Our granddaughter Michelle took her Confirmation yesterday. After church, we had a really nice party for her. Michelle is our second youngest grandchild and is fifteen.
I remember when I took my Confirmation. I was just eleven and in the sixth grade. We (both boys and girls) wore red robes. The girls also wore a red "beanie" (a little hat that just covered the top of your head). I got to wear my first pair of stockings and dress shoes. It was a very big deal.
Today, the young people go to class for two years, make retreats, and do forty hours of community service; just to name of few of the things that are expected of them before the big day. The average age is 15-16 and a Sophomore or Junior in high school. The are no robes; just a nice outfit. Times have changed a lot.
It seems like the only thing that has not changed is the meaning behind Confirmation itself. The church service is still pretty much the same with the Bishop administering the Sacrament to each individual. I guess it really doesn't matter what you wear or how old you are, it is just a special time for young Catholics.