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The restored order of the Sacraments of Initiation continued into the 20th century. But, despite its theological richness and its positive effect on family and parish life, the restored order resulted in some problems with implementation.
It took a significant investment of time and resources to educate families about the restored order. Many parishioners were accustomed to the reversed sequence, with Confirmation often viewed as an adolescent milestone. Critics worried that moving Confirmation to an earlier age could diminish its perceived significance, particularly for teenagers, and lead to disengagement during adolescence.
By about 2012, the Saginaw Diocese, under Bishop Joseph Cistone, revisited its approach to the Sacraments of Initiation. After extensive consultations with clergy, parish leaders, and families, the decision was made to return to the reversed order, with children receiving First Communion at age 7 and Confirmation in adolescence.
This change reflected recognition of the practical and pastoral challenges posed by the restored order. It also sought to address concerns about keeping teenagers engaged in their faith. By situating Confirmation in adolescence, the sacrament regained its role as a key milestone in the faith journey, accompanied by age-appropriate catechesis.
In order to allow children to reach adolescence prior to preparing for Confirmation, Bishop Cistone paused the sacrament of confirmation for younger candidates beginning in 2017. This pause provided an opportunity to align catechesis with the unique spiritual and emotional needs of adolescents. The intention was to implement a stronger emphasis on catechesis and active parish participation before resuming the confirmation of younger teens.
Shortly after Bishop Robert Gruss was installed as Bishop of Saginaw in 2019, a committee began work to discern a diocesan-wide process for preparing adolescents to receive Confirmation. As the Diocese restarts its sacramental preparation process, the hope is to create a vibrant and lasting connection between young people and their faith communities.