Resource Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. Suite #290 San Jose, CA 95112-5876 ph: 408-286-8505 fx: 408-287-8748

For Immediate Release Contact: Monique Derenia 408-286-8505 monique@rpinet.com

SAN JOSE, Calif., January 24, 2002—The age at which children celebrate the sacrament of confirmation is changing. While U.S. bishops try to reach a consensus about when to celebrate confirmation, some dioceses across the country are taking steps to restore the ancient practice of celebrating confirmation before first communion.

The newest resource from Resource Publications, Inc. is a guide to help those parishes construct a liturgy for the change.  The book, Celebrating Confirmation Before First Communion, is a compilation of methods that were created and tested by liturgists, catechists and other parish staff in the Diocese of Portland, Maine.  The Diocese of Portland was among the first to restore the traditional order of the rites.  Seven of its staff have created this kit as a guide for other parishes looking to make the shift to the earlier age.

“When the restoration of the traditional order of sacraments takes place in a diocese, catechists and pastors must be able to present it intelligently and convincingly to the parish at large and this book prepares them for that task,” remarked co-author Rev. Michael J. Henchal.  The book is an invaluable resource to pastors because it offers pulpit announcements that can be used to gradually make the community aware of the change and has answers for some of the basic questions, fears and responses the community is likely to have.

It also includes background information on the historical reasons for the shift in age, a look at historical pastoral issues related to restoring the traditional sequence for initiation rites, a series of pulpit announcements, a family retreat model and observations about youth ministry in parishes that have made the change in confirmation age.  The book offers a comprehensive plan for preparing the parish to accept the new order of the sacraments and catechizing the parishioners and the parents of children to be initiated.

Some materials are photocopiable.

“Celebrating Confirmation before First Communion is an excellent guide on the theology, liturgy, and practical pastoral implications of the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation in the traditional sequence…. My own personal experience in the Diocese of Spokane for over eleven years affirms the insights and pastoral application found in this publication.” – William S. Skylstad, Bishop of Spokane

The authors developed Celebrating Confirmation before First Communion as part of their ministry in the Diocese of Portland, Maine.

CELEBRATING CONFIRMATION BEFORE FIRST COMMUNION
A Resource Kit for Restoring the Order of the Initiation Sacraments
Michael Henchal, Marc Caron, Clement Thibodeau, Jeanne Bigelow, James Dinn, Agnes Dinn, Barbara Smith
 8 ½" × 11", 64 pages
ISBN: 0-89390-544-5, $29.95
February 2002

To order CELEBRATING CONFIRMATION BEFORE FIRST COMMUNION call Resource Publications, Inc. at 888-273-7782. For interviews, speaking engagements, and writing assignments call (408) 286-8505 or send email to monique@rpinet.com.

Resource Publications, Inc. strives to help people reach their fullest potential on both personal and professional levels, primarily by providing leadership resources for use by leaders in ministry and education. Current ministry resources include Ministry & Liturgy magazine, Liturgical Catechesis magazine, Celebrating the Lectionary, Sacramental Register 3.0, and many other books and music collections. Visit the RPI website at www.rpinet.com.