Frequently asked questions regarding the celebration of the sacraments of initiation in the restored order. (This is also referred to as “original order,” “traditional order,” or “proper order.”)

1. What are the Sacraments of Initiation?

The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist are interrelated and all three are required for full Christian initiation.

2. What does restored order of the Sacraments mean?

Restored order means returning the three sacraments of Christian initiation to the logical order in which they were designed to be celebrated: first Baptism, then Confirmation, then Eucharist. During the first five hundred years or so of the history of the Church, it was always the case that the sacraments of Christian initiation were celebrated in this sequence.

3. Why is the Diocese of Manchester changing the age of Confirmation?

By placing Confirmation at this age, the Diocese of Manchester will be following the natural sequence of the sacraments of Christian initiation. In addition, by placing Confirmation prior to the reception of First Eucharist it makes it easier to view the Eucharist as the summit of Christian initiation.

4. How is the celebration of Confirmation going to change in the Diocese of Manchester?

The standard age of Confirmation is going to be third grade, and Confirmation will be celebrated at the same liturgy as First Communion. As a result, the preparation and reception of the sacraments of initiation throughout the Diocese of Manchester will be Baptism in infancy, Confirmation and Eucharist in third grade. Although not a sacrament of initiation, the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation will be received in the second grade.

5. What are the benefits of restored order?

First, it will highlight that the Eucharist, not Confirmation, is the culmination of Christian initiation. Secondly, with the reception of grace of the Holy Spirit at a younger age, it will give children greater courage and guidance in facing the increasing difficulties of living a Christian life. Finally, it will allow for more opportunities for parents to take their rightful place as the primary educators of faith formation. It places sacrament preparation at an age when children are naturally more open and receptive to participating with their parents.

6. Does the Church require a certain age for Confirmation?

Both the Rite of Confirmation and the Code of Canon Law (Canon #891) set the age of discretion (age 7) as the age for Confirmation. In 2002, the USCCB designated the age for Confirmation to be between the age of discretion and age 16, and gave local bishops the ability to determine their own policies within that range.

7. How will children be able to make an adult commitment to the Church if they are confirmed prior to First Eucharist?

This question reflects a common misconception that the Sacrament of Confirmation signifies maturity and adult commitment to the Church. The maturity that is required for receiving any of the sacraments of Christian initiation is only what is age-appropriate. The Church expects interior dispositions of readiness, such as understanding and freedom, that are realistic at any given age, nothing more. To celebrate Confirmation requires nothing more by way of age-appropriate maturity than to receive the Eucharist. An authentic, mature commitment to Christ and the Church is expressed in lifelong participation in the Eucharist and apostolic life of the Church.

8. How can a young child know everything about the faith?

It is impossible to know everything about the faith. Faith Formation is a lifelong process. All youth, kindergarten through high school, are expected to be engaged in faith formation. Adults need to continually learn about the faith, read the scriptures, receive the sacraments, and serve the church and the world thought acts of mercy.

9. If children are confirmed earlier, won’t they drop out of faith formation? They might. It depends on their parents.

Confirmation has been misunderstood and often viewed as graduation from faith formation. Growth in the understanding and living out of our faith is the result of a lifelong effort. Parents have the first responsibility of being an example of Jesus Christ to each other and living the Gospel each day. Children will stay in faith formation if they see their parents striving to grow in holiness through family prayer, scripture reading, Sunday Mass, regular Confession, and living a life of service and charity.

10. How will restored order affect youth ministry?

Restored order provides great opportunities to revitalize youth ministry. The sacrament of Confirmation can be misused as a carrot to motivate attendance. Instead of drawing teens by our own creative efforts and quality ministry, we easily fall into requiring them to be present. This can lead teens to feel they are captives and being forced to attend meetings. Also, because the sacrament tends to be the focus and goal, few teens stay involved once Confirmation is celebrated. The sacrament is an initiation into Christian discipleship. By confirming at the time of First Communion, we make it very clear that Confirmation is not the end but the beginning, not graduation but initiation into a life of continued growth in the faith. Parish based Youth Ministry is to have the mission of the church as its purpose. Youth ministry teams must evangelize, build teens up through formation, and send them out to minister as disciples of Jesus Christ.