THE SACRAMENT of Confirmation is perhaps the most poorly understood sacrament among Catholics, and Singaporean Catholics are no exception. Part of the confusion arises from inadequate catechesis. Another contributing factor is the variety of ages at which the sacrament is administered to cradle Catholics and those baptised in childhood. What is even more frightening is that many responsible for catechesis are themselves not entirely clear what to make of this sacrament.

I have been involved in the catechesis of confirmands since the late 90s and have experienced a whole range of approaches to preparing our youth for Confirmation. I have led at least three batches of young people through to their reception of the sacrament. I have worked in two different parishes, and have had some contact with other parish programs – a mix of two-year and four-year programs – as well. In my own parish, we have already made the transition to the four-year program. It has put some considerable strain on our resources – especially in terms of catechists able and willing to work in the Confirmation program.

Minimum age?

When I was a young altar server in my parish in the 80s, my seniors told us they received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the age of 11 (in Primary 5). My generation had to wait until the age of 14 before we were confirmed in 1991. When I got involved in catechesis in the late 90s, the age of Confirmation remained at 14. But in the 90s some of the East district parishes piloted a new program that delayed Confirmation until the age of 16. This ‘trend’ soon caught on among other parishes.

I have heard many different accounts of why this change was necessary. Some invoked the rationale of a more thorough preparation based on the assumption that more time spent in formal instruction would produce confirmands who were better prepared to live as Christian witnesses. Others argued that since many treated Confirmation as a ‘graduation’ sacrament, it would be better to keep them for another two years to more effectively counteract this pernicious attitude. The idea is that by delaying their ‘graduation’ from formal catechesis, they will form stronger bonds that will keep them coming to church after receiving the sacrament.

There are still others who make reference to the relative maturity of confirmands. The argument is 16 year olds are in a better position to understand what Confirmation is, and what it entails, than 14 year olds. Older confirmands would also be able to take greater responsibility for their Christian mission and be better equipped to carry it out.

Each argument makes a valid point. However, the move from a two year program to a four year one is not one that should be undertaken lightly and there are theological and pastoral considerations each parish must carefully bear in mind before it makes a commitment to a new approach.