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 di…
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…
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…