The Archdiocese of Liverpool has announced plans to change the order in which young people receive the sacraments of Christian Initiation, placing Confirmation before First Communion.Doing so restores the proper order of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Beginning in the fall of 2012, children above the age of 8 will be invited to receive Confirmation and First Communion between the feasts of the Ascension and Corpus Christi. They will be encouraged to make their first Confessions later in the year, during Advent.
28 January 2011
Encouraging news in the Confirmation debates
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Back in the middle ages, when I was young, I made my First Communion in the spring of second grade and was confirmed in the fall of third grade. Didn't quite understand what was going on, except that the 8th graders told us that the Bishop would slap us on the face. Plus, we didn't get to choose our sponsor - it was a random 8th grade girl for the girls a nd an 8th grade boy for the boys. I like it better when it was changed to middle school age children.
ReplyDeleteSeems like a lot to cram into those kids at such a young age. And how do we keep them coming back later if they complete their Sacramental education in 2nd or 3rd grade? Though I admit "keeping them coming" just because they need the Sacraments is a poor way to encourage attendance.
ReplyDeleteSharon L
Shouldn't First Confession precede First Communion?
ReplyDeleteInteresting points about strengthening the grace in our young people. Surely they need it!
Yes, of course.
ReplyDelete