For several years, there has been discussion on the age of Confirmation being revised and a request for reconsideration of Confirmation be considered at a younger age.

A nine-month consultation period took place comprised of diocese staff, deacons, catholic school employees, parish DRE’s and Youth Ministers could share their thoughts, concerns, and recommendations.

After research and consultation with other diocese following in this same manner Bishop Mueggenborg determined that 7th grade would be the age to offer the sacrament of Confirmation.

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 considered a graduation.

An invitation to bring the family together in the process of catechizing their family supports the Domestic Church.

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.

Each pastor along with the support of their religious education staff will determine the best time for their parish to begin the transition process. All parishes have until the fall of 2025 to complete transition.

Each pastor, in consultation with his staff, will determine which model for implementation. The Office of Faith Formation has recommended four models which can be modified to meet the needs of the parish.

Many of our pastors, Catholic school administrators, and parish staff have voiced concerns about the lack of uniformity between one parish and another regarding sacramental preparation. Our hope is to bring unity and support for our families at the parish level to build the Church of Northern Nevada. The reality of our diocese is that it encompasses great diversity; this diversity both enriches it and presents very particular challenges depending on the geographical location, resources, and personnel available in each parish. For these reasons, our revised policies and recommendation provide the essentials that all parishes should need to foster encounters with Christ.

Below are the recommended guidelines for the transition of the Sacrament of Confirmation in 7^th grade.

Parish Options for transition implementation for Confirmation 1 & Confirmation 2 2023-2025

An addition of one grade level per year over the 3 years may be considered to transition a parish community.

*Family Encounter Events to support family catechesis is recommended for grades 5^th and up.

• Attendance at Mass
• Religious Education for the student and Faith Formation for the parent
• Prayer Groups and Bible Study
• Involvement in the Ministries of the Church (Altar Serving, Lectors, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, Hospitality Ministers)
• Workshops on the teachings of the Catholic Church (Implementation of the Catechetical Institute- Franciscan at Home and Family Encounter Events)
• Dedicated Service opportunities for families (St. Vincent De Paul, Food Pantry, Mission trips,) etc.
• A focus on post Confirmation Youth Ministry events that offer opportunities to build authentic relationships among the teens.
• Opportunities for Evangelization
  
  

Our diocese seeks to welcome an Apostolic mindset to re-evangelize our youth with the support of their parents. Resources for parishes and catholic schools will be forthcoming to implement a smooth and fruitful transition as we seek to re-engage and activate our young people and their families on their faith journey.

The basic concept of family catechesis is a parish-based, family centered catechesis process through which families are formed in the Catholic faith. This means the parish supports and accompanies parents/guardians in their role as primary educators of the faith. The aim is to strengthen the Domestic Church; the family is the Domestic Church.

In the early Church, the practice of teaching the faith in the home traces back to our Jewish roots and the oral tradition of passing on the faith. Families came together to learn about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and continue spreading the Good News. Today, although the tradition of passing on the faith continues to take place in the home, the church offers to walk alongside the family so that together they may support a family’s faith formation.

Please communicate with your parish Pastor and Religious Education staff for more information about how your parish will make this transition.