Age of Confirmation Revision

Revised Confirmation Policies

Archbishop Etienne's Letter

Read Archbishop Etienne's letter to the Archdiocese that provides background and explanation for transitioning the age of Confirmation from eleventh grade or sixteen years of age to seventh grade or the equivalent age. 

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Confirmation Policies

Revised Confirmation policies that reflect the age change and preparation requirements.

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Substantative Changes

An easy to view grid that highlights specific changes comparing the former policies to the newly revised version. 

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Catechetical Resources

A comprehensive list of Confirmation program curriculum for both middle school and high school levels. Other Confirmation programs in Vietnamese and Spanish are also listed. There is also a short list of Vocations resources found here for continued formation.

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Implementation Models

All models can be modified to meet parish needs. Parishes providing two-year sacramental preparation can adapt models and programs as needed.

Stages of Catechetical Preparation

Sacramental Catechetical Preparation for Confirmation
​Culmination for the Rite of Christian Initiation.

Remote Preparation for Confirmation
(Birth to 3rd Grade)

Celebration of the sacraments of:

  • Baptism
  • First Eucharist / Reconciliation

Catechetical Formation:

  • Creation
  • First Eucharist / Reconciliation Sacramental Preparation
  • Creed

(See Parish Religious Education Standards 1st-3rd Grade)

​Parish Community and Family

  • Participation in the Sacraments
  • Cultivation of life of prayer
  • Engagement in parish life

 

Proximate Preparation for Confirmation
(3rd Grade to 6th Grade)

Catechetical Formation

  • Creed
  • Morality
  • Sacraments
  • Prayer

(See Parish Religious Education Standards 3rd- 6th Grade)

​Parish Community and Family

  • Participation in the Sacraments
  • Cultivation of life of prayer
  • Engagement in parish life

Immediate Preparation for Confirmation
​(7th Grade to Adult)

Catechetical Formation

  • The Creed
  • The Sacraments of Initiation
  • The Holy Spirit (The Trinity and Pentecost)
  • The Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
  • The History of Confirmation (Scripture and Tradition)
  • The Signs, Rite and the Minister of Confirmation
  • The effects of the Sacrament of Confirmation
  • The Confirmation Sponsor
  • The call to holiness and being sent forth to disciple as exemplified in the lives of the saints
  • The meaning of Christian vocation (marriage, priesthood and consecrated life)
  • Learning to pray with the Holy Spirit

(See approved list of catechetical resources below)

Parish Community and Family

  • Participation in the Sacraments
  • Cultivation of life of prayer (should include a retreat with the availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation)
  • Engagement in parish life (should include meaningful pastoral ministry)

Recommended Assessment Forms

Optional and can be modified.

Retreats

Archdiocesan Confirmation retreats serve to supplement your parish Confirmation preparation program. The weekend is grounded in prayer and challenges the group and individuals to deepen their relationship with God and the Church.

FAQ's for Confirmation Revision

Any inquiries and support regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation are now being handled by the Office of Faith Formation. For general information on Confirmation resources and other sacramental preparation, please visit the Sacraments page or contact the Faith Formation office. For resources related to Confirmation, you can find helpful videos, websites and bibliographies by visiting Archdiocese of Seattle Online Resources

Contact

Carlos Carrillo

Director of Faith Formation

carlos.carrillo@seattlearch.org

(206) 654-4644