Alison Girone
CV NEWS FEED // Bishop Michael Duca of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, announced this week that he is lowering the age of Confirmation to seventh grade, explaining that it will help fortify children against the challenges of modern culture.
Bishop Duca will also develop a transition plan for older students who are not yet confirmed.
In a Dec. 10 letter published on the Diocese of Baton Rouge’s website, Bishop Duca reflected on the importance of the sacrament.
“This gift of the Spirit is given to all of us in a special way in the Sacrament of Confirmation that fully initiates us into the Church and fills us with these gifts and the enthusiasm to take on the mission of Christ to renew the world,” he wrote.
Before the Second Vatican Council, which took place from 1962 to 1965, children were confirmed at a younger age, but after the Council, many areas raised that age to high school because many leaders believed children would better understand Confirmation would if they were older.
“This practice has worked well, but times have changed,” Bishop Duca wrote. “Our children are experiencing a culture which, at times, is hostile to our faith. Through social media of all forms, young people are confronted at a surprisingly younger age with challenges to their Catholic faith and morals. Given this new reality, I believe it is time to lower the age of Confirmation to give our children the full grace of the Sacrament of Confirmation at an earlier age to meet these challenges.”
The Bishop noted that more information would come in 2025. In the meantime, he referred parents to a page answering frequently asked questions about the change.
“This transition will be challenging,” Bishop Duca wrote, “but I also believe it will be a catalyst for foundational changes in how our parishes help our parents to form their children into missionary disciples on fire for Christ.”
