It matters not that we remember the event but rather how we live that event every day of our lives thereafter.
I spent nearly 10 years studying the early fathers and have subsequently joined the ranks of those who see the Eastern Rites as having the proper order and timing for the administration of the sacraments of initiation. I say get God's sacramental graces to the children as early as possible. But then again, I am only a lowly deacon subordinate to my superiors who make those decisions. :)
BTW, NYer...
God bless you for all the wonderful threads and posts you contribute to the benefit of God's holy ones.
Deacon Francis
I should add to my previous post the following (since I referenced “ex opere operato):
The sacraments also operate “ex opere operantis Ecclesiae” (from the working of the Church) and “ex opere operantis” ( from the action of the doer).
Therefore, in communion with the whole church, the baptized and confirmed, live out their lives in such a manner as to experience the fullness and efficacy of God’s grace in their temporal and spiritual lives. It is the responsibility of every mature Christian to nuture the whole body, reminding each other of God’s compassion, mercy and love bestowed on us in and through these great gifts.
Praised be Jesus Christ!
As a member of a Maronite (Eastern) Catholic Church, I have been privileged to attend several baptisms over the years. As with the other Eastern Churches, the Maronites confer the Mystery of Chrismation together with that of Baptism. In the Rite of Exorcism, the community is asked to face west while reciting the prayer rejecting satan and his works. Somewhat like a human shield.