Children and the Sacraments
Confirmation, Eucharist, and Penance
Archdiocese of Brisbane Sacramental Policy, May 1997

INTRODUCTION

Initiation into the community of the faithful is celebrated in three sacramental moments: baptism, confirmation and the first reception of eucharist. In the discipline of the Western Church, this initiation process is, in the case of children, extended over a number of years and is accompanied by appropriate catechesis and pastoral formation.

A child is born into the family of believers through the parents' faith and baptism. The child's faith is nurtured both within the domestic church of the family and the parish. When old enough, the child is introduced to formal catechesis and is prepared for the sacraments of confirmation and eucharist which complete the initiation process, and for the first reception of the sacrament of penance.

The process of Christian initiation is subject to the universal law of the Church, and the particular discipline of each diocese. The bishop, taking account of the particular circumstances of the local Church, establishes appropriate policies.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

The following considerations are basic in arriving at and understand­ing the policy outlined below.

• Sacramental initiation is parish-oriented. Introduction to the Church's sacramental life is the means through which one enters more fully into the life of the faith community. It is therefore proper that the faith community, expressed in the parish, be responsible for and intimately involved in the sacramental preparation and presentation of children.
• The progressive introduction of children to the sacraments includes discernment of their readiness, which is not simply a matter of age. Pastor, parents, and catechist all have a role in ascertaining that the child has achieved appropriate faith development, and that adequate faith support is assured.
• Eucharist is the climax of the initiation process. Hence, in order to respect our theological and liturgical tradition, confirmation is celebrated prior to the first reception of eucharist.
• Catechesis and sacramental preparation are related though distinct activities. Catechesis is the continuing process of faith education and development; its goal is growth in and maturity of faith. Sacramental preparation is the specific pastoral activity, involving family and parish community, that precedes and accompanies celebration of the sacraments.
• The norm for first reception of the sacrament of penance is that it precedes admission to eucharist. In this way children will become familiar with the sacrament from an early age, even though it is an obligation only for the child who is conscious of grave sin.