optimal nature for accepting the Kingdom of God:

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. Matt. 18:1-5

Jesus did not hold up the kind of understanding that comes with age for admiration and emulation, and we shouldn’t, either.

*For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning…Consider your own calling, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something, so that no human being might boast before God. It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Whoever boasts, should boast in the Lord.” * 1 Cor. 1:17, 26-31

A six year old can get that. The Church leaves Confirmation for the age of discretion, but does not delay it until the full maturity required for marriage. After all, Confirmation supplies the graces for maturity to grow in as it ought to, and is not a “reward” or recognition for having attained those graces. The education and disposition required for Confirmation can certainly be found in a ten or eleven year old, whenever possible they ought to be cultivated in Catholics that young, and those Catholics who are educated and disposed to receive those graces should not be deprived of that sacramental foundation as they enter the doorway to maturity. Provided they have been prepared to receive the Sacrament fruitfully, the sooner it is conferred, the better.

 

[babochka]

I personally believe that after baptism, the children should first be introduced to the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the age of seven. The concept behind this sacrament is easy to understand: we are taught about forgiveness at an early age.

I’ve always thought the age for Holy Communion was low. Having taught the catechism at several grade levels, I don’t see many students comprehend the Eucharist before age 14 or so.

Confirmation should be 17 or 18 in my opinion. Maybe later, depending on personal maturity.

Let me tell you the story of my 2-year old. He is used to receiving Holy Communion on Sundays at our Byzantine parish, but sometimes we attend daily Mass at a different parish. Depending on which priest says Mass and how difficult it is to get into his line, sometimes my toddler will receive Communion, other times he will not. When we get out of the car, he asks me “Mommy, do I get Jesus today?” When he sees which priest is there, he excitedly says, “Mommy, I can have Jesus today?” He directs me to the right line, just in case I mess up. In my arms, he receives Holy Communion with all the reverence a 2 year old can muster. While many 14 year-olds can give you a theological explanation of the Eucharist, how many possess such simple faith that they are receiving that same Christ who is on the cross, and approach the sacrament with joy and acceptance?

 

[Aramis]

The option I wanted wasn’t on the poll - I say it should be around the age I was when I was confirmed, which was 11 or 12. Here are my reasons, besides the fact that it worked well for me.

1. 
   *]Having it too close to First Communion I don’t think is a good idea because each Sacrament should be given due attention on its own. RCIA is a different situation, but even then there should be sufficient emphasis on what Confirmation means.

1. 
   The actual ancient tradition (and the current tradition in the Byzantine Catholic Churches, and in Orthodoxy) is that Baptism is done before liturgy, confirmation before the Anaphora, and first communion following the anaphora… regardless of the age of the person being baptized.
   
   In the early church, THey are baptized, and for the first time, sit amongst the elect for the lesson; they are then confirmed and sealed with the gifts of the holy spirit before the assembly, and then welcomed to the Eucharistic feast as guests of honor…

 

[jmjconder]

Have not read all the posts. This is what I hope for…Confirmation, Reconciliation, Holy Communion would be received at parental petition or over 18 - individual petition.

The “graded” or age tradition for these Sacraments - I believe - is why many receive these Sacraments and without active faithful Parent(s) the Sacrament can be just another reason for a gathering.

Dissolve the age and grade tradition and place the decision within the family up to 18.