As the 20th century began, Confirmation and First Communion were celebrated in the traditional order around the age of reason, typically around age 7. This sequence—Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist—had its roots in the early Christian practice,. However, the age at which these two sacraments were received varied widely, depending on the bishop’s decisions and local customs.
In 1910, Pope Pius X issued the decree Quam Singulari, which set age 7 as the standard for First Communion. This decree was based on the belief that children could understand the mystery of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist by this age, and thus could meaningfully participate in receiving Communion.
This decree unintentionally disrupted the traditional sequence of the Sacraments of Initiation for children who had received both sacraments at a later age. With First Communion now widely standardized at age 7, the timing of Confirmation now varied, creating a gap that led to the reversal of the traditional order in many areas. Efforts to reassess and sometimes attempt to restore the traditional order emerged, especially following Vatican II.
The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) called for a renewal in many areas of Church life, including the sacraments. One of the most notable outcomes of Vatican II was the restoration of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), which reintegrated Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist into a single ceremony, celebrated at the Easter Vigil.
Vatican II’s call for renewal led many diocesan and pastoral leaders to reexamine the traditional order, but implementing widespread change was challenging. Some dioceses chose to implement the “restored order,” placing Confirmation before First Communion, while others maintained the practice of a reversed order. Practical aspects of catechesis, formation programs, and familiarity with existing practices contributed to keeping First Communion at age 7 and Confirmation celebrated in adolescence.
The 1983 Code of Canon Law provided some flexibility in the age for Confirmation, stating that it should be administered at the age of reason or at an age determined by the local bishop (Canon 891). This gave dioceses some autonomy to decide whether to administer Confirmation in early childhood or in adolescence, leading to a variety of practices across the global Church.
Next, we will look at how the Sacraments of Initiation are celebrated in the Church of Saginaw today, bringing us full circle in our discussion of the two paths of initiation.