Here are questions and answers regarding the return in the Diocese of Honolulu to giving the sacraments of initiation in their original order: 1. baptism as a newborn, 2. confirmation in the second grade at the age of reason, 3. Holy Communion after confirmation.
The answers to these questions were culled from earlier statements by Bishop Larry Silva and articles in the Hawaii Catholic Herald.
Q: What is the proper order of the sacraments of initiation?
A: Baptism, confirmation and Holy Communion (Eucharist). Baptism is properly given soon after birth, opening the door of salvation to our youngest members. Confirmation then seals our baptismal covenant with God. Holy Eucharist is the summit of initiation into the faith.
Q: When did the sacraments get out of order?
A: For much of church history, confirmation and Holy Communion were given in the correct sequence but at an increasingly older age. Then, in 1910, Pope Pius X allowed children to receive Holy Communion at the age of reason, around 7, effectively changing the order.
Q: Why change the age of confirmation now?
A: What we have been doing has not been working very well. Confirmation today is often experienced more as a “graduation” from the church than as a free gift of God’s grace. Pope Francis acknowledged this when he called confirmation the “sacrament of farewell,” because, after teenagers receive it, “they leave the church.” He called it “an experience of failure, an experience that leaves emptiness and discourages us.”
Q: Is this “failure” the pope talks about, true in Hawaii?
A: Sadly, yes. Confirmation programs in Hawaii have helped many young people become faithful disciples of the Lord, but many programs miss the mark. We are not converting the hearts of all our young people to the Lord. On top of that, half the children we baptize are never confirmed. Returning to the proper order of the sacraments will mean many more will be confirmed and receive the grace of the sacrament.
Q: Who decided to make this change?
A: Bishop Larry Silva in consultation with the Presbyteral Council, his group of priest advisors; and the Diocesan Pastoral Council, which is made up mostly of lay people. Both strongly favored the plan.
Q: But without confirmation in high school, what will keep teens involved in the church?
A: A vibrant comprehensive youth ministry. It is a big challenge, but the church has good programs that empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus and participate in the life, mission and work of the church, while fostering their spiritual growth. Youth ministry requires work and trust in the Holy Spirit. But confirmation gives the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Young people need these gifts as they grow, not when they are nearly done growing.
Q: What about the sacrament of reconciliation? Isn’t that a sacrament of initiation?
A: No. First reconciliation (confession) is not considered a sacrament of initiation. But it will continue to be administered in the second grade, before Confirmation.
Q: How is confirmation administered?
A: The bishop (or priest) lays hands upon the child’s head and ask the Holy Spirit to transform the child into a new reality. The bishop (or priest) then anoints the child with the oil of chrism, saying the child’s name followed by “… be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Q: What does the oil of chrism signify?
A: Being anointed with sacred chrism is a sign of consecration or holiness. It gives the newly confirmed a special strength to be more like Christ and to love his church. Like an official seal on an important document, being anointed means being “imprinted” by the Holy Spirit. With confirmation, God confirms the grace received in baptism. The child is given special gifts which help him or her be a disciple of Christ, to follow his commandments and help others to do the same.
Q: What special gifts does the confirmed person receive?
A: The child receives the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom (recognition of the importance of keeping God central in our lives), Understanding (the ability to comprehend God’s message), Knowledge (the ability to think about and explore God’s revelation), Counsel (the ability to make the right choices), Fortitude (courage to remain strong), Piety (being humble before the Lord and devoted to him) and Fear of the Lord (the ability to be amazed by God, to realize he loves us unconditionally).
Q: Are second graders really ready to be confirmed?
A: Yes, just as we believe they are ready to receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Children can recognize what happens in the Eucharist when the priest asks the Holy Spirit to change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus. They can understand that when they consume the body and blood of Jesus, they become one with Jesus and his mission. They are old enough to comprehend that confirmation is God confirming his love for us as he does in baptism.
Q: Are sponsors required? If so who can be a sponsor?
A: Yes, sponsors are required. They must be at least 16 years old (though exceptions can be made); have been baptized, confirmed and received their First Holy Communion; be practicing Catholics; if married, married in the Catholic Church; and willing to support the parents and child in his or her spiritual life.
Q: Can a parent be the sponsor?
A: No. But if the sponsor cannot be present, a parent may stand in as a proxy for the sponsor.
Q: What about those children older than grade two who have not yet been confirmed?
A: That’s the purpose of Big Pentecost, to confirm at one time all those in grades 3-12 who have already received First Communion but not confirmation. About half of Hawaii’s parishes are making the transition to the original order of sacraments this year on Pentecost Sunday, May 20. Bishop Silva has delegated the parish priests to administer the sacrament of Confirmation on that day. The rest of Hawaii’s parishes will make the transition over the next two years.
Q: Are other dioceses doing this?
A: Yes. In the United States, 13 dioceses give confirmation at the age of reason. More are considering it.
