Policy for the Diocese of Auckland on the Completion of Initiation of Cathlics Baptised in Infancy.

1. The order of the Sacraments of Initiation is to be Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
2. From 1996 onwards, baptised children will complete their initiation at the age of discretion.
3. The Sacraments of Confirmation and the first reception of Eucharist are to take place within the same celebration.
4. For those who have received Eucharist but are not yet confirmed, parishes must provide opportunities for preparation for, and celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation.
5. The Easter Season (Easter to Pentecost) is the preferred time for celebrating the Sacraments of Initiation.
6. The Bishop has a primary role in the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. The Bishop may delegate local priests to confirm those baptised in infancy, but it is not a general permission. Priests must apply to the Bishop for that permission.
7. Children are to be initiated within the parish community. It is the responsibility of the parish to help parents in the formation of their children for the Sacraments of Initiation. Where possible schools are to give active support to the parish in this process.
8. Initiation into the Church’s sacramental life requires formation both before and after the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation. Adequate preparation is to be followed by ongoing reflection and catechesis after the sacramental celebration.
9. In the catechesis of the community and in the celebration of the rites, care must be taken to maintain the distinction between previously baptised children and the catechumens (unbaptised children preparing for Initiation).
   
   However, parishes are to make every effort to ensure that young catechumens and previously baptised children preparing for Confirmation and Eucharist are to enjoy the support of one another within the same catechetical group.
   
   Wherever possible, initiatory rites of young catechumens and previously baptised children are to be celebrated together, in accordance with the relevant paragraphs of the RCIA.
10. At present the sacramental celebrations of Reconciliation must precede first Eucharist in a way suited for young children (c/f Canon 914). The Second Rite seems to be more suitable for children. The Season of Lent is most appropriate time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Rationale

“The rite of confirmation is to be revised and the intimate connection which this sacrament has with the whole of Christian initiation is to be more lucidly set forth.”
(Vatican II: Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy, 71).

Supported by the historical, theological and liturgical background to the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, the diocese of Auckland has adopted a sacramental programme which presents these sacraments in revised order and emphasises their inter-relationships as the sacraments of initiation into the Church.

“The faithful, already marked with the sacred seal of baptism and confirmation, are through the reception of the Eucharist fully joined to the Body of Christ.”
(Vatican II: Decree on the ministry and Life of Priests, 3)

Thus the reception of First Communion will be the climax of the sacraments of initiation into the Church.

Note: In the Eastern Rite children are baptised and confirmed as infants. If there are any such children in the parish or community, review with them the sacrament of confirmation, but make it clear that they have already received it. For them, eucharist will complete initiation into the church.