Peace and all good things!
Last November, I shared with our clergy that we are preparing as an archdiocese to set a new course for the sacrament of confirmation that prioritizes two areas: (1) developing a culture of family faith formation (i.e., advancing ordinary, ongoing faith formation in ways that engage parents and families), and (2) re-envisioning and advancing parish youth ministry—all with the goal of lifelong missionary discipleship.
Within this context, we will be lowering the grade-level/age of reception of confirmation from 10th grade (15-16 years old) to 6th grade (11-12 years old). I am asking that by year 2031 all parishes and missions in the archdiocese will celebrate the sacrament of confirmation with youth who are in the 6th grade.
Attached for your review, prayer and discernment is a working document for leaders developed by the Office of Evangelization and Discipleship (OED) with my support.
This entire effort—which we are calling Form to Send: Creating a Path for Missionary Discipleship—will take time. As noted in the working document, 2026-2027 (phase 1) are envisioned as preliminary years for prayer and planning. 2028-2031 (phase 2) are the years of implementation.
Before changes are made to the age of reception of confirmation, I am asking every parish to discern and implement adjustments that will advance a more family-focused approach to formation (this will look different at various parishes) and prepare for a youth ministry that will form and accompany missionary disciples in a context now apart from sacramental preparation.
More information and resources will be forthcoming from OED and Andy Lichtenwalner will be reaching out to every pastor in the coming weeks. Also, please consider attending the PCL Family Faith Formation Day on Tuesday, February 17, at the Chancery, open to clergy as well. Thank you for all you do in service to the people in this local Church and thank you for your prayers.