[Question:]{.underline} Can a priest require a child to perform apostolic or social work before receiving the sacrament of Confirmation?
[Answer:]{.underline} The Church’s requirements for the reception of Confirmation are clearly laid out in the 1917 Code of Canon Low and in the appendix to the Roman Ritual. These are that he be validly baptized, have at least the age of around seven years (Canon 788), that he be in the state of grace, and that if he have the use of reason, that he be sufficiently instructed (Canon 786), according to his level of understanding, in the nature, dignity, and effects of this sacrament and the dispositions necessary to receive it worthily, and that, accordingly to the traditional custom, he be fasting.
The rights of the pastor in this domain correspond to his duties. He must establish the certitude of baptism by obtaining an original baptismal certificate, he must ensure that all candidates for Confirmation have the opportunity to make a good confession beforehand, and he must determine that the candidates have been sufficiently instructed. The level of instruction is going to depend upon the age, abilities and education of the candidate. He must ascertain that the candidate knows the basic truths of the Catholic Faith, that he understands that Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments and what this means, and that he knows the four principal effects of this sacrament. Although a more detailed knowledge is required with increasing age and ability, the priest will generally not refuse the sacrament to a child who has the knowledge of which a well instructed seven or eight year old is capable, unless the gross negligence in learning the catechism demonstrates the lack of sufficient disposition to profit from the sacrament.
The Church in no way requires that the candidate for Confirmation perform works of an apostolic or social nature, such as bringing a friend or relative to the traditional Mass, teaching catechism, speaking to non-Catholics about the Faith, or picketing an abortion clinic. Apart from the fact that a child of around seven is generally not capable of doing such things, they require the fortitude that is given by the sacrament, not presumed ahead of time as a preparation. The priest’s duty is rather to ensure that those who have already received the sacrament, exercise the seven gifts of the Holy Ghost in a special way, and are encouraged afterwards to live up to the grace of their Confirmation by the open profession of their Faith and by living an exemplary Catholic life, which is most apt to draw souls to the Church.
Answered by Father Peter Scott, SSPX.