Sacrament of Confirmation

At Confirmation, Christ seals us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit so that we can be better equipped to spread the Gospel like the Apostles at Pentecost. But it’s not enough to just receive these gifts. We have to accept them and choose to use them.

Beginning in 2027-2028, the Diocese of Des Moines is moving the celebration of the sacrament of Confirmation from 10th grade to 6th grade. We're making the shift because young people are more receptive to a personal, life-changing encounter with Jesus that seals their identity as disciples and members of the Body of Christ.

Families will see no change this year. Children who are currently in sacramental preparation for Confirmation will continue in the program they began. Families will learn more about changes in their parishes later this year. The Diocese is creating a one-year, family-focused formation framework that all parishes will use. More information will become available to parish Faith Formation leaders in the coming months.

Hear directly from Bishop William Joensen about the change and why it's being made.

Parent Information 

Faith Formation Leader 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about the Rite of Confirmation in the Diocese of Des Moines

Why is the Diocese lowering the age for Confirmation?

We want our young people to have the gifts of the Holy Spirit sooner. We believe they are more receptive to the Church's vision and more open to becoming disciples.

Who does this apply to?

This change applies to all Catholic families in the Diocese of Des Moines who want their children to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, including those who educate their children in Catholic schools, public schools, and home schools.