The Diocese of Fargo, ND has obtained permission from the Vatican to continue inverting the order of the sacraments of initiation from currently-accepted norms. According to the National Catholic Register :
Over the past seven years, the Diocese of Fargo has changed the typical order of the sacraments of initiation. Instead of confirmation coming third and at an older age, it is now conferred on children at a younger age and prior to first Communion.
Bishop Aquila said he made the changes because “it really puts the emphasis on the Eucharist as being what completes the sacraments of initiation” and on confirmation as “sealing and completing baptism.”
When the sacraments are conferred in this order, he said, it becomes more obvious that “both baptism and confirmation lead to the Eucharist.” This sacramental assistance helps Catholics live “that intimate relationship of being the beloved sons and daughters of the Father in our daily lives,” he added.
The Bishop of Fargo said the changes have also distanced the sacrament of confirmation from “some false theologies that see it as being a sacrament of maturity or as a sacrament for ‘me choosing God.’”
Those are some blunt—but, in my experience, rather accurate—words about the way many regard Confirmation.
Could this be a sign of further liturgical changes to come, or is it merely one diocese’s idiosyncrasy?
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