If You Lived in Phoenix, You'd be Confirmed Already

PHOENIX (CNS) -- Nearly two years after parishes in the Phoenix Diocese were asked to restore the order of the sacraments of initiation and begin confirming third-graders before they receive the Eucharist, students, families and parish leaders are still adjusting. Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said the restored order "has gone remarkably well," thanks to everyone working together. He detailed the reasoning for the changes in a 2005 pastoral letter. Restoring the order means that, after being baptized, young Catholics are next confirmed and then, at the same Mass, receive first Communion. Changing the order of the sacraments and the age of confirmation has required parishes to host programs for young Catholics ages 8-16. This is the last year in the process. Carol Gastelum, associate director of catechesis for the diocese, said many Catholics viewed confirmation as a sign of maturity, but it isn't. "It's a seal on one's baptism," she said. The early church recognized the link between the first two sacraments of initiation when Christians received confirmation immediately after baptism or in childhood. The Eucharist was then the final sacrament of initiation.