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Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv

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Frequently Asked Questions About Confirmation Preparation and the Lowering of the Age of Confirmation

  • The Archdiocese of Atlanta has announced that the age for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation will gradually be lowered from 10th grade to 6th grade. This change reflects the Church's understanding that Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation that strengthens baptized Catholics with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and should not be viewed as a "graduation" from religious education.

    Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., has shared his vision for this transition in a video message to the faithful. Families are encouraged to view the Archbishop's announcement and learn more about the transition.

  • Holy Trinity will begin a gradual transition during the 2026–2027 Faith Formation year.

    Rather than moving immediately from 10th grade to 6th grade Confirmation, Holy Trinity will first transition to an 8th-grade Confirmation model. This phased approach will allow our parish to provide quality catechesis and support for students and families during the transition.

  • Students entering the following grades in August 2026 should begin the first year of Confirmation preparation:

    • 8th graders

    • 9th graders

    These students will begin Year One of the preparation process in August 2026 and are scheduled to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Spring of 2028.

    As Holy Trinity continues the Archdiocese of Atlanta's transition to a younger age for Confirmation, students entering 7th grade in August 2027 will begin the first year of Confirmation preparation and formation. These students will follow the parish's two-year preparation process and continue the gradual implementation of the Archdiocesan plan.

    Additional information regarding future grade-level participation and timelines will be communicated as the transition progresses.

  • Students who are entering 10th grade in August 2026 and are already in their second year of preparation will continue under the current process and will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation according to their existing schedule.

    As part of their final preparation, these students will participate in an overnight Confirmation Retreat in October 2026.

  • The foundational preparation process remains a two-year program.

    This formation is designed to help students deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, understand the teachings of the Catholic Church, and prepare to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit through Confirmation.

  • All candidates for Confirmation will be expected to:

    • Complete the two-year preparation process

    • Participate in required 10 foundational faith formation classes, 2 special events and 3 Sacramental Preparation sessions each year

    • Complete assigned service hours – 8 apostolic experiences

    • Select a Confirmation patron saint and prepare a paper on the life of their chosen saint

    • Choose a qualified Confirmation sponsor and turn in a form completed and signed by their home parish

    • Obtain a newly issued baptismal certificate with annotations

    • Attend a retreat with their Confirmation class

    • Participate in a readiness interview with the Faith Formation staff

    • Attend Confirmation mass rehearsal

    These requirements help ensure that candidates are prepared to receive the sacrament with understanding, faith, and commitment.

  • The Archdiocese of Atlanta is moving toward a Family-Based Faith Formation model that recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children in the faith.

    As part of this model:

    • Parents will attend the 3 sacramental preparation sessions alongside their students

    • Parents are invited to attend foundational faith formation classes as well

    • Families will be given opportunities to learn, pray, and grow in faith together

    Our goal is to support parents as they fulfill their important role in passing on the Catholic faith to their children.

  • The Church teaches that parents are the first and most important teachers of the faith. When parents actively participate in faith formation, children are more likely to develop a lasting relationship with Christ and remain engaged in the life of the Church.

    Family participation strengthens both the preparation process and the faith life of the entire household.

  • Families are encouraged to watch Archbishop Hartmayer's video announcement regarding the lowering of the age of Confirmation and the Family-Based Faith Formation initiative.

    Additional information about Holy Trinity's implementation plan will be available through parish communications and on the parish website.

  • Registration for Faith Formation and Confirmation preparation is available through Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

    Please visit Holy Trinity's website for registration information, program details, important dates, and updates regarding Confirmation preparation.

    We encourage all eligible students to register promptly so that they can begin preparation in August 2026.

  • If you have questions regarding Faith Formation, Confirmation preparation, eligibility, or the transition plan, please contact Terri or Heather in the Holy Trinity Faith Formation Office.

    hgarger@holytrinityptc.org

    todom@holytrinityptc.org

    We look forward to partnering with your family as we help our young people encounter Christ, grow in discipleship, and prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.