Why does St. Benedict’s want to celebrate Confirmation and First Communion at the same event? In the early Church, Christian initiation was celebrated together as a single event. The person was immersed into the waters of Baptism, anointed with chrism, and shared in the Eucharistic meal. Over time, and for many reasons, the celebration of these sacramental rituals became separated from one another. In the renewal of the sacraments which was mandated by the Second Vatican Council, the Church was invited to restore the celebrations of the sacraments of Christian initiation to their original order — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist. This restored order helps us recognise that sharing in the Eucharist completes our initiation into the Church. What does the Church say about linking these two sacraments? In article 1275 The Catechism of the Catholic Church articulates the inseparable nature of the sacraments of initiation as follows: “Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism, which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation, which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist, which nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.” Doesn’t the Church require a certain age for Confirmation? Both the Rite of Confirmation and Canon Law (Canon 891) set the age of discretion (age seven) as the age for Confirmation. The age for Confirmation varies from diocese to diocese, sometimes even from parish to parish. Regardless of age, Confirmation is always a sacrament of initiation. The important thing to remember is that sacraments are not about age alone, they are about growing in faith, and about sharing in God’s grace. How will my child be prepared for Confirmation? In this older order, Confirmation preparation is integrated into the preparation for First Holy Communion. This means that the close connection between Baptism and Confirmation is emphasised, while recognising the importance of the Eucharist as the culmination of Christian initiation. Will my child be learning about the Holy Spirit? Naturally, as your child continues to participate in religious education, he or she will continue to learn more and more about the Holy Spirit’s action in our lives. The preparation course in which your child will participate teaches about the power of the Spirit and the special gifts of the Spirit. Just as your child was first empowered by the Spirit in Baptism, your child will continue to grow in the Spirit through the grace of Confirmation. ​ How will I know if my child is ready for Confirmation? Readiness for Confirmation cannot be separated from readiness for the Eucharist, and sacramental readiness is never about learning, but about faith. As your child prepares for Confirmation and First Holy Communion, here are three things to keep in mind:  1. Sacraments are always a beginning. As your child matures in faith, he or she will grow in his or her understanding of Confirmation and experience of the Eucharist; 2. the Eucharist is the culmination of the Sacraments of Initiation. Your child is now welcomed as a fully participating member of the Church; and 3. at any age, completion of the Sacraments of Initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist — in no way signals graduation, rather it is the beginning of a lifetime of being nourished at the altar of the Lord.