Delay First Holy Communions until adulthood, says leading Catholic priest

[rug]

Majority of children taking Holy Communion not seen again by church, says priest

By IrishCentral Staff Writers,
Published Thursday, May 30, 2013, 7:27 AM

A Portlaoise priest has suggested that First Holy Communion and Confirmations be delayed until adulthood, to prevent the events from becoming hollow moments.

Speaking on RTÉ Liveline program, Fr Paddy Byrne said the modern-day version of these holy sacraments has become a “hostile” event involving families who do not want to be there.

The Catholic Priest claims that changes in recent years means many ceremonies involve parents who have moved away from the church, but feel obligated to allow their children to take part in the ceremonies. In other cases he said some families see the occasions as an opportunity for children to receive money and gifts.

The Laois-based priest said: “One of the big initiatives in South America in the past few months was to implement a lot of the sacraments of initiation — ie, baptism, communion, confirmation — much later on in life.

http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Delay-First-Holy-communions-until-adulthood-says-leading-Catholic-priest-209480361.html

In my diocese, they are considering delaying Confirmation until 8th or 9th grade. On the other hand, Orthodox churches confer all three sacraments of initiation to infants.

[No Vested Interest]

1. I'm thinking of the young people whom we recognize as saints-

Maria Goretti, Agnes, Tarcisius, Theresa of the child Jesus.
Also those to whom apparitions were made were/are often children - the children of Fatima, St. Bernadette.

Confirmation could and maybe should be delayed until the 12-13 year, when more conscious decisions can be made re religious beliefs.

[IrishAyes]

2. If we are to come to Christ as little children

Then why should little children themselves be denied full communion? When the seed falls on infertile soil, it may not grow; but many children worship as deeply if not more so than some adults, and it would be sad to see them denied this blessing at such an impressionable age. Didn't the church used to say, give us a child until the age of eight and then he's ours forever?