The Bishop Writes

(From the July 30, 1998 edition of the Inland Register)

On page 7 of the July 30, 1998 issue of the Inland Register you will find a new confirmation policy which I have approved for the Diocese. The decision concerning this policy has not been arrived at hastily but rather is the result of a long process of consultation, experimentation, and appreciation of the tradition of our Church.

Bishop Welsh already in the early ’80s had given permission for experimentation concerning the restoration of the traditional sequence of the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. The number of parishes in the diocese going back to the celebration of the traditional sequence has increased steadily over the years. In one parish a few years ago, I celebrated Confirmation for approximately 250 members at all of Masses on the weekend. We now have had considerable experience with this manner of celebrating the sacrament. I found the celebrations joyful and meaningful.

Actually, the sequence of celebrating Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist is a long-standing tradition in our Church. Pope Pius X in the early part of this century lowered the age for the reception of First Communion from the approximate age of 15 to the age of reason. The age for Confirmation was left at a later time and not moved as was First Communion. Incidentally, the Byzantine rite (Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish in Spokane) celebrates Confirmation and First Eucharist at infancy. However, this tradition of the priest completing the Sacraments of Initiation became the universal norm in the Churches of the East while in the West the confirmation of baptism was reserved to the bishop.

We recently have become accustomed to celebration of First Eucharist in the second grade but the time of the celebration of Confirmation began to drift. Dioceses across the country now celebrate the sacrament beginning at the celebration of first Eucharist all the way up to the senior level in high school.

Lots of reasons for celebration with adolescents have been given ranging from the young people really knowing what they are doing to preparation for confirmation makes for a good youth program. At this later age, the sacrament becomes a kind of carrot to involve the young folks in a formation program at a time when effective youth programs are a considerable challenge. Some reason that the later time is good because this is the time when young people can really commit to Church. At the same time, all have been concerned that many adolescents have not been confirmed for complex and very different reasons.

Clearly, these adolescent preparation programs have fostered good teaching, service projects, and retreat experiences. These can and must continue. Every parish in the diocese should strive to have an effective youth program. In these days of rapid societal change, we must constantly address the issue of passing on our tradition to the young. Everyone knows what a challenge this effort is. We must be committed to the formation of our youth. They, too, live in challenging times and deserve our support and respect.

The Church since the Second Vatican Council has expended considerable effort in enhancing and appreciating the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. The new Code of Canon Law recognizes the appropriate sequence of the celebrations. A varied practice around our own country has not been helpful. One of the comments in our seven regional meetings with pastoral ministers around the diocese was that they wanted to have a common policy. Other dioceses in the U.S. have already moved in this direction.

God always takes initiative in our lives. The Church at Baptism reaches out in the name of Trinity to give new life to the ones baptized and makes them members of the community of faith. Confirmation seals the one being confirmed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Even though children may not fully understand the celebration, their hearts and mind are very open to the powerful ritual and symbol.

The Holy Spirit continues to touch our lives. Yet, many of our adults have not been sealed with this gift. That’s why I have given pastors special permission for the next two years at the Easter Vigil to celebrate confirmation for adults of the parish who have not yet been confirmed. One pastor indicates that he may have close to 500 adults in his parish who have not been confirmed.

Eucharist is really the sacrament of commitment. Baptism and Confirmation lead us to Eucharist as we celebrate in memory of Jesus and as we are nourished and fed. Just a couple of weeks ago, Pope John Paul II issued a new apostolic letter, "Day of the Lord," about the importance of Sunday and Sunday Eucharist. I will write more about that apostolic letter in a column in the near future.

As we approach the Jubilee Year 2000, may we as a diocesan family strive to deepen our celebrations of the Sacraments of Initiation. When we celebrate these sacraments well, they will continue to evangelize us and help us become faithful disciples of the Lord Jesus. Our formation in discipleship is never finished as ones who are baptized, sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and nourished by the Bread of Life.

May God bless and give you peace.

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