Some of the 230 participants, many of whom are involved in religious education, offered strong, passionate comments either in favor of leaving the age for reception of confirmation at 16, junior year in high school, while others were equally passionate about lowering the age.
The article reviews the history of age changes and pros and cons of the proposed change. The story ends with quotes from the "open mike" comment period, all supporters of the status quo.
Seems to me that step one would be checking the effect of raising the age against the claims made when that change was being advocated. If it hasn't worked out as projected, we should change back and see how that goes.
The final decision, sure to be controversial either way, is Archbishop Dolan's. That's why we pay him that $49,420 a year.
Oh, I don't know...
ReplyDeleteSeveral couples of our acquaintance have simply had their children confirmed before the age of 16 by taking them out of the State to other Dioceses, something with which I am totally comfortable.
IMHO, parents should make that decision. It's just possible that parents know more about their children than do certain Archbishops, priests, or CCD teachers.
I agree, dad29. If the child is ready, he's ready and if the parents determine he's ready, he IS ready. How do we know an 8 year old is ready for first Holy Communion? Why can't a 14 year old be ready for Confirmation? What's magic about 16?
ReplyDeleteBeing a homeschooling family, there is no DRE or Religious Education specialist telling us when our children are ready for the sacraments. I think this age thing is only a function of the production line educational process. When you are going to confirm 200 kids a year, you have to make some general rules. But then, not everyone fits the rules.
Some 17 year olds aren't ready for Confirmation, either. My niece did it last year simply because she thought she'd be too busy once she went to college, even though she really didn't feel "ready" to make her Confirmation. Her parents were no help to her, so she just did it. I don't know the meaning of such a Confirmation, but I pray that the grace imparted will help her in some way.
When I started taking confirmation classes I was shocked to see who was in them, PEOPLE I HAD NEVER BEFORE SEEN IN A CHURCH.
ReplyDeleteVery very few of the kids I got confirmed with do I ever see at Church outside of major holidays.
Most only got confirmed because their parents made them, some because they felt it was neccesary to be married in a Church but that was to extent to which they cared.
I personally learned almost nothing in confirmation, most confirmation students probably couldn't even tell you that missing Mass or taking a morning after pill is a sin.
Confirmation needs to become a much more demanding program so as to seperate the wheat from the chaf. The rosary should be prayed at every class, the Catechism of the Catholic Church should be studied, there should be serious discussions of moral issues, monthly trips to confession, and rules like if you miss Mass your out of luck.
FD: you point out that CCD/Confirmation classes are largely inadequate, which is true.
ReplyDeleteYou indirectly point out that "Catholic" parents are also suspect; ALSO true.
However, Confirmation is not a prerequisite for marriage in the Catholic church.
dad29 I am aware.
ReplyDeleteI said, "some because they felt it was neccesary to be married in a Church ."
AKA their parents told them this because they believe it is so, or because they are desperate and it is the only way they can think of to get their daughters to be confirmed.
Trust me none of these people was about to consult cannon law on the matter!