What is the Restored Order of the Sacraments?

An increasing number of dioceses and parishes in the United States are adopting a Restored Order policy for the celebration of the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. This means, quite simply, that it becomes standard policy for Catholics who were baptized in infancy to receive Confirmation before First Eucharist, not after. Practically speaking, this means that the two sacraments are received at the First Eucharist Mass, with Confirmation being celebrated after the homily.

On May 15, 2005 Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted promulgated the new Policy and Guidelines concerning the restoration the order of the Sacraments of Initiation in the Diocese of Phoenix. The chief concluding reason for Bishop Olmsted's initiative for this change was the full sense of the theological term “mystagogy”. Mystagogy, in the full sense - of aiding our young people's understanding of what they have received through the Sacraments of Initiation, throughout every stage of life which includes the stages from infancy and continues throughout grade school, high school, young adulthood to mature adulthood to live as a disciple of Christ, a life dedicated to the missionary and apostolic service of Christ. As the General Directory for Catechesis notes, initiatory catechesis encompasses more than mere instruction in the faith, “it is an apprenticeship of the entire Christian life” (GDC #67).

This new policy has effectively changed the age for Confirmation preparation and reception from 16 years of age (sophomore or junior in high school), to the ages of students in the third grade. As a result, the preparation and reception of the Sacraments of Initiation throughout the Diocese of Phoenix will be: Baptism: in Infancy, Reconciliation: Second Grade, Confirmation and First Eucharist: Third Grade.

How can a young child know everything about the faith?

Religious education or catechesis is a life long process. Adults should regularly study our faith, read the scriptures, participate in the sacraments, and practice charity. Youth from Kindergarten through High School are expected to participate in processes of faith formation. With this in mind, Confirmation preparation is simply an explanation of the sacrament itself in the context of an active family faith life and parish catechesis. This is similar to what took place for First Confession and First Eucharist.

Who can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?

According to our diocesan policy, the normal age for confirmation are those baptized children in third grade (usually around the age of eight years old).  A candidate for confirmation must be at the age of discretion, seven years of age or above and must meet the following requirements:

Candidates will be prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Eucharist. Both Sacraments will be celebrated together.

Who can receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist?