Parent information
The Diocese of Des Moines is moving the celebration of Confirmation from 10th grade to 6th grade over a 3-year perod beginning with 2027-2028. All parishes will use the same one-year, family-focused formation framework that allows for local adaptations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the age for Confirmation? |
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Confirmation will move from 10th grade to 6th grade over a 3-year period beginning with the 2027-2028 school year. All parishes will use the same family-focused, one-year formation process.
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| Why is the Diocese lowering the age of Confirmation? |
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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.
We want our young people to have the gifts of the Holy Spirit as they begin to face cultural realities, scheduling and peer pressures, mental health issues and other challenges that arise in adolescence.
Confirmation is a sacrament that strengthens baptismal grace and anchors a young person's identity in Christ. The sacrament equips young people to see themselves on mission to live as Jesus did and share his love with others.
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| What if my child is already preparing for Confirmation? |
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Children already in sacramental preparation will continue with the program they’ve begun.
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| How long will the new preparation process be? |
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A one-year, family-focused formation process is being developed that will run about one year, including summer. The Diocese is creating a step-by-step process that includes hands-on activities, prayer, and many opportunities for discussion.
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| Who does the change apply to? |
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This change applies to all Catholic families in the Diocese who want their children to receive confirmation, including those in Catholic schools, public schools, and home schools.
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