Confirmation
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“O Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.”
— St. AugustineJust as bodies and minds grow, Catholics believe that the soul also needs to grow in the life of grace. The Sacrament of Confirmation builds on the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, and Holy Communion, completing the process of initiation into the Catholic community. Please see Chapter 9 of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Handbook focused on Confirmation and the Confirmation age change memo on the right.
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Confirmation Age change - FAQ
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- For several years, a number of priests and laity approached Archbishop Sample requesting reconsideration of the age of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Portland.
- A consultation period took place 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 Sample with the Presbyteral Council decided to change the age of Confirmation to 7th grade.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Each pastor will determine the best time for his parish to begin the transition process. All parishes have until 2025 to complete transition. Reference Archbishop Sample's letter to pastors dated June 13, 2022.
- Each pastor, in consultation with his staff, will determine which model for implementation. The Archdiocese of Portland has recommended three models which can be modified to meet the needs the parish.
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