Restored Order
Not long after our Church began encouraging the restored order of the Sacraments of Initiation, the parishes of Our Lady of the Lakes moved to do just that, celebrating these two sacraments together.
In the early Church, the Sacrament of Confirmation was always celebrated - for both adults and infants - at the time of baptism. That is, at the same ceremony, they would celebrate the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist, in that order.
The practice began to change as the Church grew and expanded from the cities into the countryside. The Church wished to preserve the practice of the bishop administering the Sacrament of Confirmation. So at first, where it was not possible for the bishop to be present for the baptism of each adult and child, he would go on an annual tour of his diocese to confirm all those who had been baptized that year, including the infants.
It became increasingly difficult for the bishops to make this journey through the large rural dioceses every year. Gradually, the popular understanding of these sacraments changed. As a result of practical difficulties and circumstances, the delay of Confirmation had begun. .
Although the Church, in its official teaching and laws has consistently and repeatedly said that Confirmation should be celebrated at the age of reason (about seven), many parishes pushed the age later and later. Confirmation was turned into a "rite of maturity" or of passage into adulthood, something it had never been in Church history.
But by confirming at the same time as First Communion, we make it very clear that Confirmation is not an ending but a beginning, not a graduation but incitation into a life of continued growth in faith.
In all of this, it is important to keep before us what really matters: that it is not the age that makes the difference. It is the Spirit of God, which is a Spirit of Love, which God lavishes upon us, and, sharing in this Spirit, we might love one another.
Preparation for these sacraments in OLOL begins in each spring, usually early March. Weekly sessions are held that children and parent(s) must attend. The child also must have at least one year of religious education and be currently enrolled in the parishes' religious education program. Children who attend a Catholic school meet this requirement in their daily education.
Preparation for these sacraments is just that - preparation to receive full initiation. It is only part of the learning needed to live as a Catholic Christian, not a complete course in prayer, scripture, or the life of faith.
Please note that sacramental preparation is readiness-based; it is not based on a child's age or grade level. All families are encouraged to assess their child's readiness for the celebration of these sacraments. Parents should become familiar with the Guide to First Eucharist.
For more information about these sacraments, restored order, or to register your child, please contact our parish office at 315-536-7459. You can also register your child by completing the registration form available here and mailing to our parish office.
Please be sure to note the registration deadlines.