Confirmation at 17?
I think the strategery is to have confirmation happen at the most rebelious period for most, and only after many years of wishy washy RE. This assures that most drop out and reject the teachings of the Church for at least 30 years or so afterwards, which is what at least some bishops must want.
Freegards
Our Bishop in Eastern ND moved it to 3rd grade. Perhaps this youth could have benefited from some wisdom, though it seems to have bounced off his parents.
Yup. Not wise. Most diocese have it around 13-14 years old. I was 11 (6th grade) when I was confirmed. Problem too, is that CCD is stretched out for so long (2 years) that by the time the kid is confirmed, he’s sour on the whole deal. Why waste 2 years of repetitive teaching which could be accomplished in a few months?