Age of Confirmation Revision

• For several years, a number of priests and laity approached Archbishop Sartain requesting reconsideration of the age of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Seattle. 
• A consultation period took place between 2017-2018 so that pastors and parish staff could share their thoughts, concerns and recommendations.
• After weighing concerns of Confirmation at age sixteen and the advantages of lowering the age,  Archbishop Sartain with the Presbyteral Council decided to change the age of Confirmation to 7th grade.

• ​Young people experience challenges and trials at a much younger age than previous generations and are struggling through these hardships without the grace of Confirmation.
• Requiring sacramental preparation in high school presents a special challenge to youth, parents and those involved in catechetical ministry because of the number of activities youth are engaged in.
• The current practice puts an emphasis on completing a preparation program which in turn reinforces the impression that Confirmation is tantamount to graduation.

• A proper shift would occur in our catechesis of the sacrament from a personal choice of the candidate to the freely given grace of God, who desires all the baptized to share fully in the Paschal Mystery through Confirmation.
• Receiving the grace of the sacrament at a younger age would equip our young people with the gifts of the Holy Spirit they need to advance through adolescence into adulthood.
• A younger age, at a period when candidates are not engaged in high school demands and activities, would be a time more conducive to preparation for the sacrament.
• A younger age would help to avoid the “graduation” mentality often associated with Confirmation.
• A younger age would increase the number of candidates receiving Confirmation.
• Confirmation at an earlier age would allow the newly Confirmed to “live out” their Confirmation through various ministries in the parishes during their high school years.

• As of September 13, 2018 the age of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Seattle is seventh grade or the equivalent age.

• Each pastor will determine the best time for his parish to begin the transition process. All parishes have until 2023 to complete transition.

• Each pastor, in consultation with his staff, will determine which model for implementation. The Archdiocese of Seattle has recommended three models which can be modified to meet the needs the parish ( see Recommended Models for Implementation)

• The curriculum and resources for Confirmation can be found on the Archdiocesan Faith Formation Ministry landing page for parishes as well as this page.

• Remote and proximate preparation for Confirmation can be provided by Catholic schools
• Immediate preparation for Confirmation is provided by the parish or by the parish and Catholic school together as determined by parish leadership.

• The length, structure and content for a Confirmation preparation program can be decided by each pastor and his staff as long as the is it meets the guidelines provided by the Confirmation policies and covers the eleven required topics for Confirmation.

An official communication went out to pastors and parishes on October 28, 2019.