Kids over the age of 7 is a tricky one to deal with. There’s a world of difference between a 7 yr old and a 17 year old, intellectually, emotionally and physically and have different needs from ‘good catechesis’. Presumably, the younger they are, they are getting baptised as a family, or are the children of immigrants/refugees who missed…
Kids over the age of 7 is a tricky one to deal with. There’s a world of difference between a 7 yr old and a 17 year old, intellectually, emotionally and physically and have different needs from ‘good catechesis’. Presumably, the younger they are, they are getting baptised as a family, or are the children of immigrants/refugees who missed infant baptism for logistical reasons. These also have different needs.
I really don’t think that today, you could argue against a universally longer formation process for all catechumens. If kids need more time for formation, so do adults 90% of the time.
I feel like universally longer formation for all catechumens makes sense. But remember that the soul and the intellect are not the same thing so the disparity in intellectual maturity between a 7-year-old and a 17-year-old is not really relevant when dealing with the Sacraments of Initiation.
A soul IS an intellect and will. That is why we bother with a catechumante in the first place and spend so much time, energy and resources on education in general. A 17 year old is an adult in many respects and deserves intellectual and spiritual formation in an adult manner. They’ve had a decade of spiritual and intellectual
Formation (good and bad) that needs to be sifted, healed or embraced. A 7 year old is very capable and has a strong intuitive and instinct for the cardinal virtues, but is only beginning his or her journey into forming their will and intellect for the spiritual life. They have an innocence there that deserves to be respected.
Is that innocence respected by ignoring canon law and withholding the real grace of Confirmation from people who are eligible to receive it? I was chrismated (confirmed) as an infant. I am now a Latin Rite Catholic and live in a restored order diocese, so perhaps it’s my background in the Eastern Rite coupled with the influence of the diocese in which I live coming out when I say this. But there is no substantive benefit to having children go through late elementary and middle school years without the benefits of confirmation. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are MORE needed today than ever before, for the individual Christian AND for the communities with which they interact. Parishes might choose to use discretion in how they structure formation groups for OCIA, but a 7-year-old is capable of receiving the grace of the Sacrament.
I think you missed my point. OF COURSE a 7 year old can receive the sacraments. I never said they couldn’t. In my diocese, 6-8 yr olds receive confirmation before their first communion and reconciliation before both. They are prepared in small groups over 4-6 weeks.
However, I would not subject a 17 yr old to preparation materials made for 6-8 yr olds. My Greek Orthodox friends all did ‘Sunday school’ during the first part of Divine Liturgy and returned to receive with the congregation. Formation of children even if they have received all the sacraments is their right and our responsibility as adults. I think we actually agree here…
Kids over the age of 7 is a tricky one to deal with. There’s a world of difference between a 7 yr old and a 17 year old, intellectually, emotionally and physically and have different needs from ‘good catechesis’. Presumably, the younger they are, they are getting baptised as a family, or are the children of immigrants/refugees who missed infant baptism for logistical reasons. These also have different needs.
I really don’t think that today, you could argue against a universally longer formation process for all catechumens. If kids need more time for formation, so do adults 90% of the time.
I feel like universally longer formation for all catechumens makes sense. But remember that the soul and the intellect are not the same thing so the disparity in intellectual maturity between a 7-year-old and a 17-year-old is not really relevant when dealing with the Sacraments of Initiation.
A soul IS an intellect and will. That is why we bother with a catechumante in the first place and spend so much time, energy and resources on education in general. A 17 year old is an adult in many respects and deserves intellectual and spiritual formation in an adult manner. They’ve had a decade of spiritual and intellectual
Formation (good and bad) that needs to be sifted, healed or embraced. A 7 year old is very capable and has a strong intuitive and instinct for the cardinal virtues, but is only beginning his or her journey into forming their will and intellect for the spiritual life. They have an innocence there that deserves to be respected.
Is that innocence respected by ignoring canon law and withholding the real grace of Confirmation from people who are eligible to receive it? I was chrismated (confirmed) as an infant. I am now a Latin Rite Catholic and live in a restored order diocese, so perhaps it’s my background in the Eastern Rite coupled with the influence of the diocese in which I live coming out when I say this. But there is no substantive benefit to having children go through late elementary and middle school years without the benefits of confirmation. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are MORE needed today than ever before, for the individual Christian AND for the communities with which they interact. Parishes might choose to use discretion in how they structure formation groups for OCIA, but a 7-year-old is capable of receiving the grace of the Sacrament.
I think you missed my point. OF COURSE a 7 year old can receive the sacraments. I never said they couldn’t. In my diocese, 6-8 yr olds receive confirmation before their first communion and reconciliation before both. They are prepared in small groups over 4-6 weeks.
However, I would not subject a 17 yr old to preparation materials made for 6-8 yr olds. My Greek Orthodox friends all did ‘Sunday school’ during the first part of Divine Liturgy and returned to receive with the congregation. Formation of children even if they have received all the sacraments is their right and our responsibility as adults. I think we actually agree here…