Supporting Parishes in Sacramental Preparation
Sacramental preparation is a vital ministry of the Catholic Church, forming the faithful for full, conscious and active participation in the sacramental life of Christ.
This webpage is designed to serve as a central hub for information to support sacramental preparation ministries.
General information on becoming Catholic is available on the archdiocesan website. For liturgical resources, visit the Liturgy and Worship webpage.
Most of these resources are provided by the Office of Evangelization and Discipleship.
For questions and more information, please contact:
General Resources and Guidelines
Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC)
Published: January 30, 2026
The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the process for adults to be received into the Catholic Church and includes adaptations for older children seeking full initiation in the Church. OCIA leads to the celebration of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist.
Initiation Ministries Workshops
The initiation ministries workshops provide quarterly in-depth presentations and discussion on topics of initiation and adult faith formation.
This event is open to persons involved in adult enrichment and adult family initiation ministries.
There is no fee or registration required to attend.
View upcoming events on the resources calendar.
View Upcoming Initiation Ministries WorkshopsOCIA Resources
Introduction to OCIA from U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Published: January 30, 2026
Mystagogy series from National Eucharistic Revival
Published: January 30, 2026
Reaching for the Gold Standard in RCIA Presentation - English
Published: January 30, 2026
Reaching for the Gold Standard in RCIA Presentation - Spanish
Published: January 30, 2026
OCIA Adapted for Children
OCIA for children includes:
- Unbaptized children (over the age of seven) or teens (catechumens)
- Baptized Catholic but uncatechized children who have little understanding of God or church (candidate)
- Children baptized in another Christian faith (candidate)
- Parents (optional) – It is important to directly include parents
Bridges to Faith - formation program by Loyola Press
Published: February 1, 2026
Guide for Celebrating Christian Initiation with Children – book by Rita Burns Senseman, Victoria M. Tufano, Paul Turner
Published: February 1, 2026
Guide to Adapting the OCIA for Children (Revised Edition) - book by Rita Burns Senseman
Published: February 1, 2026
Guide to the OCIA for Children - Q&A for Parents by Michaela I. Tudela
Published: February 1, 2026
Our Catholic Identity – formation program by RCL Benziger
Published: February 1, 2026
Six Proven Ways to Improve Your Children’s RCIA by Team Initiation
Published: February 1, 2026
Confirmation for Teens
Preparing for the sacrament of confirmation is a meaningful step in a young person’s journey of faith. Our confirmation preparation process supports candidates, families and sponsors as they pray, learn and reflect together, ensuring that each young person is ready to affirm their faith with confidence and joy.
The latest sacramental guidelines for the Archdiocese of Atlanta were revised in 2002 (see section below). Confirmation requirements start on page 16 of the document.
New Confirmation Process
The Archdiocese of Atlanta is setting a new course for the sacrament of confirmation that prioritizes:
- Developing a parish culture of family faith formation
- Re-envisioning and advancing parish youth ministry with the goal of lifelong discipleship
By the year 2031, all parishes and missions within the Archdiocese of Atlanta will celebrate the sacrament of confirmation with youth who are in sixth grade (11-12 years old). More details and other resources to assist parishes will be forthcoming. Please pray for these next steps.
For more information on how to prepare your parish for this process, please contact:
Schema Templates
Mass Schema - Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv.
Published: January 8, 2026
Mass Schema - Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III
Published: January 8, 2026
Bishop Directives
Confirmation Prep Programs
- In-person retreat guide and a virtual retreat option by ProjectYM
- Chosen by Ascension Press
- Decision Point by Dynamic Catholic
- Purpose by Life Teen