The normal age that children receive their Confirmation and First Holy Communion in the Diocese of Portland is 7 years old, or at the age of reason. The Diocese of Portland is one of an increasing number of dioceses in the United States that Confirm children immediately prior to them receiving their first Holy Communion, or what is sometimes called "restored order."
Sacramental Preparation Requirements
In the Diocese of Portland, Bishop Deeley has required a two year preparation program for those who are to receive their Confirmation and First Holy Communion in the 2nd grade. In our parishes, children usually receive these sacraments on the Solemnity of Pentecost in late spring of each year. In order to receive their Confirmation and First Holy Communion, second graders must be adequately prepared according to parish guidelines established by the Pastor.
In the Portland Peninsula and Island Parishes, sacramental preparation is offered for 1st and 2nd grade during Wednesdays at Guild Hall each week throughout the school year. Spanish language sacramental preparation is offered on Sundays at Sacred Heart/St. Dominic. If these options are not possible for the family, please contact the Faith Formation staff as soon as possible to discuss other possible options for preparation.
Non-baptized children and teens between the ages of 8-16 prepare for the sacraments through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children, or RCIC. Sacramental preparation for these children and teens follows an individualized preparation that includes classes and various ritual celebrations and liturgies, known as the Catechumenate. This process normally takes one year and concludes with the reception of all three sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, First Holy Communion) during the Easter Vigil or at some point in the Easter Season.
Baptized Non-Catholic Christian Children between the ages of 8-16 prepare to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion as Candidates for full communion. Their preparation follows an individualized preparation that includes classes and various ritual celebrations and liturgies. This process also usually takes one year and concludes with the celebration of the candidates Profession of Faith and reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion during the Easter Season.
Older baptized Catholic children and teens between the ages of 8-16 prepare to receive their Confirmation and First Holy Communion (or Confirmation only if they have already received their First Holy Communion), in an individualized process that normally takes about one year. Their preparation consists primarily in classes throughout the year, in addition to meeting with parish clergy and staff. They receive the Sacraments at a special Mass with Bishop Deeley that is usually scheduled during the Easter Season.