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
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
January 30, 2026
Reaching for the Gold Standard in RCIA Presentation - English
January 30, 2026
Reaching for the Gold Standard in RCIA Presentation - Spanish
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
Guide for Celebrating Christian Initiation with Children – book by Rita Burns Senseman, Victoria M. Tufano, Paul Turner
February 1, 2026
Guide to Adapting the OCIA for Children (Revised Edition) - book by Rita Burns Senseman
February 1, 2026
Guide to the OCIA for Children - Q&A for Parents by Michaela I. Tudela
February 1, 2026
Six Proven Ways to Improve Your Children’s RCIA by Team Initiation
February 1, 2026
Confirmation for Youth
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
The Archdiocese of Atlanta has begun a multi-year initiative called “Form to Send: Creating a Path for Missionary Discipleship.” This initiative will help us reorient our evangelization and faith formation efforts around engaging families (parents and children) and adult discipleship formation, with lifelong missionary discipleship as our long-term formation goal. For more information on this initiative, please visit the Catechetical Leaders and Youth Ministry webpages.
Phase 1 of this initiative began this year and sets a new course for the sacrament of confirmation. By the year 2031, all parishes and missions within the Archdiocese of Atlanta will celebrate the sacrament with youth who are in sixth grade (11-12 years old). Parishes that have already been engaging family faith formation and have plans to advance youth ministry may begin implementation at the discretion of their pastor.
Please review the following documents to assist your parish with this process.
Sacrament of Confirmation: Theological and Pastoral Reflections in View of the New Approach
May 1, 2026
For more information on how to prepare your parish for this process, please contact:
Schema Templates
Mass Schema - Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv.
January 8, 2026
Bishop Directives
Confirmation Prep Programs
- In-person retreat guide by ProjectYM
- Chosen by Ascension Press
- Decision Point by Dynamic Catholic
- Purpose by Life Teen