Confirmation

This is the second stage of initiation into the Catholic Church commonly performed by the bishop of the diocese, except at the Easter Vigil the pastor of the Church in this diocese may "confirm" adults and those over the age of 7.

This ritual is associated with the anointing of oil and calling down upon that person the Holy Spirit in a powerful and dramatic way.  This sacrament has undergone several changes throughout the years, particularly at what age should a person be confirmed.  After 1972 and the Rite of Initiation was installed there was a tendency to move Confirmation back to the "restored sequence"; i.e., Baptism, Confirmation, 1st Eucharist.  Many dioceses have moved in that direction as has ours, but not without some difficulty.

There is a general feeling that young people should be able to make that choice for themselves and therefore the sacrament should be in the middle or late teenage years.  After Confirmation the Catholic person is in total and full membership of the Church and for some people that is a major decision that should be left up to the person.  The arguments on both sides are good, but all of the fallout dust of the Vatican Council II has not settled yet and there are still variations going on.