Bishop Aquila: Confirmation before First Eucharist

This story is somewhat "old" in terms of news but I think it is rather relevant to post about, since Confirmation in our Archdiocese happens at age 16, which has always confused me. I say this not to be 'critical' or as a matter of opinion, but from a Theological understanding of what Confirmation is, what it does, and how it affects us spiritually.

So, when I read that Bishop Samuel Aquila, of the Diocese of Fargo, North Dakota, recently gave a lecture where he urged children to receive Confirmation prior to First Eucharist, I felt validated in my understanding and beliefs about the Sacrament. Here is a tiny sliver of what he said:

Turning to the present administration of the sacrament, Bishop Aquila questioned whether the common placement of confirmation in late adolescence treats it as “a reward, or worse, as something earned or deserved for attendance and work in a parish catechetical program.”

“Should the fear of not receiving a sacrament ever be used as a means to keep a young person involved in the life of the Church? Should the gift and strengthening of the Holy Spirit be denied young persons in their most formative years?” he asked.

Bishop Aquila also wondered whether the special attention and length of preparation given to confirmation makes many perceive it to be more important than baptism and the Eucharist.

The view that confirmation is a way for young people to make a personal commitment to their faith “distorts” the sacrament, he said.

“Confirmation is not marked by a choice to believe or not believe in the Catholic faith. Rather, as disciples, we are chosen by God to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit generously bestowed by God, and we are called to cooperate with that grace,” he explained.

The whole article is worth posting really. It isn't his lecture, but it summarizes it quite well. It also aligns with what I have read and understood regarding the Sacraments. We are so short-sighted in our desires and needs in our individual parishes and dioceses that we often lose sight of the bigger picture. I hope this understanding of Confirmation catches on.

For the Record I believe that Confirmation and First Eucharist should occur at the same Mass just like Bishop Aquila states. I am not necessarily stuck on 2nd Grade for Reconciliation and 3rd Grade for Eucharist & Confirmation, but for most children I know those seem the most appropriate.

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