How is it decided what is the proper age for receiving Holy Communion and Confirmation? Why do some parishes offer the sacraments at different ages?

The age considered proper for sacramental reception has changed over time. In the early Church, the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion) were linked and the bishop often administered them to adult converts. As the number of Christians increased, bishops could not provide the sacraments of initiation to all who desired them. In the West, the tradition developed wherein Baptism was separated from Confirmation and Communion to preserve the bishop’s role in confirming candidates.

VARIED TRADITIONS
Over time, the age of sacramental reception varied, depending largely on geography. In the Eastern Catholic Church, the reception of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion remained linked, and as such, are usually administered to infants. In the Western (Roman) Church, the three sacraments are customarily offered separately to children and adolescents, though together to adult converts.

By the early 20th century, in the Roman Catholic Church, both Holy Communion and Confirmation were delayed until adolescence. Until 1910, First Communion was delayed until age 14 and Confirmation was postponed until after Communion, allowing for a longer period of catechesis.

AGE OF REASON
In 1910, to promote more frequent reception of the Eucharist, Pope Pius X determined that First Communion should be linked to the “age of reason” (according to canon law, at age seven). At this age children are considered capable of understanding the chief mysteries of faith, including the sacraments, and can begin to distinguish between the Eucharist as the Body of Jesus and ordinary bread.

Though children are usually admitted to the sacraments as a group, parents, catechists and ministers can take into account the individual readiness of each child, which could delay reception of the sacraments in certain cases.

ROLE OF THE BISHOP
Within the Church, dioceses (and even parishes) have different practices regarding the age of sacramental reception. In some, the sacraments are received according to the “restored order,” with Confirmation being received shortly before Communion, both at about age seven. Both orderings (Confirmation administered before and after First Communion) are acceptable, as determined by the local bishop.

Regardless of when the sacraments are received, they are to be administered after a period of preparation, which involves learning about the sacrament, its significance, and its accompanying responsibilities.

In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, First Communion is received at the age of reason and Confirmation is administered after the reception of First Communion and between 12 and 16 years old. This timing emphasizes that Confirmation is a sealing of the gifts of the Holy Spirit and not a sacrament of reaching Christian maturity nor a “graduation” from religious education.

FOREVER LINKED
Whether received in infancy or later in life, the three sacraments of initiation provide the foundation for living the Christian life. Often received in stages, their reception “bears a certain likeness to the origin, development and nourishing of natural life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1212).

The sacraments of initiation are instituted by Christ and forever linked. Through Baptism, the Christian is born anew; through Confirmation, strengthened; and in the Eucharist, nourished with the food of eternal life.

Father David Endres is professor of Church history and historical theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

This article appeared in the March 2024 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here